Adult Faith Formation

Through baptism we are a people called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to share in Christ's mission of evangelization...

The catechetical vision of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish is to promote ongoing, life-long faith formation within the believing community. We accept the call and the challenge of the U.S. Bishops to a renewed commitment to adult faith formation. We embrace the vision of the U.S. Bishops which seeks to make adult faith formation the central task in catechesis of the parish (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, #5.)

The goals of adult faith formation are threefold:

  1. Invite and enable ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life.
  2. Promote and support active membership in the Christian community.
  3. Call and prepare adults to act as disciples in mission to the world (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, # 68-73.)

In building upon these goals, we seek to sustain adults in lifelong conversion of heart, mind, and life, and to create an evangelizing community who are "inspirited with the Good News and on fire with a faith that is alive, explicit, and fruitful" (Nurturing Adult Faith, NCCL 2003, pg 3.)

Our primary focus is to provide a multifaceted approach to adult faith formation by offering various formational opportunities that respond to the needs of the parish community, such as:

  1. Faith Formation Processes
    The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; parish-based sacramental catechesis; parish renewal; ministry to inactive Catholics
  2. Small Group Learning
    Scripture studies; small Christian communities; faith sharing groups
  3. Learning Events
    Speakers; parenting and family programs; retreats; lecture courses; mini courses; workshops; missions; book, film, video discussions; service events

The catechetical process specific to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, namely Faith In Action, is an expression of our baptismal ministry. It is rooted in the catechetical documents of the Church. It supports the integration of catechesis and liturgy with reflection on Sunday Scripture. It embraces the vision of Total Community Catechesis which encompasses adults, children, and families of all generations. Parishioners are encouraged to share their time, talent and treasure in varied ways. The ultimate goal of Faith In Action is to promote Christ's mission of discipleship and service.