What is Lifelong Formation?

Lifelong faith formation is the process through which we grow as disciples and come to follow Jesus more closely throughout the course of our lives. It is the ongoing process of growing in one’s knowledge and understanding of their Catholic faith, deepening one’s personal relationship with God, and living out the teachings of Christ in service of the Body of Christ. Lifelong formation leads to deeper engagement in the life of the Church and in one’s community, including areas of service and social justice in light of the Gospel.

This individual and communal journey begins at baptism and continues throughout one’s lifetime. Grounded in the Gospel, instruction in the faith and accompaniment in this journey of spiritual growth, lifelong faith formation equips us to interpret and respond to the events of our lives in light of the Gospel.

Encountering Christ
At the center of lifelong formation is encounter with Christ. As the Directory for Catechesis teaches, faith formation “is oriented toward forming persons who get to know Jesus Christ and his Gospel of liberating salvation even better; who live a profound encounter with him and choose his own way of life and his very sentiments, striving to realize, in the historical situations in which they live, the mission of Christ which is the proclamation of the kingdom of God” (DC 75).

Faith formation proclaims and reaffirms God’s saving love in Jesus Christ, and also “makes the initial conversion ripen and helps Christians give a complete meaning to their existence, educating them in a mentality of faith in keeping with the Gospel, to the point of gradually coming to feel, think and act like Christ” (DC 77).

Why “Lifelong”?
“Formation,” the Directory for Catechesis tells us, “is an ongoing process that, under the guidance of the Spirit and in the living womb of the Christian community, helps the baptized person take shape,” unveiling our deepest identity as children of God in profound communion with others. Its a process that doesn’t end! And if we engage in lifelong learning, it brings us closer and closer to Jesus. (DC 131)

Faith formation is intended for people at all stages of life. “Every one of the baptized, called to the maturity of faith, has the right to adequate catechesis. … For one thing, faith is not a linear process and it participates in the development of the person, and this in turn influences the journey of faith.” (DC 224). Lifelong Faith Formation provides direction for promoting maturing in faith through all of the ages and stages of life.

What Does It Look Like?
Faith is a personal act, but also has a relational and communal character. We are meant to grow and learn with others! It engages the entire parish and it is rooted in the cycle of the liturgical year. Faith formation includes every action, experience, and relationship that nurtures a deep and abiding relationship with God.

Community and Belonging
Faith formation occurs most effectively in the context of a supportive community in which people are invited, welcomed and feel they belong. As the Directory for Catechesis teaches, “The faith is professed, celebrated, expressed, and lived above all in community” (DC 88). This means that people must feel welcomed and accepted, able to express doubts and confusion as they grow in faith.

We hope you will join us for our many faith formation offerings. All are welcome!

Contact: 
Catzel LaVecchia, ext. 828 catzel@churchofpresentation.org