LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
An Innovative Approach to Faith Formation

A welcoming process of lifelong learning and formation in the Catholic faith for families, children, and adults at
Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

When we think about religious education or faith formation, for many years our focus has been on the children. And rightly so! It is our responsibility as baptized Catholics to raise our children in the faith. 

It is also our responsibility to continually learn, renew, and refresh ourselves as adults, to seek out those moments when our hearts are turned a bit more in the direction of God so that we can be the best possible models of the Christian life for our children and community.
 

What is Lifelong Faith Formation?

We are embarking upon on new ways of offering faith formation that are family, household, and adult-centered. The overall program is called “Lifelong Faith Formation” to remind us that we do not “graduate” from faith formation. It is a lifelong journey of growing in knowledge and faith.
 

Why A New Approach?

It’s a new day and time and everyone lives in a world that is very different from anything that the Church has ever known before.  How we pass on the faith in this new reality is a challenge for all involved: the children, the catechists, the families and all members of the parish. 

In 1998, Pope John Paul II and his advisors published the General Directory for Catechesis.   This document calls loudly for a shift away from a children’s only religious education program to one that provides catechesis for the entire family and all adults.

The Heart of the Matter

We have finally come to understand  that a children's religious education program that isn’t situated within a community of well-formed adults won’t work. Religious Education, in other words, isn’t just for kids anymore!  It’s for all of us! 
 

• It's a life-long process, not connected in any way to the period of one’s schooling.  
• It fits into everyday life and is not separate from the joys and sorrows, the griefs and anxieties we all face.  
• It flows from our shared worship for which we assemble every Sunday.  
• It’s the Good News we believe, and how we discern God’s direction in our lives. 
• It is the key to human happiness for us all.

Rather than being a burden, a well-fashioned religious education program that encompasses the entire parish will lead us to true peace and happiness as we learn how to live God’s will for our lives and that of our parish.

Who is involved in Lifelong Faith Formation? 

We are all involved! We are one community of faith, the one Body of Christ. Whether we are parents with children in public school or private school, married, single, empty nesters, retired, or working, we all are called to be active participants in the Sunday Mass, lifelong learners in the Catholic faith, and people who welcome Christ into our hearts and homes. 

How Is Lifelong Faith Formation Being Implemented?

Whole Family Catechesis
Our new addition is Whole Family Catechesis.  It is a program that coaches our parents to allow them to take a more central role in their own child’s faith formation.  We have incorporated into the PSR Calendar Year, two Fall and two Spring events during our PSR timeframes where parents attend with their children.  The families sit together, and the parents are given clear handouts that guide them in learning and teaching their children while together in the Parish Hall setting.  Click here for more information.

Lifelong Faith Formation Classes
Our traditional Sunday morning Adult Education has a new approach. This program is designed for everybody!  An introductory class that allows you to gather, listen, and discuss – you learn and participate at a level with which you are comfortable.  It takes place in the Parish Life Center on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:15 AM.  Click here for more information

Additional Lifelong Faith Formation Programs Click here for more information

Lifelong Faith – Our Future

Participation in Sunday Mass is the foundation of all Faith Formation and includes all age groups.  In the future, we would like to offer.
 

• Preparation for our sacramental programs, First Communion and Confirmation, as part of the Lifelong Faith Formation initiative.  Parents will learn alongside their children rather than separately.  
• Family and parish-wide events will be added to Faith Formation offerings as the program grows.  
• Adults will continue to find more opportunities to get involved in parish-wide events for learning on Catholic teachings, retreats, small groups, and Scripture-based faith sharing.
• The current curriculum for elementary and youth Faith Formation will continue to be enhanced with more family-oriented materials and resources.

Who to contact?

For general questions, contact Mary Beth Crumly at 205-980-1810, ext. 5, or email at familyfaith@stmarkrc.org.  For specific programs, please click the appropriate program link for contact information.  Thank you.
 

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FAITH FORMATION for ALL

   At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son from the Father... who suffered and died for us and who now, after rising, is living with us forever.  ...  Catechesis aims at putting "people ... in communion ... with Jesus Christ :  only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.  

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #426

 

Our Faith Formation Programs are offered for members of all ages in a hope that their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ will continue to grow.

For information about Catholic elementary education at our sister parish, Our Lady of the Valley, please visit their web page: www.olvbirmingham.com