Faith Formation

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the  Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20

 The Diocesan Office of Faith Formation assists the bishop of the diocese in his office as Teacher. It is the “means which the bishop as head of the community and teacher of doctrine utilizes to direct and moderate all the catechetical activities of the diocese” (General Catechetical Directory, no. 126).  We serve all those who are involved in faith formation at any level by providing resources and support as they lead others in the journey of faith. 

We offer: 

• Guidelines for the organization of lifelong parish catechesis, baptismal catechumen and other programs of sacramental preparation
• Parish consultation on catechetical matters
• Assistance in the recruitment, approval, orientation, ongoing formation and retention of parish catechists 
• Encouragement and motivation for catechists in commissioning rites, recognition ceremonies and ongoing affirmation
• A diocesan curriculum guide based on the General Directory for Catechesis, the National Directory for Catechesis and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Catechetical resources, including textbooks and instructional aids
• Ongoing updates to catechetical staff concerning important church documents and recommendations that pertain to catechesis

Keynote

Breakout Session I

Marriage Catechumenate with Chez Filippini

Recovering and Unleashing the Gifts of Baptism with Dr. Christopher Gawel

Reviving the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr. Dustin Feddon

Forming Youth as Disciples in a Rapidly Changing World with Dr. Tracey Lamont

A Mystagogy for Confirmation: Keeping the Grace of the Sacrament Alive for a Lifetime with Dot and Nic Wagner

Parents as Primary Catechists with Mandi DeVries

In Spanish: Restored Order- Sacraments of Initiation & Healing with Dr. Luke Arredondo and 

Fr. Anderson Luis de Souza

Breakout Session II

Marriage Convalidation with Deanna Johnston

Ministering to the Modern Family with Nick and Paeter Labrie

Forming Youth as Disciples in a Rapidly Changing World with Dr. Tracey Lamont

Restored Order as Revering the Spiritual Life of Children with Aine Connelly

Reviving the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr. Dustin Feddon

Catholic Social Teaching Incorporated into Family Catechesis with Aida Bone

In Spanish: Equipping Parents to be the Teachers of the Faith with Carmina Bernal 

Breakout Session III

Parents as Primary Catechists with Mandi DeVries

Renewing Infant Baptism as an Evangelizing Encounter with Dr. Luke Arredondo

Challenges of the Modern Family: Overscheduling Panel Discussion with the Wagners, Labries 

and Johnstons

Family Catechesis in a Multicultural Parish with Deacon Santiago Molina

Restored Order as Revering the Spiritual Life of Children with Aine Connelly

Cultivating a Eucharistic Culture in the Parish with Dr. Christopher Gawel 

In Spanish: Accompanying the Youth with Carmina Bernal