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

Schedule

Breakout Session Topics

Breakout Session 1:

• “The Importance of Youth Ministry in the Age of Social Media”- Minelly Acevedo 
  Our teens need community, mentors, and an encounter with Christ. Explore how parish youth ministry can become a place of belonging and discipleship, helping teens build lasting faith amid the influences of social media and contemporary culture.

• “A Parish on Mission: Identity, Strategic Planning, & Discipleship Pathways”- Margaret Rogers What does it look like for a parish to truly live as a community on mission? This session will explore how a parish’s identity and priorities can shape intentional pathways that help people move from participation to deeper discipleship and active missionary life. Fr. Michael Nixon will join Margaret Rogers in this breakout session.
  

• “Hearts on Fire: Proclaiming the Word to a Generation of Seekers”- Claire Gallagher
  This session will help young adult leaders, parish leaders, and others to engage young adults with a proclamation of the Gospel that speaks to their longing for meaning and belonging.

• “Foundations for Family Catechesis: Marriage Preparation as a Catechumenal Experience"- Chez Filippini 
  Marriage preparation offers a unique opportunity to accompany couples in a way that goes beyond preparing for a wedding and toward a lifelong journey of faith. This session will explore how a catechumenal approach to marriage preparation can lay the foundation for a culture of family catechesis and lifelong discipleship.

• “The Works of Mercy: From Service to Discipleship”- Aida Bone & Michele Kenaga
  The Works of Mercy are more than acts of service; they are a way of living the Gospel. Discover ways that ministries such as prison ministry, hospital ministry, feeding the hungry, and caring for those in need can become integral to family catechesis and lifelong faith formation, helping parishioners of every age grow as missionary disciples. 

• “Sacred Reading, Sacred Listening: An Introduction to Lectio Divina”- Dr. Christopher Gawel 
  Lectio Divina invites us to encounter Christ through prayerful and attentive listening to the Word of God. This session will introduce the ancient practice of sacred reading and offer practical guidance for incorporating Lectio Divina into personal prayer, family life, and faith formation.

Breakout Session 2:

• “The Importance of Youth Ministry in the Age of Social Media”- Minelly Acevedo 
  Our teens need community, mentors, and an encounter with Christ. Explore how parish youth ministry can become a place of belonging and discipleship, helping teens build lasting faith amid the influences of social media and contemporary culture.

• “Hearts on Fire: Proclaiming the Word to a Generation of Seekers”- Claire Gallagher
  This session will help young adult leaders, parish leaders, and others to engage young adults with a proclamation of the Gospel that speaks to their longing for meaning and belonging.
  

• “Sacred Reading, Sacred Listening: An Introduction to Lectio Divina”- Dr. Christopher Gawel
  Lectio Divina invites us to encounter Christ through prayerful and attentive listening to the Word of God. This session will introduce the ancient practice of sacred reading and offer practical guidance for incorporating Lectio Divina into personal prayer, family life, and faith formation.
  

• “Catholicism 101 & OCIA: Telling the Great Story, Apologetics, & Personal Witness"- Margaret Rogers
  This session will examine the methodology and implementation process behind Saint Dominic Catholic Church in Panama City's Approach to Adult Sacrament Preparation, using the key elements of Telling the Great Story, Apologetics, & Personal Witness.
  

• “Understanding Where We've Been to Know Where We Are Going: The Last 500 Years of Catechesis Efforts in the Church"- Chez Filippini
  This session breaks down catechesis methods and efforts of the Church through the centuries to today, tying it all to Bishop’s Letter calling for Family Catechesis and Restored Order of the Sacraments.
  

• “The Church as Home: Hospitality in an Age of Loneliness” - Dr. Tom Neal
  In an age marked by increasing loneliness and isolation, the parish has a profound opportunity to become a place where people encounter genuine belonging and welcome. This session will explore how hospitality can help our parishes become a “home” for community, relationship, and a deeper encounter with Christ.

• Dr. Tom Neal – Chief of Evangelization and Mission at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Dr. Luke Arredondo – Executive Director of the St. Brendan’s Centers for Evangelization and Spirituality, and the Director of the Lay Formation Institute at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Claire Gallagher – Consecrated Virgin from the Archdiocese of New Orleans whose experience includes parish faith formation and youth ministry, high school campus ministry and theology, women's ministry, and retreat ministry. 
• Margaret Rogers – Director of Encounter at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Panama City, Florida
• Dr. Christopher Gawel – Director of Liturgy and Sacramental Practice at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee 
• Chez Filippini – Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life and Director of Communications at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Minelly Acevedo – High School Youth Minister at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Panama City, Florida
• Aida Bone – Director of the Office of Advocacy and Justice at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
• Michele Kenaga – Director of the Office of Faith Formation at the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee