What is Faith Formation or is it C.C.D.?
We have adult faith formation classes and/or Bible Studies held periodically throughout the year. Please contact the parish office for updated information!
The role of religious formation that takes place in the parish was originally referred to as the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine or C.C.D. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine had its beginnings with the Council of Trent (1545 – 1563), the time of the emergence of many of the Protestant sects, in part to combat the doctrinal differences between these new sects and Catholic teaching. The Council Fathers realized the urgent need for better catechesis for Catholics of all ages and at all levels of society. The result was the issuance of a new Catechism containing the Council’s teaching by Pope St. Pius V (1504-1572); it containes religious instruction for children, youth, and adults in Sacred Scripture and Church history. Many of the saints of the post-Trent era, including St. Charles Borromeo, St. Robert Bellarmine, and St. Canisius, were active in supporting and establishing C.C.D. programs in parishes.
In our own time, recent Bishops of Rome have made many important contributions to the field of religious formation/catechesis. Pope St. John Paul II issued the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, and then the revised edition in 1997, while Pope Benedict XVI issued a Compendium of the Catechism, reducing the size of the catechism and thereby making it more approachable for many. Pope St. John Paul II also wrote and important document, Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in Our Time) and promulgated an updated General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) in 1997.
C.C.D. has evolved into Faith Formation, a lifelong process. From the time we are born into the waters of new life until we are sanctified by God in heaven. “Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young buy cialis online usa people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.5). Catechesis is on-going, not a one year or two year program but a life-long process of conversion in Christ. “Every year older we become, we should be that much more baptized in the Spirit” (Fr. Michael Himes).
We offer Elementary Faith Formation for children kindergarten – 6th grade; Jr. High and High School through Youth Ministry; Adult Faith Formation, Bible Study, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Adult Confirmation sessions; Sacramental Preparation for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation for children birth through High School.
We take part in the fullness of our truth when we enter into the liturgical celebration of Mass each Sunday. This is where we receive the Word most especially in the Eucharist which is the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians. We enter into the heavenly kingdom and stand at the foot of the cross as we share in our Lord’s great sacrifice. The Mass, our mission to live out His mission as a priestly, prophetic, kingly people. In unity with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
We welcome all seekers of God’s love baptized and unbaptized. If you are wanting to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and you are seeking the truths of the Church call today and get started on a journey to the greatest Love we will ever know in this life and the next.