Christian formation is a lifelong journey. At St. Isidore our adult faith formation gatherings strive to engage the particular needs and interests of the adults in our community. Elements of adult formation include over time, a comprehensive and systematic presentation and exploration of the core elements of Catholic faith and practice—a complete initiation into a Catholic way of life. It accomplishes this in a way that is accessible to adults and relates to their life experiences, helping them to form a Christian conscience and to live their lives in the world as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
This integration of actual life experience, diverse adult learning needs, the study of Scripture, and the teaching of the Church’s tradition creates a vibrant learning environment.
Three major goals guide and direct efforts in adult faith formation:
- Invite and Enable Ongoing Conversion to Jesus in Holiness of Life.
In response to God’s call to holiness, our faith and life as adult disciples are grounded in developing a personal relationship with Jesus, “the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:69, Mk 1:24).
- Promote and Support Active Membership in the Christian Community.
As adult believers, we learn and live our faith as active members of the Church.
Accordingly, faith formation helps adults make “a conscious and firm decision to live the gift and choice of faith through membership in the Christian community,” accepting “co-responsibility for the community’s mission and internal life.” Adults not only receive the ministries of the Christian community, they also contribute to its life and mission through the generous stewardship of their gifts.
- Call and Prepare Adults to Act as Disciples in Mission to the World.
The Church and its adult faithful have a mission in and to the world: to share the message of Christ to renew and to transform the social and temporal order. This dual calling to evangelization and justice is integral to the identity of the lay faithful; all are called to it in baptism. Accordingly, faith formation seeks to help each adult believer become “more willing and able to be a Christian disciple in the world.” As salt of the earth and light for the world (cf. Mt 5:13-16), adult disciples give witness to God’s love and caring will so that, in the power of the Spirit, they renew the face of the earth.
There are a number of Adult Faith Formation opportunities throughout the year. There are seasonal Bible Studies and faith sharing groups especially during Advent and Lent. A yearly retreat is hosted at St. Isidore for all parishioners.
There is a Saturday Scripture Reflection gathering every week, year round, immediately after the 5:00 PM Mass. The 1/2 hour to 45 minute sessions look at the readings of the day and gives the participants an opportunity to share what God is calling them to through His Word.
See the bulletin for Adult Faith Formation opportunities as they occur.