Adult Faith Formation

Dear Colleagues in Catholic Education,

In his first pastoral letter to the Church of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik challenged each of us to do our part to make the Church of Pittsburgh the Church Alive!

Adult Faith Formation “is perhaps the greatest challenge we face in our Church. Because of the several generations who have not received a good understanding of the faith, the Church must look toward many innovative ways to welcome a better understanding of the Church for those who have not received such a good formation.”

As catechetical leaders we realize that so many Catholic adults today have not moved beyond the faith formation they received as young adolescents. In their pastoral statement on adult faith formation, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, the U.S. bishops remind us of the importance of growing in faith and discipleship throughout our lives, and call each of us as members of the Church to a “renewed commitment to adult faith formation.” “Lifelong (faith) formation…must be a priority in the church’s catechetical ministry; moreover, it must be considered the chief form of catechesis.”

In response to the bishops’ document and especially to Bishop Zubik’s challenge to all the members of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I am pleased to provide for you this catechetical resource, Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation.

I trust that you will find this Best Practices resource to be a valuable tool in your ministry with adults.   Catechetical leaders from many parishes across our diocese have generously shared programs and materials that have been successful in bringing adults to a rich and full understanding of the beautiful gift of faith that has been passed down through the ages. We are grateful for their contribution and hope that others will find these materials useful.

I am especially grateful to the Department for Religious Education and to Mrs. Maureen Wood, director of the Office for Adult and Family Formation, for her efforts in bringing this manual to fruition. Our plan is to continue to add ideas and materials to this manual that others have found helpful in forming adults in the faith, thus enabling the Church Alive! to become a reality in our diocese.

As always, thank you for your dedication to this catechetical ministry and all that you do to bring others to a deeper love of Christ and his Church.

With every best wish and prayer, I remain,

Sincerely in Christ,

Reverend Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D.

Secretary for Catholic Education