WEEKLY MESSAGE FROM SARA FITZGERALD
ADVENTURES IN FAITH
Adventures in Faith “Eucharist” Gatherings for April 20-29th have been cancelled due to unexpected health circumstances of Fr. Earl Loeffler who was scheduled to be our guest speaker for the gatherings. Please pray Fr. Earl. The next session of gatherings will focus on the “Our Father.” Our main presenter will be Fr. Marty Nassr. Information and registration for this session will be available soon.
ADVENTURES IN FAITH
Adventures in Faith (AIF) is the Sandusky Catholic Community’s name for lifelong faith formation, an effort to integrate faith formation for all ages. Because we recognize that learning is an on-going process, the Sandusky parishes have joined together to offer a multitude of experiences for people to continue to grow in their faith. We will gather together to learn about our faith, share our faith, engage in our faith, reflect on our faith, and ultimately to apply our faith to everyday living.
PURPOSE
The idea is to provide opportunities for everyone to learn and live their faith. The ultimate goal of Adventures in Faith is to help each and every person to engage more fully in their Catholic faith so that they experience a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
For many Catholics, formal religious education ended sometime during the junior high and high school years. Others are just beginning to experience the faith they have committed to. Adventures in Faith offers an opportunity to learn about our faith, grow in our understanding of the Church and find meaning in our lives. All of this is accomplished by sharing with members of our faith community.
AIF PARTICIPANTS
Every member of every age is involved in lifelong faith formation: young and old, singles and couples, children and teens, families, young adults, older adults, and vintage adults – EVERYBODY!
At the present time, children have the opportunity to grow and learn in their faith through the parish school religion (PSR) programs or the Sandusky Central Catholic School. Youth have the opportunity for learning and growth by attending activities offered through the Youth Ministry programs, both local and diocesan. Adults have opportunities through bible studies, small Christian communities, prayer groups, ministry teams, and a myriad of other activities. All of us grow and learn in our faith through active, conscious, participation in Mass. With all these opportunities, one aspect is missing – the chance to grow and learn on a common level with all ages. The approach for creating this type of environment for learning and growing will be done through implementing a common theme for all ages to discuss.
Religious formation for adults is imperative for their own growth. Many adults believe that the Catholic Church assumes its members are only asked to participate in faith formation as children, but this is not true. Many adult Catholics are searching for answers in life and for a deeper faith, but don’t feel there is a way to find these things. In addition, for most adult Catholics, the last time any Christian formal instruction in a topic such as morality, was fifth grade. As adults, we are looking for a better understanding of faith and decision-making that is at an adult level. Adventures in Faith will provide opportunities for every person to grow and learn in their faith, not just the kids.
THE APPROACH: PREPARE, PARTICIPATE, REFLECT & APPLY
It is recognized that by preparing for an event beforehand, one is much more apt to participate in the event. For example, athletes spend time preparing for their upcoming sports event by learning new plays and practicing fundamentals. By preparing for a church event beforehand, we are better prepared to actively participate in it. This is particularly true for AIF events; we are greater participators when preparation has taken place. Adventures in Faith has designed faith gatherings for all people to attend to help prepare everyone for participation in an event. After participating in an event, reflection on the event allows for a deeper appreciation of the experience so that we can apply the learning to living the faith.
An example of a church event where preparation is needed is for the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which will visit the Sandusky area this fall. To fully engage in understanding the purpose of this visitation, intergenerational preparation gatherings called Mary - Our Mother of Hope have been scheduled in September. After participating in Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we will reflect or reexamine aspects of the event through small faith sharing groups, prayer groups, family sharing, etc. to determine how it applies to our daily life.
Growing in Faith is a journey, not a destination!
AIF DOWNLOADS (PDF)
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Ms. Sara Fitzgerald is the Director of Adventures in Faith. Sara can be contacted at the Lifelong Faith Formation Office at 419-625-3692 or emailed at aif7@aol.com.
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