Welcome to Adult
Faith Formation!
“Adult Catholics must be mature in faith and well equipped to share the Gospel, promoting it in every family circle, in every church gathering, in every place of work, and in every public forum. They must be women and men of prayer whose faith is alive and vital, grounded in a deep commitment to the person and message of Jesus."
Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us (USCCB 1999)
The Office of Faith Formation of the Diocese of Rockville Centre joins the United States Bishops in the continued response to the call of Vatican II to make the Church’s mission our own. We do so by offering a variety of programs to enrich adult Catholics in their faith formation and to prepare adult Catholics for lay ministry in the Church.
The Religious Studies Program offers formation and certification—including Basic and Advanced Certificates—for Catholic lay adults to serve in catechetical ministry. It is also open to those interested in enriching their knowledge of the faith. The courses are listed by level, basic or advanced.
Personal Enrichment. As mature adults, we are aware that our desire to enter into a deeper understanding and relationship with the Lord is ongoing. To that end, many parishes offer a variety of courses for your personal enrichment.
Faith Foundations is a 20-hour introductory course in the basic beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. This course is aimed at adults seeking basic faith formation for personal enrichment, as well as those looking to enhance their current ministry. This includes graduates of the Pastoral Formation Institute who would like to refresh their knowledge and faith experience.
The Pastoral Formation Institute (PFI) is a two-year (with an option for a third year leadership training) intensive program that addresses the formational needs of the whole person: spiritual, human, intellectual and pastoral. The accredited Institute aims to develop leaders who are rooted in personal and liturgical prayer, who fully embrace discipleship of Christ Jesus as members of his Body and who are committed to working as leaders within the local church.
Virtual Learning. The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is a growing initiative offering adult religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the Internet. The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton, a Catholic Marianist Institution. The Diocese is a collaborative partner with the VLCFF.
In addition, our diocese offers post-graduate degrees for lay people in theology and pastoral studies at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.
We hope that you will accept our invitation to continue the formation of your faith, so that in turn you will bring others into the vineyard of Christ. So, please come and explore the many opportunities for adult faith formation here in the Diocese of Rockville Centre! |
