Best Practices in Adult Faith Formation. - Diocese of Pittsburgh

Awakening Faith(Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Assoc. www.pncea.org.)DescriptionThrough essays, scripture and open discussion groups deal with areas of Spirituality, Jesus, the Holy Spirit,the Mass and the church. Meetings foster reflection, prayer, and sharing in a setting of hospitality andacceptance. A speaker or outside leader is suggested to facilitate the sessions.ObjectiveTo invite inactive Catholics to return to the church.Who Should/Can AttendWe invite those who have been away from the church, who still think of themselves as “Catholic”, peoplewho are indifferent or apathetic, who have not had enough “involvement” with the Church to think ofthemselves as “being away”.Time Frame6 sessions, usually conducted weekly for an hour and a half. 4 additional sessions are available to continuethe initial discussion period. Sessions begin with time for hospitality, icebreakers, reflection, discussion,sharing and prayer. Our sessions began with the first week of Lent.CostProgram preview pack $59.95, includes Leader guide, Participant booklet. Individual booklets are availablefor all participants (we chose not to purchase them because of cost). Leader simply copied the essay portionof each session.Suggestions/CommentsWe did an online Webinar to learn more about the program and the expected results. It indicated that even ifyou did it for just 2 people it would be worthwhile. The small group setting was very conducive to opendiscussion. We had at least 6 regular attendees weekly and plan to conduct the additional 4 sessions.Contact: Claire HildenbrandParish: St. Angela Merici ChurchPhone: 412-672-9641Email: st.angela.merici@verizon.net