At one time Faith Formation was called Religious Education and CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine). But no matter what you call it, it is filling the God constructed hole in every human heart with Him. So many try to stuff it full of many other things, but it is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. It just doesn’t fit.
There have been many ways that Faith has been taught to children and adults alike. Using books like the Baltimore Catechism which have a question-and-answer format and require extensive memorization, or teaching about topics that have nothing to do with Faith in order to create analogies which usually turn out to be meaningless. Finding the right method is a time-consuming process which requires that the person doing the searching has some familiarity with the subject of faith and usually some education in it. It also requires a certain familiarity with the actual day-to-day practice of your faith and the desire to lead others to share your joy in it. But aside from the method, Faith Formation is so much more.
Faith Formation is Religious Sisters dressing up in costumes and performing a mime of the parables of Jesus. Faith Formation is building a Christmas Creche at St. Patrick’s Church. Fathers cutting out the pattern with their table saws, Moms, teachers and children painting the finished figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and the Manger. Everyone there on a snowy Sunday morning for the actual construction of the stable and putting in the straw and putting on the lights. Singing Christmas Carols and eating Christmas cookies.
Faith Formation is a 3rd grader coming to you one Sunday morning and saying “Miss Caruso, Grandpa died, is he in Heaven?” This was Grandpa who was their best friend and brought them to Mass every Sunday. You talk about how good grandpa was and how God loves him so very much. You talk about God’s mercy.
Or the 4th grader who comes in and says, “My uncle committed suicide this week. Is he going to hell?” You hold back your tears as you say, “We know that we are not supposed to take our own lives. Maybe at that time he was sick in mind. God knows more about this than we do. We will ask God for mercy, and we will make sure He hears us by praying every day.” And we do. Two weeks later when this same child comes to you and says, “I have been praying every day.” You know that she has hope.
Faith Formation is praying for every child and family that comes to learn about God and Faith every day forever!
Faith Formation is guiding your students through the reception of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Teaching the 2nd grade the word TRANSUBSANIATION. They love it.
Faith Formation is Youth Ministry. Teens who are learning about life and feel that Faith Formation is for the little kids. Teens listening to lessons on the Sacraments, Theology of the Body, Catholic Social Teaching, Civic duty, Morality, the Right to Life and Drugs and Alcohol. Faith Formation is asking a priest (who is also a psychologist) What should I tell them about addiction? He says, “Tell them never to lose hope”. So, you go home and write a new presentation with the theme of hope. The police officer teaching with you that night picks up on the theme of hope and makes a cohesive lesson from two people who have never taught together before. (THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT). Faith Formation is counting on the Holy Spirit to have your back.
Faith Formation is a young man who taught with you from the age of 16, telling you he will be entering the seminary. Faith Formation is the joy of a student of yours telling you the same news. You are so grateful to God and their families for guiding them to serve the Lord. I know that they will be wonderful priests who will bring many souls to the Lord! And the icing on the cake a former student who wants to become a nun! Her sweet personality will win many souls for heaven.
Faith Formation is hard work, sleepless nights, giving up Sunday dinners, lots of miles on your car, and a taste of Heaven.