The ministry for adult faith formation within my parish has evolved over the years with transformations that reflect the basic needs of an adult faithful currently around the world (Huebsch Page 12-24). Even though the transformations have seen some developments in the approaches the ministry has used in its activities, much still remains to be desired in that most things are still pegged on the old age doctrines. I would rate my parish’s adult faith formation as a moderate one that has systematically avoided extreme stands in its approaches. It has been slow in embracing fast moving changes in its culture opting to modify the old age doctrines slightly.
What Are The Strengths?
There are a number of strengths that are exhibited within the faith formation ministry within my parish especially for the old aged. The main strength in this group is the need to empower each and every individual member to become more self-reliant when it comes to spiritual nourishment. The group has organized a number of meetings that they use to boost each other spiritually through common activities such as prayers. Additionally, the group goes beyond spiritual wellbeing and teaches its members on how best they can live both from an economic perspective and social perspective. The other strength is that the group has also initiated certain programs among its members that train them on various aspects of life and how best they can improve in life.
Are Any Essential Components Missing?
Even though the adult faith formation group within my parish has experienced various strengths among its members, there are certain missing links that would have made it more complete were they to be embraced (Reichert, Page 23-65). With the common knowledge that the world keeps on evolving and providing newer challenges both at spiritual level and social level, the ministry has the responsibility of diversifying its approach to certain issues affecting members’ spirituality. People have become more inquisitive due to the readily available information at their disposal and thus question most of the doctrines used within the church culture. The ministry has borrowed some of these doctrines making it difficult for certain inquisitive members to fit comfortably in heavily. These practices make the ministry develop tendencies associated with dogmatism that in a way negates most of its progresses.
Are Any Groups Of Adults Overlooked Or Neglected?
The ministry for adult faith formation within my local parish has been all inclusive irrespective of any individual’s social standards within the society. That is a pleasing fact to note (Lillig, Page 30-63). Members have ensured that everybody feels part and parcel of the group and, even though challenges have been experienced, the authority within the group has systematically developed a silent rule that ensures there is mutual respect among the members. It has gone deeper as mutual acceptance among members has been witnessed over the years. These traits have enabled the members within the group to stay focused together for a very long period. Therefore, there has never been an instance of other members within the age group of being left out.
What Would You Recommend For Improvement? Why?
Works Cited
Huebsch, Bill. The General Directory For Catechesis In Plain English: A Summary And Commentary. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2001. Print.
Naaeke, Anthony Y. Kaleidoscope Catechesis: Missionary Catechesis In Africa, Particularly In The Diocese Of Wa In Ghana. New York: Lang, 2006. Print.
Lillig, Tina. Catechesis Of The Good Shepherd: Essential Realities. Oak Park, Ill: Catechesis Of The Good Shepherd, 2004. Print.
Reichert, Richard. Renewing Catechetical Ministry: A Future Agenda. New York: Paulist Press, 2002. Print.
Huebsch, Bill. Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2001. Print.
