Adults

"[Catechesis] invites and enables adults “to acquire an attitude of conversion to the Lord.” This attitude views the Christian life as a gradual transformation in Christ, in which the Christian takes on the mind of Christ, trusts in the Fathers love, accepts the Spirits guidance in searching out and obeying God’s will, and seeks holiness of life within the Church. It fosters baptismal spirituality in which the Christian’s faith in Jesus is continuously deepened through participation in the sacraments, the works of charity and justice, and prayer life of the Church."   (National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) USCCB 2005 #48) 

Faith Formation takes place in the local parish. Use our Parish Finder to find a community near your home.

Online Learning Resources

These websites contain recommended materials for anyone who desires to learn more about their faith:

Alpha   Alpha is very effective as a means of bringing people to a "starting point of faith," an encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.  It introduces people to Jesus while teaching the foundational elements of our faith. Fr. Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household for over 31 years, is fond of saying, “It is the Alpha course, not the Alpha and Omega course. Alpha focuses on the kerygma, which is the starting point of faith. After people come to a living faith in Jesus then they need to be formed in the faith which is up to other parish programs to do.”

Encuentro is a four-year process of missionary activity, consultation, leadership development and pastoral discernment in parishes, dioceses and episcopal regions that culminates with a national event. A primary outcome of the Encuentro process is to discern pastoral practices and priorities to impact the quality of ministry among Hispanic/Latino Catholics, under the leadership of the U.S. bishops.

GEMS: Great Endeavors Mined and Shared: Book recommendations and other helpful materials for adult faith formation, from Sister Janet Schaeffler, O.P.

Little Rock Scripture Study: Materials for group Bible study are available in English and in Spanish. (El EBLR estudios están disponibles en inglés y Español.)

Loyola Institute for Ministry: Adult faith formation requires a unique approach, so that it can address the needs of those who are new to the Catholic faith as well as those Catholics who are seeking to deepen their faith. Here you will find tips and ideas for making your adult faith formation ministry a success.

STM Online: Crossroads: Part of Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry (STM), offering more than 35 courses per year, serving over 2000 participants. Committed to online faith formation that engages adults at the crossroads of life and faith, theology and ministry, action and contemplation.  

USCCB: Three major goals guide and direct efforts in adult faith formation: Invite and enable ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life; promote and support active membership in the Christian community; and call and prepare adults to act as disciples in mission to the world.

Vatican: Official Website of the Holy See.

Word on Fire: Bishop Robert Barron's Word on Fire presents a variety of adult faith formation programs for use as a parish or an individual in learning and deepening one's faith.