Experience the Best of :

Faith Learning

Faith Sharing

Faith Living

WHAT IS Why Catholic?

Why Catholic? is a UNIQUE adult faith formation program that is solidly based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

Why Catholic? Offers a concrete approach to help adults DEEPEN their CATHOIC FAITH and connect its teachings to their everyday lives.

 

Why Catholic? Encourages learning in a prayerful small-community setting.

WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM Why Catholic?

• ­     Catholics who want to deepen their faith
• ­     Parents who want to pass on their faith
• ­     Catechists who want to enhance their faith
• ­     Adult candidates and catechumens who want to learn the faith
• ­     Parish organizations and staff who want to reflect on their faith

WHAT ARE THE THEMES OF Why Catholic?

Book One: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH  What We Believe

The first book in the series looks at the truths that we, as Catholics, believe.  It offers insights on what it means to be a Catholic following “the oldest Roman catechism, the Apostles’ Creed”.

 

 

Book Two: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY Sacraments

The second book looks at the liturgy and an understanding of the sacraments.  Followed by a focus on Baptism and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  The second half of the book focuses on the other six sacraments.

 

 

Book Three:  LIFE IN CHRIST Walking With God

The third book begins with a look at the Beatitudes, on our freedom and responsibility, conscience, virtues, sin, mercy, moral solidarity, moral law, grace, and the Church.  This is followed by a focus on the implications of the Ten Commandments.

 

Book Four:  CHRISTIAN PRAYER Deepening My Experience of God

The final book focuses on prayer and how God communicates with us, specifically looking at different forms of prayer and some difficulties we experience in prayer.  The book concludes with a deeper look at the Lords’ Prayer:  The sessions explore the concept of prayer, and include various styles of prayer for participants’ use.

 

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

JOIN A SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Focusing on the Books in the series and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, groups will meet in 6 week intervals that encourage learning in a prayerful community setting.

 

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READ:  RENEWING FAMILY FAITH

These weekly bulletins will enrich the lives of everyone.  Through stories, blessings, Scripture, activities, and additional resources, explore the important teachings of our Catholic faith.

 

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ATTEND THE PARISH RETREATS AND ENRICHMENT SESSIONS

Every six months the parish will gather to deepen understanding of our Catholic identity through a faith enrichment presentation or a retreat experience.  Watch bulletin for details and dates.

We hope you can be a part of this wonderful experience of Faith Learning, Faith Sharing and Faith Living.

A Letter from FATHER HENRY

Dear Friends in Christ,

DO YOU WISH you had a deeper appreciation of the beliefs, richness and joy of our Catholic faith?  To really understand the power of GOD’S WORD in our lives?  To find ways to link our faith with our everyday life?

I KNOW I HAVE and so have many others.  Therefore, our parish is going to participate in WHY CATHOLIC? an opportunity through small communities to bring together the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

WHY CATHOLIC? can be a powerful means of growth for each of us individually, as well as for the parish as a community.  I support this process whole heartedly and look forward to participating I n the Small Christian Communities.  I hope you will join me on this unique SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.

Rev. Msgr. Henry Petter

Pastor – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton