IMPORTANCE OF LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION

In the Gospel pericope from Saint John proclaimed at Masses on Pentecost this year, Jesus says “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” (John 16:13) We are assured by the words of Jesus that it is indeed the Holy Spirit who guides the Church. We are reminded that it is through the instruction and care of those who lead us in faith, above all the Bishops as successors of the Apostles, that we hear the declaration of the Spirit and are encouraged to be strong witnesses who transmit the faith to those around us. From its beginning in 1951, the Diocese of Greensburg has been blessed with bishops, priests, religious men and women, and countless lay teachers and catechists who have engaged in the task of passing on the Faith with dedication and zeal.

By actively participating in Lifelong Faith Formation, seeds of faith sown by the Holy Spirit through the Sacraments and other aspects of ecclesial life are nurtured in many ways, including the proclamation of the Good News. Lifelong Faith Formation augments the gifts of faith bestowed at Baptism and expands the meaning of the Sacraments in one’s life. Through embracing the Word of God, the Sacraments and the Tradition of the Catholic Church, Lifelong Faith Formation assists in contemplating the loving nature of God, encourages a more intense participation in the Church, and enables a more complete Christian way of living.

The National Directory for Catechesis states that faith formation is “central to the Church’s mission” and that without it the “… initial faith aroused by the original proclamation of the Gospel would not mature; education in the faith through a deeper knowledge of the person and message of Jesus Christ would not transpire; and discipleship in Christ through genuine apostolic witness would not be fostered.” The faithful, therefore, are called to continuous formation throughout their lives. The Holy Spirit calls Church leaders to provide a seamless garment of faith formation for her members in order to enfold and support them, just as a mantle protects and keeps safe from the elements of nature the one who wears it.

Faith that is introduced through the instruction of parents and family, formal childhood catechesis or shared in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), must be fostered, owned and nurtured throughout our lives. This mantle must be worn with pride, yet generously shared with those in need of hearing the words of Jesus and those open to receive the faith formation which the Church provides.