Parish Faith Formation
The Mission of the Secretariat for Catechesis is to “put adults, youth, and children in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ through lifelong catechesis for discipleship in and through the Catholic Church.”
Adult Faith Formation
Because becoming an adult is a dynamic process, faith formation will take different shapes and evolves in response to the challenges of life. Life-long faith formation is both a right and a responsibility of adults who seek to live the baptismal call to holiness.
In addition to faith formation opportunities at your local parish, the Secretariat for Catechesis recommends the following formation opportunities:
Archdiocese of Washington Living Catholic and Faith Foundations – these courses draw from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and provide the doctrinal content to aid adults in sharing their faith with greater confidence.
If you would like to learn more about what Catholics hold and believe as true, the following catechetical references are recommended:
Vatican News – www.vatican.va. The Holy Father’s cycle of catechesis can be found at Audiences 2025 | LEO XIV
The Catechism of the Catholic Church – The universal catechism of the Church conveys the essential and fundamental content of Catholic faith and morals in a complete way.
The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults – This guide aims to assist individuals and small groups in deepening their faith.
“Nourished by word, sacrament, and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work and centers of culture”
~ Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, 17
Children’s Faith Formation
Because children “have the capacity to pose meaningful questions relative to creation, to God’s identity, to the reason for good and evil, and are capable in rejoicing before the mystery of life and love (Directory for Catechesis, 236), it is important that parents and parish communities work together to bring that initial faith to life.
The Secretariat for Catechesis guides and supports the faith formation efforts of parishes across the Archdiocese of Washington. In turn, parish faith formation programs work with parents to nourish and build upon the life of faith lived at home by providing ongoing and systematic catechesis through the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Forming Disciples Curriculum guide.
It is from the tenderest age that the child must be helped to perceive and develop the sense of God and the natural intuition of his existence.
~ Gravissium Educationis, 3
Please contact the Secretariat for Catechesis for more information.