A welcoming process of lifelong learning and formation in the Catholic faith for families, children, and adults at Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Joseph’s Church. 

When we think about religious education or faith formation, for many years our focus was on the children. And rightly so! It is our responsibility as baptized Catholics to raise our children in the faith.

It is also our responsibility to continually learn, renew, and refresh ourselves as adults, to seek out those moments when our hearts are turned a bit more in the direction of God so that we can be the best possible models of the Christian life for our children and community.

What is Faith for Life?

For the past few years, the sister parish staff and leadership communities have been implementing a new way of offering faith formation that is family, household, and adult-centered. It is called “Faith for Life” to remind us that we do not “graduate” from faith formation. It is a lifelong journey of growing in knowledge and faith.

If we, as adults, are not learning and seeking God, can we expect faith to take root in the hearts of our children? Can we expect them to have faith for life?

This approach is based on the principles put forth by the Second Vatican Council and the U.S. Catholic Bishops pastoral planning document Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. We have adapted the ideas for Holy Spirit and St. Joseph’s and the particular needs of our faith community, emphasizing the primacy of Sunday liturgy, engaging adults along with children, and putting faith into action in the home and the community. 

Some principles that guide us:

• Together, as families, children, teens, and adults, we grow in knowledge of Catholic teachings.

• We embrace the study of Scripture, and the Christian way of life.

• The Sunday Mass is the source and summit of our life in Christ.

• Moral formation is at the heart of what we teach.

• Prayer is an essential element of how we experience God.

• Building community happens when we learn and share faith together.

• We are a mission driven people, called to serve.