Adult Faith Formation
The organizing principle, which gives coherence to the various catechetical programs offered by a particular Church, is attention to adult catechesis. This is the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age.
– General Directory for Catechesis, 275
Adult catechesis [is] the chief form of catechesis. Because of its importance and because all other forms of catechesis are oriented in some way to it, the catechesis of adults must have high priority at all levels of the Church.
— NCD: Sharing the Light of Faith, 18
Adult Faith Formation
The Office of Religious Education offers the following faith formation opportunities and programs.
One Mission One Faith
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a tapestry of many peoples and cultures with a common thread joining us as one: one mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and one Catholic faith to be believed, celebrated, and lived. One Mission One Faith is a basic ministry formation process for anyone who serves in the life of the Church.
Vision and Skills for Faith Formation
A 7-week training opportunity (formerly known as Specializations) that equips faith formation leaders with the knowledge and skills to be witnesses to the faith and accompany adults, families, children, youth and young adults in their journey of missionary discipleship.
Catholic Bible Institute – CBI
CBI is a comprehensive, three-year Bible study program: one year focuses on the Old Testament, one year on the New Testament, and a third year on the ministry of the Word.
The goal of the Catholic Bible Institute is growth in relationship with Jesus Christ through the study of the Bible and the formation of ministers of the Word for parishes. CBI participants study the Word of God according to Catholic principles and connect the Word with life through prayer, conversation, and written reflection.
Young Adult Ministry
Young Adults Ministry in the Office of Religious Education accompanies young adults, those 18-39, in varying stages of life and discernment paths to encounter Jesus Christ in their lives to be transformed by this encounter and grow to become authentic missionary disciples.
Religious Education Congress
This event is the largest annual gathering of Catholics in the world, with over 40,000 attendees from all corners of the globe. There are over 300 workshops on a variety of topics of interest to those in ministry or seeking personal enrichment of their faith, presented by leading experts in ministry, theology, education, and more. In addition, hundreds of exhibitors present the latest resources available. Everyone in ministry should plan to attend.
Advanced Ministry Studies
The Office of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles offers a certification in Advanced Ministry Studies to women and men that would like to prepare themselves with a formal formation with emphasis in pastoral and ecclesial applications. Given them the opportunity to be formed to exercise different roles at parish or archdiocesan level.
Ongoing Formation
The Office of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles offers a variety of opportunities for your ongoing formation for personal enrichment or to fulfill the requirements to maintain the currency of your catechist or master catechist certification.
Casting Our Nets
Casting our Nets is a monthly series based on the book Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell. It is an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and transform your life and ministry.
Center for Religion & Spirituality – Loyola Marymount University
Another opportunity in Los Angeles is the Center for Religion and Spirituality at LMU, which offers a variety of courses, workshops, conferences, and special events designed for the professional development, religious education, and/or personal enrichment of the diverse peoples and ministers.