A Pastor's Guide to Whole Community Catechesis


Book Description

The author, a national leader of the WCC movement and a popular speaker, encourages pastors to embrace whole community catechesis as a way to involve their parishioners more fully in adult faith formation and active participation in the liturgy. Also shows the solid basis for this approach in Church documents and recent movements within the Church.




Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us


Book Description

In this statement, the bishops present a pastoral plan to help Catholics advance in their role as disciples, by awakening a renewal in the ministry of adult faith formation and helping all to grow to the full maturity of Christ.




The Joy of the Gospel


Book Description

The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage




CTL Program Guide 2009


Book Description




A Guide to the Period of Purification and Enlightenment


Book Description

The period of purification and enlightenment is one of intense spiritual preparation for the elect, who have been chosen by God to receive the Easter sacraments. This guide provides practical and liturgically sound ideas for celebrating the rites of this period and for integrating these rites as the primary source of the elect’s formation and preparation for initiation. This resource includes: An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the purification and enlightenment Background on the rites Suggestions for celebrating the rites Ideas for reflecting on the rites in a retreat-like way Guided meditations on the scrutiny Gospel accounts Seven fully prepared formation sessions on the Rite of Election, the three scrutinies, the handing on of the creed and the Lord’s Prayer, and the Rites of Immediate Preparation A newly composed hymn for use during formation sessions




Handbook for Success in Whole Community Catechesis


Book Description

Are you looking for a fresh approach to a life-changing catechesis that involves all the members of your parish family? Have you heard of whole community catechesis but don't know how to implement it in your parish? In part one of this essential resource, Bill Huebsch provides both the principles and the nuts and bolts for making whole community catechesis a reality in your parish. He explores seven principles for catechesis and then suggests nine ways to make adult catechesis the norm in your community. Many of the pages throughout this user-friendly book are reproducible to use for presentation, teaching, and discussion. Here you have truly a "handbook for success"! Book jacket.




The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a Parish Setting


Book Description

What happens when a parish community chooses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for its youngest members? What questions should be asked before that decision is made, and after? What does an atrium look like? What do you need? How do you start? And how did this type of Catechesis ever get started in the first place? This newly revised edition of Tina Lillig’s practical and enduring resource offers step-by-step information to address the questions of pastors, directors of religious education, parish staff members, parents, catechists, and anyone else interested in the great blessing that young children are to the parish community.




Dreams and Visions


Book Description

Here Bill Huebsch offers a blueprint for how to bring the dreams and visions for a GREAT parish to fruition. He shows parish leaders and ministers how to move in the direction of lifelong faith formation by offering adults in the parish powerful conversion experiences (particularly through parish-based retreats and intergenerational Faith Gatherings). He also offers a clear and consistent plan for step-by-step growth, with special emphasis on excellent liturgies, strong and effective catechist and teacher formation, and developing households of faith. In this definitive guide, he not only shows parishes how to get started but also how to keep going until lifelong faith formation is a reality.




The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community


Book Description

Outlines for the renewal of parish structures in a more dynamic and missionary direction.




Forming a Community of Faith


Book Description

Some of the most important people in faith formation are often overlooked: adults. But how can parishes engage people living in a postmodern world-people who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious," who may be suspicious of large institutions, and whose experiences and world-views are as diverse as our parishes themselves? Nationally recognized educator Jane Regan explores what important church documents say about evangelization and catechesis, and how they play a crucial role in thriving adult faith communities. Then she offers practical ways parishes of all sizes and personalities can help people become true disciples. With reflection and discussion questions throughout, Forming a Community of Faith is essential for Pastors, DREs, RCIA teams, education advisory boards, parish councils, committee chairpersons and anyone who wishes to discover and nurture a dynamic, mature, and fruitful faith. Book jacket.