What is Faith Formation?

Catholic Faith Formation is a form of evangelization. Evangelization is the fundamental mission of the Church. It describes all the ways the Church—including clergy, religious, and all the baptized faithful—teaches, celebrates, and witnesses to the Gospel message with the aim of conforming hearts and minds to Jesus Christ. Evangelization includes an introduction to the Gospel message through word and deed with a focus on receiving the gift of faith. Faith Formation primarily focuses on deepening initial conversion to faith. It incorporates the catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral ministries. Because it is a form of evangelization, Faith Formation is a lifelong process.

History: The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) was an association established at Rome in 1562 for the purpose of providing religious education.  AGP's three predecessor parishes had traditional CCD classes for many years.  In 2020, our newly consolidated parish moved from a traditional model of catechesis to a family model.  Family Catechesis, or "Fam Cat," better enables our parish to equip, assist, and support parents to fulfill their role as primary formator of their children in the Faith.  Children who attend public school receive their religious education with their parents through our ministry of Family Catechesis.  Parents are assisted by parish catechists, who act as a teacher, guide, and witness to the Faith.
 

Terminology:

• "Catechesis" is the act of transmitting, or handing on, the Faith.

• “CCD” stands for “Confraternity of Christian Doctrine” and refers to a specific form of religious instruction that is no longer utilized in our diocese.  Although this has been the popular terminology for many decades, it is not accurate any more.

• “Faith Formation” and “Religious Education” (also sometimes "Catechism Class" or "Sunday School") are the terms that have replaced “CCD” as a parish’s method of religious instruction.  These two terms are often used interchangeably.  At AGP, we use “Faith Formation” because this term best describes our action of forming prospective disciples in the Faith.  

• “Family Catechesis” or “Fam Cat” is the type of Faith Formation we offer at Archangel Gabriel Parish for families with children in grades K-5.  It is called such because it is the transmission of the Faith (catechesis) through a family-based model. 

• "Sacrament Preparation" is the preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (First Holy Communion), Penance & Reconciliation (confession), or Holy Matrimony (marriage).