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Pastor's Page: Faith Formation after The Second Vatican Council
July 18,
2010
Near the end of the 1970s, the church restored the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
The Vatican Council's twin emphases on returning to the best of the tradition, (resourcement), and
aggiornamento, which can be understood as an openness to dialogue with the world and a kind of
housecleaning on the part of our church, led to renewal in every aspect of our Catholic faith.
Restoring the ancient period of preparation for Gentiles seeking initiation into the Christian
community, meant that people who were questioning and drawn to our church would go through a
process of faith formation that could lead to baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. This faith
formation would encompass prayer with other believing Catholics, using the Sunday Scriptures
primarily, and discussing the impact of the Scriptures on their personal lives.
Before the catechumenate was restored in 1978, priests would meet individually with each
person asking to become a Catholic. The RCIA called for a team of lay people, along with a priest or
Deacon, to meet regularly with inquirers. There was recognition by the church that faith was not only
the ability to repeat doctrinal teachings, but a spirit led immersion in the love of Christ experienced
most profoundly when "two or more are gathered in my name."
In 1997, Pope John Paul II ratified a “General Directory for Catechesis” with international
impact on how faith was a lifelong formation in the spiritual life, leading to holiness. The bishops of
the United States presented a pastoral plan for adult faith formation entitled "Our Hearts Were
Burning within Us".
"Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through
experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be "the central task in the catechetical enterprise",
becoming the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well is that of
old age. This can be done specifically through developing and adults a better understanding of and
participation in the full sacramental life of the church."
The bishops go on to state that the church needs a renewed commitment to adult faith formation,
which they see at the heart of their catechetical vision and practice. Conversion to Christ never ends. It
is a lifelong journey into the heart of God where true holiness resides. "Our hearts were burning within
us." When they encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus, the disciples caught a glimpse into
the heart of God and found their world made new. They moved from confusion and despair to
conviction and hope and began to understand something of the height and depth of God's wondrous
death conquering love.
Next week: the US bishops Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation
Peace,
Father Bruce
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