Lifelong Faith Formation

Adult Formation

Catechesis of adults is the principal form of catechesis because it is addressed to the persons who have the greatest responsibilities and capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.

(National Directory for Catechesis, page 187, 2005)

The Diocese of Buffalo embraces a vision of faith formation that lasts one’s entire life. The journey toward discipleship influences our lives daily and prepares us to live the Gospel wherever we find ourselves. The Department of Lifelong Faith Formation supports parish leaders and individuals in their mission to ‘go and make disciples’ through formation and education. Contact us, or call 716-847-5501.

Getting Started

In Living the Life! Parish as the Curriculum, Denise Utter describes how Adult Faith Formation occurs naturally within parish life. Masses, rituals, retreats, liturgical ministry and service to those in need provide adults with opportunities to connect with Christ and with each other while growing in faith. Read more. Reprinted from Catechetical Leader Vol. 26, No. 1; January 2015 with permission of National Conference of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL).

Matthew Pinto offers a six-step process for creating an engaging, effective Adult Faith Formation plan for your parish. Read more. Adult Faith Formation: A Plan for Parishes. Reprinted from Catechetical Leader Vol. 26, No. 1; January 2015 with permission of National Conference of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL).

Bible Study

Below are examples of different styles of Bible Study available around the Diocese of Buffalo. Need assistance, contact us.

Catholic Biblical Studies Program a community-based Bible study who's purpose is to promote knowledge through a critical, reflective and prayerful study. The "live" lectures are 2 hours in length by either Barbara Shanahan, MA or Father Paul Steller, MA. This is a two year program.

Great Adventure is a DVD based Bible study lecture series. The lectures are between 45-55 minutes. Discussion is essential and fruitful prior to or after the lecture. Find a Great Adventure Bible study near you on their interactive MAP.

Little Rock Scripture study is a ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas, in partnership with Liturgical Press in Collegeville, Minnesota. They develop materials to help people: to read, study and live the Word of God. The lectures are 30 minutes available in VHS, DVD and CD format.

St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center
Little Rock every Monday from 12:15-1:30pm at 76 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 All are welcome. Contact Sr. Eleanor Thielman, OSF. 716-847-2205

Wednesday Bible Study @ St. Benedict Parish - Eggertsville: This group meets at 7pm for 1 hour at 1317 Eggert Rd., NY 14226. Use the Eggert road entrance behind the rectory. Bring a Bible. Contact Carol at 716-633-1693 or mathner@verizon.net

Wednesday Evening Scripture @ Holy Spirit Parish - Buffalo 85 Dakota Avenue, Buffalo N.Y. This group meets on most Wednesdays from 7 - 8PM. Contact Sr. Katherine Marie Bogner, SSMN at 716-875-8102

Catholicism

Fr. Robert Barron created Catholicism as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why. This DVD program uses art, architecture, literature, music, and all the treasures of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church.

Daily Readings/ Reflections

American Bible Society - Lectio Divina Deepening faith and knowledge of Sacred Scripture

Creighton University- Daily Reflection

EWTN Global Catholic Network - Mass Readings

Fatima Shrine Meets Monday night from 7:30 to 9pm. Study and reflect on the readings for the following Sunday's liturgy. All are welcome, no fee. Call Father Peter at 716-754-7489 Ext. 202 for information. 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14174-0167

Living Faith - Daily Catholic reflection, based on the Mass reading for the day. Hard copy or e-book!

Loyola Press - A Jesuit Ministry - 3-Minute Retreat

USCCB- Daily Readings

Retreats:

A variety of opportunities are available around the Diocese of Buffalo.

Abbey of the Genesee - Piffard, NY

Center of Renewal - Retreat & Conference Center - Stella Niagara, NY Offers retreats and programs throughout the year.

Christ The King Seminary Retreats - East Aurora, NY

Family Retreat - For Parents, Grandparents, and Siblings. Offer a prayerful forum for family members to reflect on their baptismal call to holiness and their mission to evangelize. 90 minutes to 2 hours. From the USCCB

Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio - Adult Summer Conferences

Mt. Irenaeus - A Franciscan Mountain Retreat in the Allegheny hills of Southwestern NY

Adults Seeking Confirmation

Where are adults coming from when they seek Confirmation as an adult?
Do they attend church regularly or not at all?
How much catechesis have they received or do they have little or none?
How can they use their talents and gifts to build up the Body of Christ?

Best Practices regarding adults and Confirmation

One program can not satisfy the variety of needs of all the adults coming forth. The following CHART might help you plan a path for adults seeking Confirmation. The Guidelines for Confirmation have been updated (Nov. 2011) and "those beyond high school - adults, are now included into these guidelines.

Sent Forth in the Spirit A Confirmation Text for Adults by Patricia M. Mann, is an excellent and concise resource for adults seeking Confirmation.