OHWB - "A new catechesis"

by Sister Nancy Traeger

One of the most exciting documents recently published by our U.S. Bishops is Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. At Holy Redeemer, Marshall, we have been unpacking that document at our Education Advisory Committee meetings and are using it as the foundation for our new approach to faith formation. This has been a dream in the making, and this past year we initiated our LIFE faith formation process; Lifelong Intergenerational Faith Experiences. The committee was assisted by a professional marketing team which really helped us get it off to a good start. We also have what we call a Life-Line Team which assists in the planning and implementation. Our focus was on two liturgical seasons: Advent/Lent. It was a thrill to experience the large number of folks who turned out for our first LIFE Night on November 28. No snowstorm was going to keep anyone away!

This is how the evening played out: for those who registered, a simple meal was provided from 5:00-6:15 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. we gathered for prayer and a presentation. While the adults and 10-11th graders were engaged in the presentation by Father Paul Schumacher, Advent: the Lost Season, the children were engaged in the same topic in their respective classes. Following the presentation we went into break-out groups for discussion. This was followed by a Q & A period with Father Paul. After this the children were picked up by their parents. Professional child care was also available for our youngest members. For the season of Lent, we enjoyed the storytelling gifts of Patti Cogley, who spoke to The Treasure Within. Again, the format was the same, with one addition: a blessing ritual at the end for all before the children were picked up from their classes. A very important component for our LIFE process is the home packet which each family gets at the conclusion of the evening. This home packet contains valuable information for the adults, projects/activities and ideas on the topic for all ages. The hope is that this process of faith formation will engage all ages and lifestyles, that it will truly be an intergenerational approach to faith formation.

For more information about the LIFE Formation Program at Holy Redeemer, contact Sister Nancy Traeger.

Sister Nancy Traeger, SSND, is director of Adult Faith Formation at Holy Redeemer, Marshall.