CATECHISM STUDY GROUP TO FORM
Rich Leonardi is interested in forming a group to study the recently-released United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. This catechism is “written specifically for the ongoing catechetical formation of adults, to help Catholic adults in America continue to grow in faith in the person of Jesus Christ -- as God’s revealing love for the world -- and to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Teacher of us all.”
Each of the book’s 36 chapters includes biographical sketches, doctrine, reflection, quotations, discussion questions, and prayer. Participants in the group would meet early Monday mornings in the Seton Center and discuss one chapter -- about twelve pages in length -- for approximately one hour. Contact Rich … for more details. Additional information about the new catechism can be found at the USCCB website, www.usccbpublishing.org.
Some of my readers are either fellow parishioners or residents of Cincinnati's East side. If that's you, consider this post an invitation. So far there are seven participants. There is no defined 'critical mass,' but given normal attrition rates, we ought to shoot for double digits. Members of St. Blog's spend a fair amount of time complaining about the lack of solid faith-formation programs at their parishes. Here's your chance to 'put up or ...'
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7 comments:
Rich,
This is fantastic!!!!!! Thank you so much for organizing.
When it comes to the laity, all too often we overlook our responsibility to educate ourselves, as well as get involved in the Church. There are gems of beauty within the Catholic faith that all too often are not fully understood, nor appreciated. By educating ourselves, we are able to better understand and appreciate these gems of beauty as we deepen our faith.
Count me in, and I will help spread the word....
Trey Rouse
Well done, Rich; this is the way to go.
Echoing Trey, above: I sometimes here folks express unhappiness that somehow the Church fails to "empower" them, or they aren't given their due...when there are immense opportunities for the baptized faithful to do any manner of things.
This is one example -- and, while most pastors would be happy to give it their blessing, they can do it with or without the pastor's help.
I've had folks request a Catechism-study session here, and I am giving it some thought. The problem is identifying an evening when we could do it, and who would lead it. I would be delighted, but I'm leading a Bible study currently.
My wife is doing this with her group. Good luck!
John J. Simmins
Rich and Father,
We felt called to have a small group meet in our home beginning the end of September. We are going to go through the Catechism with the help of Father Corapi's series on the teachings of Jesus Christ. An hour video followed by discussion. We have had a great response but will see if those who think its great will also fit it into their schedule. Sunday nights are the only time we are assured of no conflicts in our home (with four sons playing football). We knew this was a calling from God because we would never take on something like this on our own and in the fall! But obediently we follow. Please pray for us and our group. Father Corapi has truly enriched our lives and empowered us with the truth of our faith. We hope he will bless and empower those coming to our home too.
Good luck with your groups Rich and Father Fox,
John and Sharie
Cincinnati
Why is there a separate "United States Catholic Catechism"?
Why not just use the CCC?
The Oratorian Fathers in Toronto hold an Oratory Summer School for two weeks each year. The first week is always on the CCC. The second week's topic changes every year, but you have to take the first week once before you can do a second week topic.
The classes are 8:30 to 3:30 with a break for mass at 10 and lunch at 12:30, which they provide. It costs $150. They will put you up in their seminary for $50 for the whole week. There are small kitches where you can make breakfast, and supper if you really don't want to go out to eat. Several of the priests say mass in the extraordinary form for their private mass which students are welcome to attend. There is a house of Mother Teresa's sisters across the street from the seminary residence and it is possible to join them as well for mass. This makes a really inexpensive vacation, and after class is over there is all of Toronto to explore.
Anyway, having gone through the CCC in that class, I am wondering why we have a "United States" Catechism, and what is different about it. Can someone enlighten me?
Thanks,
Susan Peterson.
I just started a US Adult Catechism Discussion group at our parish in western NY state. Our first meeting was last night and we will be covering two chapters per week. This is truly a gift from the Bishops and I think a whole new day dawns in Adult Catechesis. Best wishes with your new endeavor!
Kelly
Susan,
'Not sure how long ago you posted your query, but JPII's letter accompanying the CCC specifically calls for local catechisms like the U.S. Adult Catechism. Its thirty-six-lesson format breaks up the text into digestible chunks, an advantage for study groups like this one.
The Oratory Summer School sounds fantastic. I would love to participate some day, but it's probably not an option until my children are a bit older.
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