Growing Faith series offers adult faith formation

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 14, 2006

Adult Catholics looking to grow in their faith knowledge are invited to participate in a series of presentations offered in Sioux City.

Vera Ludwig, diocesan family programs director, pointed out that the diocese is working in collaboration with the Holy Family Cluster in Sioux City to present an adult faith formation series called "Growing Faith Project." St. Joseph Church is hosting the program.

She mentioned that they initially considered writing their own presentations, but they discovered this series by Bill Huebsch that is based upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church. An imprimatur, which is needed for the printing of certain religious materials, was granted to the Growing Faith Project by Bishop Dennis Schnurr of the Diocese of Duluth.

Ludwig noted that they chose six presentations on a variety of topics from the 48 offered in the series.

The first presentation was held Sept. 11 and additional presentations will be held at 6:30 p.m. on these dates and topics: Sept. 25 - The Trinity and the Nature of God/"In Whom do we believe?"; Oct. 9 - Jesus Christ/"Who do people say that I am?"; Oct. 23 - Intro to the Nature of the Church/"Why do we need the church?"; Nov. 13 - Intro to the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings/"What is sin?"; and Nov. 27 - Liturgy, Sacraments and Prayer/"What is Liturgy?"

Ludwig mentioned that each session could stand-alone.

"You can come one time or attend all six times," she said. "The sessions consist of a combination of instruction and faith sharing."

More than 30 people attended the Sept. 11 first session of Growing Faith. It focused on Creation and Revelation looking at what hearts desire.

The first presentation received very positive feedback.

"I wanted to attend the Growing Faith pilot project because it is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I like to attend Bible studies and other opportunities to help me grow in my faith and relationship with God. I felt like this would give me that opportunity to better understand and know what our faith is based on," said Denise Lopez, a parishioner at St. Boniface Parish in Sioux City.

She mentioned how the facilitator of the first session, Father Michael Erpelding, reflected on Moses and the burning bush story.

"God spoke to Moses in that burning bush but God also speaks to us in countless ways but we don't always take time to recognize it or see it. We need to take time to listen," said Lopez.

Anna Stamat, a parishioner at St. Mary's in Remsen decided to attend the Growing Faith Adult Faith Formation Class so she could grow in the life of Christ through sharing, reflection and prayer.

"I enjoyed last nights session as it was a great inspiration to me to hear how others have developed their faith and spirituality within our Catholic faith. I look forward to the next sessions," she said.

Sister Mary Jane Koenigs, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Sioux City, said she wanted to participate in the Growing Faith Project after learning there would be faith sharing. She had been waiting for a program like this since RENEW.

"One image that resonated with me from last night's presentation is that we companion one another on our journey of faith. It doesn't matter how long we have been on the way or how many detours we have taken," she said. "What is important is that we know WHO is our destination and that we reach our goal with the help of others."

Lori Twohig, a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City, said she attended Growing in Faith because she always likes the opportunities to learn more about her faith.

"I think it's great when the church sponsors events like these," she said. "I am really glad they are doing this because there aren't enough Catholics out there who know their faith. I think it's good when we have these opportunities to learn more. It helps us appreciate our religion that much more and the beauty of it."

Twohig, who plans to attend the other sessions, mentioned that she particularly liked the sense of community that was established through the sharing of feelings and experiences made her feel closer to other people in the church.

The diocese and Holy Family Cluster hope to offer more opportunities for adult faith formation using the Growing Faith series.

"This is a pilot project," noted Ludwig. "We will evaluate and see how we can help other parts of the diocese. One thing nice about this program is that it is flexible according to your situation and needs."

All Catholics are invited to attend these sessions that last about two hours.

While pre-registration is not mandatory, it is helpful to ensure adequate materials are on hand. If people wish to have childcare provided, pre-registration is required. There is no cost, but a freewill offering will be taken.

For more information about the series or to sign up for one or all of the presentations, contact the Office of Adult and Family Ministries at (712) 233-7530 or e-mail Sandi Whitehill at sandiw@scdiocese.org.