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Religious Education Programs
Banquet and Retreat for Catechetical and RCIA Leaders
This annual event honors catechetical and RCIA leaders in parishes across the state. The purpose of this event is not only to recognize and appreciate those in leadership roles but also to provide a time for leaders to be spiritually nourished and renewed as they reflect on their ministry at their parishes.
Catechetical Study Day
This annual event provides ongoing formation for principals, teachers, catechetical leaders, catechists, deacons, sacramental preparation coordinators, youth ministers, liturgical ministers, music, worship leaders and pastors. This day includes keynote speakers (English and Spanish) and focus sessions.
Catechist Certification Program
“Catechesis involves an essential partnership of the family, the parish community and those who serve as catechist at all levels. Because catechesis is the sharing of faith, it is people intensive. It requires faith-filled, knowledgeable and skilled people who strive to grow in faith themselves and also to share their faith with others. Those who serve as catechist carry out, in the name of the Church, the systematic or intentional efforts to enable people to grow in faith.” (NCCL, "National Certification Standards for Professional Parish Directors of Religious Education," p. v)
It is vital that all who serve in ministry continue their formation and be certified through the diocese. This program provides a variety of ways to achieve this goal through: workshops offered directly from our office, Little Rock Theology Institute, "Echoes of Faith" video series, Little Rock Scripture Study and Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation from the University of Dayton.
Fire-Driven Confirmation Retreat
A retreat is one of the requirements to receive the sacrament of confirmation. The Fire-Drive retreat is available for candidates unable to attend their parish's retreat, or those from small parishes that find it difficult to offer a retreat. Co-sponsored by the offices of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, it is modeled after SEARCH and is peer-ministry driven. It highlights the gifts of the Holy Spirit and life after confirmation, and is designed to ignite the fire in a confirmation candidate's heart to truly be a disciple of Christ as well as experience an intimate connection with the Holy Spirit.
Little Rock Theology Institute
“Theology seeks fuller understanding of the Gospel message through reflection on the life of Christians and the formal teachings of the Church. It employs systematic and critical methods. It uses philosophy, history, linguistics, and other disciplines in attempting to understand and express Christian truth more clearly.” ("Sharing the Light of Faith," NCD, no. 37, 1979)
This monthly program meets from September to June at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Classes are held on Fridays from 7-10 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:15 a.m. -4:30 p.m. For dates, go to the Calendar of Events. See also:
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This process, offered at the parish level, is intended for those adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. It generally begins in the fall and concludes with full initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. The Office of Religious Education and Christian Initiation offers training and support for parish RCIA coordinators through the annual RCIA retreat and symposium and also coordinates the Rite of Election, a vital step in the process for RCIA. For more on these steps, download "On the Road to Catholicism". (PDF file). To learn more about Catholicism, go to Learning About the Catholic Faith.
Returning to the Church
If you have been away from the Catholic Church and would like to return, you are always welcome to come home. To find out how, go to Returning to the Faith, or if you have questions, e-mail Sister Mary J. Glynn, SJC.
Why Catholic? ¿Por Qué Católico? Adult Faith Formation
This four-year adult faith formation program for parishes is created and offered by RENEW International. It is based on the four pillars of the Catholic Church. This program is done on the parish level and began in this diocese in February 2007. To find out if your parish is taking part, go to Why Catholic? Participating Parishes. For more information, go to What is Why Catholic?
- "Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist: A Eucharistic Spirituality for Today" is a faith formation program offered to enrich your Why Catholic? program. Pray, learn and explore the ways Christ makes himself present in the Mass; how the Eucharist helps us understand the pain and joy of everyday life; and how celebrating the Eucharist strengthens our Catholic identity. It is offered in English and Spanish and is open to everyone. For dates and location, see the Why Catholic? Schedule.
The North American Forum on the Catechumenate
This year, we will host the North American Forum on the Catechumenate - Beginnings Plus (with focus on adults and children) in our diocese July 17-20 at the St. John Catholic Center. This will replace the RCIA symposium for this year only. The Beginnings Plus Forum presents the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, provides experience of the flow, steps and periods of the Rite, teaches the skills necessary for local implementation, invites reflection, faith sharing, and liturgical celebration, and deepens understanding of the conversion journey. Scholarships are available for all participants from Diocese of Little Rock through the Religious Education Office. To register, go to www.naforum.org.
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