The Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry has produced a basic Tool for Comprehensive Adult Faith Formation for parish adult faith formation leaders. Leaders can use the instrument as a checklist for verifying their parish’s commitment to a complete and systematic catechesis for their adult members.

The tool itemizes the six dimensions of adult faith formation (knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, communal life, and missionary spirit) as found in recent church documents including the new United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (Copies can be ordered at a discount from us. See product order form.). The instrument notes the documentary references for each of the six dimensions, the various subjects and topics that can attend to adult faith formation in each dimension, and sample offerings that can be found in parishes throughout the Archdiocese.

Guidelines for Evaluating Parish Adult Faith Programs & Instruction is another useful resource compiled by the Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry for parish leaders. Evaluation ensures the quality and effectiveness of our parish intentional adult faith programs and instruction. This tool gives principles that offer a foundation and criteria for evaluating parish adult faith programs and instruction. Sections include evaluating parish leadership, catechists/presenters, program content, methods/process and the participants/learners.

The document also suggests essential resources on adult faith formation from the Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The American bishops have stated that a vibrant parish community
“…cannot exist without a strong, complete, and systematic catechesis for all its members.” They call for a catechesis that emphasizes ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and presents a comprehensive and contemporary synthesis of the faith.

Both tools are a result of the work of the Adult Catechesis Work Group of the Catechetical Task Force.