We are "essential workers"

We are in a period unlike any in our recent history.  Businesses, schools, gyms are closed, whole states are under shelter in place orders and gatherings of more than two people are prohibited.  We attend virtual Masses to prevent the spread of covid-19 and all must practice “social distancing” and only “essential workers” are to report to work.  We are essential workers.  Our work is spreading hope and the good news of Jesus Christ in these times of uncertainty.  To do this we must have the resources and the confidence in our own faith to pass it on to others.

During this time of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, where life is changing from hour to hour, it is important to have faith in God and to continue to practice our faith and to continue to grow in faith and hope.  We need to continue our formation in the faith so that we understand and can proclaim the Catholic faith boldly and faithfully to a world in need of God’s mercy and love in the face of adversity.  “Sheltering in place” is an opportunity to make faith formation a part of our everyday lives.

Many times when we hear about Adult Faith Formation, we might think about another program, a bible study, or something we have to come to campus to participate in.  Adult Faith Formation is that, but it is also so much more. 

Adult formation is about helping people encounter Jesus in a way that sets their heart aglow and directs their hearts and minds toward a deeper relationship with God.  It is not just about learning but about feeling and understanding the love God has for each of us and taking this relationship out into the world.  This can be done with a smile, a friendly attitude, and a random act of kindness.

Adult formation happens in the liturgy, when we encounter Jesus in the Word of God, in the homily and in the Eucharist and our hearts are changed.  It happens in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we are forgiven our sins and our lives are changed.  It happens when we are preparing to have our children baptized, or when couples are prepared for marriage and when we walk with our children through Religious Education programs.  Any time we open our hearts to learning about Jesus and how to live more like him, to love like him, to look out for others like he did, that is formation.  But we have to be intentional about it.  We have to take it upon ourselves and make it a priority to learn more about our faith and to grow in our faith and love of God.

As we are sheltering in place we can turn to the internet for resources.  There are many opportunities online to encounter Jesus, through formed.org and Word on Fire—Engaged and the Adult Faith Formation Flocknote list and as we cannot gather, many publishers are making available online resources:

• The Augustine Institute
• Ignatius Press
• Ascension Press
• The St. Paul Center
• TAN Books
• St. Benedict Press 
• Other congregations also offer resources such as the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, Franciscan Media and The Catholic Company.  Many of these publishers have daily messages of hope and inspiration you can subscribe to.

We live in a world where there is less emphasis on faith in the face of ever-changing societal values. Truth is relative and fluid. If we are to survive in this world as faithful Catholics, we must continue to strengthen our faith and to grow in love of Jesus.  Be intentional, be bold, be Catholic. 

Dcn. Jack Alexander
Director of Adult Faith Formation