During the fall of 2005/winter of 2006, an Adult Faith Formation Best Practices Survey was done in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
A proven trend today to spark new ideas and to make things better is to identify "best practices."
The results, analysis, suggestions, guidelines, questions, etc. raised from the research are being shared in a series of short ongoing newsletters. Rather than a long report, short bits and pieces on concise topics might be more helpful for:
- sparking ideas
- discussions with staffs, commissions and committees
- suggested implementation
- future reference
 No. 43 - December 2009
This newsletter – in a twitter fashion – tells you what you just told us in our recent Best Practices Survey Update. What has been your most recent best practice? What kind of changes have you experienced recently in adult faith formation? How do you determine the interests/needs of the adults in your parish? You will see that adult faith formation is alive and well throughout our parishes!
As this newsletter continues to look at the context of adult faith formation, we explore the reality that some of the best practices cited were the RCIA process in our parishes. Although RCIA is formational (everything is!), it is primarily liturgical. At the same time, our Church documents remind us that the model for all catechesis is the baptismal catechumenate.
This issue looks at the context of adult faith formation: some of the structures/forms that are used today in our adult journey of faith. As Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us says, "Given the broad scope of content, the diverse range of adult interest and responsibilities, and the availability of learning resources, no single approach can meet everyone's needs."
This newsletter recounts an exciting best practice that was spiritually transforming for the individuals and created a community as people learned, shared, and grew in their new experience: writing a spiritual autobiography. And it all began from one person's wisdom, experience and desire to share.
In this concluding newsletter on Book Clubs as an effective means for adult faith formation, we explore some final W's of Book Clubs: when to meet? what books? what resources are available? and what else was revealed in our survey?
In this second newsletter on Book Clubs as an intriguing means for adult faith formation, we begin to look at the W's of Book Clubs, some how to's - learning from what is happening in our own parishes.
This issue begins a short series on a Best Practice that's prevalent in many of our parishes: Book Clubs. This issue offers some general insights about Book Clubs; subsequent issues will explore what you told us: the fascinating ways that Book Clubs are thriving in our parishes for significant personal and spiritual growth, many for decades.
As we conclude our series on communities of like interest, we look once again at the role and the importance of communications technology in bringing people together – and we hear how some of our parishes are creatively doing it!
This issue of SPARKS concludes our look at the development of small groups as one way of responding to communities of like interest: some of the research, some of the potential of small groups within a parish and ways to acquaint parishioners with the potential and processes of small groups.
As we explore reaching "communities of like interest" in adult faith formation, this issue continues last month's reflection on some research and experience of small groups in the development of the ongoing journey of faith.
Our Best Practices study asked "who was the target audience of your best practice?" As we began to explore the ramifications of that research (beginning with issue #27), we discovered the wisdom of programming and reaching out to communities of like interest. We continue that exploration by looking at the development of small groups.
This issue of SPARKS highlights a best practice: a Lenten practice from 2008 which invited parishioners to personal and communal renewal and conversion through a unique practice of giving up complaining, criticizing and gossiping for 21 days straight.
Technology is an enabler of adult faith formation: to help us become more effective, efficient or innovative. This issue explores databases – a few of the many things they can do to help us organize information, connect information, solve problems, answer questions, and make decisions.
As we continue to explore reaching the needs of "communities of like interest," we realize that technology is an enabler to reach and gather together these communities. What did our Best Practices study tell us about how we maintain records in order to help us become more effective, efficient or innovative in adult faith formation?
This issue, in continuing to explore ways to reach out to communities of like interest, delves into the meaning and modes of adult learning in today's world. Has there been a paradigm shift? What are adults looking for? What helps us to discover their needs?
Continuing our look at planning for communities of like interest, rather than "one-size-fits-all", we realize that:
- The wisdom of the Church and the catechetical community has always called us to be aware of the needs of the various groups.
- Various recent studies illustrate that effective parishes are those which respond to people's diverse needs.
Looking at two of the questions on our archdiocesan Best Practices survey in adult faith formation leads us on a journey of many ramifications for program planning for adult faith formation in our parishes and vicariates. The two questions are:
- Who was the specific audience you had in mind for your initiative?
- Did the participants match your target audience expectations?
This issue of SPARKS recounts a Best Practice that was shared during our research survey: The Blessing Cup. This program is highlighted because: The parishes adapted the principles from the original program to meet their own parishes' needs. The programs evolved since their beginnings as the parishes' leadership recognized needs beyond the specific focus of the original program.
This issue of SPARKS continues our look at: Adult Faith Formation: It's All Encompassing. As important as specific planned programs and opportunities are, pastoral leaders are constantly aware that growth in faith happens continually and constantly. It is much more than programs. For adult faith formation leaders, in the words of Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, "The parish is the curriculum."
Many of our SPARKS newsletters concentrate on specific ideas for and about programming for adult faith formation – because they come from our survey on Best Practices. We stop and pause here to remind ourselves that adult faith formation is much more than programs; adult faith formation is all encompassing!
We pause once again in our reflections on the various issues and trends that were revealed in the Best Practices Study to look at a specific Best Practice. At the time of the study, the Couple Prayer Series was mentioned as one parish's best practice; at the present time, forty-three parishes have offered it.
Last month SPARKS looked at the leadership of adult faith formation in parishes. This month we continue looking at the importance of adult faith formation committees and teams, giving tips about effective meetings – often the vehicle for spurring on the ministry.
This issue of SPARKS, continuing to look at pastoral planning, explores a key component: who is responsible for adult faith formation in the parish? Our Hearts Were Burning within Us calls for an adult faith formation leader in each parish as well as parishioners who work with the leader on teams and committees to oversee the adult faith formation ministry of the parish.
This issue highlights a Best Practice for young adults: Coffee & Conversation, which responds to the needs of these young people, calling forth their gifts, and stretching their visions…as well as exemplifying many of the researched principles of adult faith formation today.
As we continue to reflect on strategic planning for adult faith formation (as well as all ministry) within the parish, this issue offers a potpourri of pastoral insights and practical advice from experts and leaders around the country.
As we continue to look at the question of strategic planning for adult faith formation, this issue explores empowering people for leadership and ministry within the parish.
This issue highlights a unique opportunity – a best practice – created by one of our parishes. It is a best practice because:
- The principles that worked for them can be adapted for all planning and programming in adult faith formation.
- This spiritual renewal opportunity is now available to be shared with other parishes/vicariates throughout the archdiocese.
How do we intentionally plan for adult faith formation so that we gather the support of the entire parish for ownership of its Vision and Goals? This issue continues to explore some very concrete ways to do that, some from theory, some from our parishes.
As we continue to explore strategic planning, we look at specific ways that successful parish teams and adult faith formation committees/teams nurture ownership within the community. How do we invite all to "opt in?"
In this issue we continue to explore the important issue of strategic planning for adult faith formation, rather than just letting it happen here and there. We do this, in this issue, through an image: that of building a house. What are the blueprints, the groundwork that needs to be laid, the necessary permits, etc.?
No. 13 - June 2007As we continue our look at strategic planning for adult faith formation, this issue explores the crucial importance of:
- Visionary leadership
- The strategies parishes use to arrive at a vision and their goals and objectives (who is involved and the processes utilized)
No. 12 - May 2007
With the 12th issue of SPARKS, we begin to look at the section of the Best Practices survey which attempted to look at how adult faith formation was strategically visioned and planned for the parish.
No. 11 - April 2007This issue of SPARKS highlights a best practice which is happening in several of our parishes, as well as many throughout the country: MOMS – the Ministry of Mothers Sharing.
No. 10 - March 2007This issue concludes our look at the role of motivation in adult faith formation (although it is always uppermost in the planning of adult faith formation). This issue quotes some practioners on whether participation/non-participation is the problem or the symptom of a problem; then concludes with a number of thoughts to continue our reflection and actions on programming for the felt needs of today's adults.
No. 8 - January 2007Motivation for Adult Faith Formation, A SPARKing Suggestion, What has this SPARKED in you?
Motivation for Adult Faith Formation, Our SPARK-filled Wondering, Some SPARKing Implications, Wondering SPARKs Response, What has this SPARKED in you?
Motivation for Adult Faith Formation, Factors that seem to motivate participants, Theories of Adult Motivation for Learning, A SPARKing Suggestion, A Wondering SPARK, What has this SPARKED in you?
A Best Practice: Catholic Night at the Movies, How did it begin? When? Where? How often? What is the format? How are the Movies chosen? Why do you think Catholic Night at the Movies is effective? Movie review resources, What has this SPARKED for you?
Promotion (Publicity For) Adult Faith Formation (Part III), Another idea from you, Promotional realities that can't be ignored, Some worthwhile techniques, More SPARKS for tried and True Promotion, A Spark From You After Newsletter 3, What has this SPARKED for you?
Promotion (publicity for) Adult Faith Formation (Part II), What are some important steps in this process?, Deepening the 'What's in it for me' (WIIFM) Factor, What has this SPARKED in you?, Some SPARKS from you since last time.
Promotion (publicity for) Adult Faith Formation Part 1: Responses to the question, "How did you promote an event?" are documented, Reflection on the assessment itself, What has this SPARKED for you?
The following questions are answered in the May edition of Sparks: What's in the name? What was the Best Practices Survey? Who Participated? Who answered the surveys? What are the demographics? How will we find out all the information from the surveys? How will I get these newsletters? What kind of information will be in the newsletters?
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