Is this too soon?

[josephback]

Hi. I’ve been in the Church a little over a year and I have the chance to apply for a two year lay formation institute program that trains people to serve in the diocese. My question is whether this is too soon and I should just focus on personal growth? I want eventually to help use my talents in th New Evangelization but maybe it’s better to wait? Thank you.

 

[Della]

I think it depends on how well formed you are at this point. Are you ready for this training? And is this a one time shot or is the training offered yearly or bi-yearly? It’s definitely a matter for prayer and discernment. I suggest you talk to your pastor about it to see if he thinks you should wait. All the best no matter what area you decide to serve.

 

[DevotedChild]

I think it depends on how well formed you are at this point. Are you ready for this training? And is this a one time shot or is the training offered yearly or bi-yearly? It’s definitely a matter for prayer and discernment. I suggest you talk to your pastor about it to see if he thinks you should wait. All the best no matter what area you decide to serve.

Well said.

 

[KrazyKat]

Apply for the program and pray. Too few would even consider applying. If you are feeling a call to do so then I would follow up on it. Praise be to God!

 

[DexUK]

Don’t worry about what other people think: if you think you’re ready for it, then go ahead and apply. I tend to find that ‘having a job to do’ keeps me better connected to the Church than I was when I was a ‘mere’ pew-dweller. In some ways I respect the regular ‘mere pew-dwellers’ all the more for that!

 

[CB_Catholic]

Hi. I’ve been in the Church a little over a year and I have the chance to apply for a two year lay formation institute program that trains people to serve in the diocese. My question is whether this is too soon and I should just focus on personal growth? I want eventually to help use my talents in th New Evangelization but maybe it’s better to wait? Thank you.

I went to a similar program for lay ministry formation. I learned a lot. The first year we covered various topics of church history, Vatican II, some Saints, Sacraments, I can’t remember what else, but it was quite a bit . If I were you I would go. It will help you immensely in your spiritual growth also. The second year consisted of various courses on more specific topics related to ministry, but I do not know how yours is set up. Our courses could be taken for college credit at a certain Catholic university if extra required research papers and such were done, so the program wasn’t “fluff”.

I chose RCIA and Evangelization as my ministries and the program helped give me the knowledge I needed to feel comfortable, esp. in RCIA. It is not too soon to start learning, and a structured program is better than trying to wade through things by yourself.

 

[josephback]

I know the basic salvation story along with the sacraments and such. I still have a lot to learn in regards to Church history and I haven’t memorized the Commandments. The next opening if I do not go this time would be 2015. My other immediate option is to go to college with intent to pursue a four year degree(say teaching), and THEN take 2 years to learn the faith. I’m already 28 so it’s a question of what to do with my life.

 

[DevotedChild]

I know the basic salvation story along with the sacraments and such. I still have a lot to learn in regards to Church history and I haven’t memorized the Commandments. The next opening if I do not go this time would be 2015. My other immediate option is to go to college with intent to pursue a four year degree(say teaching), and THEN take 2 years to learn the faith. I’m already 28 so it’s a question of what to do with my life.

If that is the case, then I’d say: Go for it! It will definitely be a good experience for you but be sure to pray and make sure that it’s what God wants you to do.

God Bless you and Welcome Home.