Small Group DVD based Faith Formation programs

[GAHere]

Have any of you gone through any Small Group Faith Formation/Evangelization type study programs at your parish?
If you have, did the parish respond positively, did it grow as a result?
If you have not, why not? Have they not been available? Does the commitment of 6 or so weeks steer you away? Does the small group structure not appeal to you?

Examples of what I’m referring to would be (add your own):
Fr. Robert Barron’s “Catholicism”
Ascension Press: “Great Adventure Bible Timeline” (Bible), “Chosen” (Confirmation)
Augustine Institute’s: “Symbolon” (RCIA), “YDisciple” (Youth)
Hearts Afire’s: 33 Days to Morning Glory, Consoling the Heart of Jesus

I’ve been through Great Adventure (Bible), Walking Toward Eternity (Lectio Divina), 33 Days, and Consoling the Heart and those definitely affected my daily life, outlook, behaviors on a personal level. They affected my family on differing levels. They won’t sign up for whatever’s offered, but if the topic appeals to them they’d consider it. Time commitment is what holds them back.

On a parish level, the whole ‘small group’ structure with a DVD from the author of a given program has certainly brought parishioners together after having worked in ministries and worshiped at Mass side by side for years.

I’m wondering if other parishes are taking advantage of the variety of options available to them. From this end it was like a pitcher of fresh cool water for this group of people who were thirsting for direction, clarity, inspiration, Truth. The work of the Holy Spirit is visible in our parish as a result.

 

[Iheartcoffee]

Feel free to PM me. I work directly with these programs. I can probably answer questions. However, because I work in sales for those programs I don’t know what the rules are for the site so I want to disclose that. I don’t want to accidentally come across as trying to sell on the boards.

 

[GAHere]

Thank you, iheartcoffee, but I’m not as interested in the programs themselves, just whether or not others here on the forums have had them offered at their parishes and if they made a difference in their own spiritual journey.

I know these type of programs are the fruit of John Paull IIs call for the new Evangelization. Certainly we didn’t have anything like this when I was growing up. The different ones I’ve seen, and the few I’ve gone through have been very effective. Was just hoping others would be willing to share how it helped or didn’t. Or if they haven’t signed up for a program yet, what their reasons were.

 

[Iheartcoffee]

I can tell you that programs like Symbolon are being made available a a parish license so parishioners can do the program at home on their own time or anywhere with an internet connection. This is a way to work around the very valid scheduling issues that a lot of people run into.

 

[GAHere]

Thanks, iheartcoffee, I continue to be impressed by how rapidly this type of adult formation is growing. I suppose ‘rapidly’ is relative, though, since the call from JPII was back in the early 90s, I think, but it seems like more programs are sprouting up all over.

I’m still curious to hear from members of Cathlolic Answers, though, as to whether or not they are seeing what I’m seeing in my home town. That no one has really responded to this thread even though they have visited it makes me wonder if perhaps this movement toward Adult Faith Formation hasn’t reached them yet? I know that everyone here is looking for Answers, they enjoy the programs Catholic Answers offers on the radio. But that seems so ‘out there, distant’. Is there anything going on in their home parishes?

Interestingly enough, I find myself being asked questions about certain Catholic teachings and practices within day-to-day conversations. I generally answer the question, if I’m able, and after the conversation they tend to comment how good it must be to know so much. I always encourage them to sign up for opportunities to learn from their home parishes but they don’t seem receptive to that. I just wonder why. Seems to me it’s becoming very convenient, I’d expect more to take advantage of the opportunities.

 

[Casilda]

Have any of you gone through any Small Group Faith Formation/Evangelization type study programs at your parish? NO
If you have, did the parish respond positively, did it grow as a result?
If you have not, why not? Have they not been available? NOT AVAILABLEDoes the commitment of 6 or so weeks steer you away? Does the small group structure not appeal to you? BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I WOULD LOVE THIS APPROACH

Examples of what I’m referring to would be (add your own):
Fr. Robert Barron’s “Catholicism”
Ascension Press: “Great Adventure Bible Timeline” (Bible), “Chosen” (Confirmation)
Augustine Institute’s: “Symbolon” (RCIA), “YDisciple” (Youth)
Hearts Afire’s: 33 Days to Morning Glory, Consoling the Heart of Jesus

I’ve been through Great Adventure (Bible), Walking Toward Eternity (Lectio Divina), 33 Days, and Consoling the Heart and those definitely affected my daily life, outlook, behaviors on a personal level. They affected my family on differing levels. They won’t sign up for whatever’s offered, but if the topic appeals to them they’d consider it. Time commitment is what holds them back.

On a parish level, the whole ‘small group’ structure with a DVD from the author of a given program has certainly brought parishioners together after having worked in ministries and worshiped at Mass side by side for years.

I’m wondering if other parishes are taking advantage of the variety of options available to them. From this end it was like a pitcher of fresh cool water for this group of people who were thirsting for direction, clarity, inspiration, Truth. The work of the Holy Spirit is visible in our parish as a result.

Catholic friends of ours have been giving us reading material, The Dogmas of the Catholic Church, Barron’s Catholicism video set, and opportunities to have our questions answered. It seems that our parish is on summer hold right now, no Bible studies, etc. because so many people go out of town. I wish there was ‘something’ for those who stay behind.

 

[GAHere]

Catholic friends of ours have been giving us reading material, The Dogmas of the Catholic Church, Barron’s Catholicism video set, and opportunities to have our questions answered. It seems that our parish is on summer hold right now, no Bible studies, etc. because so many people go out of town. I wish there was ‘something’ for those who stay behind.

yes, it seems summer is for vacation bible studies and teen youth camps. Haven’t seen much new in those areas around here. I suspect there would be some new evangelization type program available. Has anyone noticed anything in their town?

 

[brikar]

Have any of you gone through any Small Group Faith Formation/Evangelization type study programs at your parish?

Yes. We just did Oremus.

If you have, did the parish respond positively, did it grow as a result?
Absolutely. It was well received. Our parish is going through a transformation, and it is being noticed. Our pastor put together an evangelization team, and we are organizing many and different opportunities for the parish.

If you have not, why not? Have they not been available? Does the commitment of 6 or so weeks steer you away? We had a good turn out, but the 6-8 week commitment is too long for many.

Does the small group structure not appeal to you? Some love it (Self included) others are uncomfortable with it. Those who have done it have experienced spiritual and relational growth. I appreciate seeing what others have done. Thanks!

 

[GAHere]

Our pastor put together an evangelization team, and we are organizing many and different opportunities for the parish.

Thanks for sharing, Brikar. I’m not familiar with Oremus, will need to look that up.
Intrigued the the ‘evangelization team’ idea. What is that like? Did he hand pick some parishioners, meet with them, brainstorm, or just direct them somehow?

 

[brikar]

Thanks for sharing, Brikar. I’m not familiar with Oremus, will need to look that up.

****Oremus is wonderful. Do look into it.
Intrigued the the ‘evangelization team’ idea. What is that like?
I have to say that the e-team is a great group. We come away from meetings fired up. We put together different parish events… Small group faith sharing, retreats, activities for young families etc. Parishioners are enjoying what is happening in the Parish. Now, we are looking to bring more people into the hosting committees of each activity. So it isn’t the same people that do everything.

Did he hand pick some parishioners, meet with them, brainstorm, or just direct them somehow?

He handpicked a diverse age group of about 12 people. Everyone that he asked, accepted. We developed a mission statement. We set goals for the year and put our plans into action. The pastor is with us and will give (name removed by moderator)ut. But he wants and lets the e-team make the decisions and develop the action plan. There are definitely changes happening within the Parish. There has always been older active people. But now there are people in their 20’s and 30’s that are very present and active in Bible studies and church events. They are forming a young adult group and they are creating socials for that age group. We have a great pastor who is doing some great things.

 

[Angela_Tate]

He handpicked a diverse age group of about 12 people. Everyone that he asked, accepted. We developed a mission statement. We set goals for the year and put our plans into action. The pastor is with us and will give (name removed by moderator)ut. But he wants and lets the e-team make the decisions and develop the action plan. There are definitely changes happening within the Parish. There has always been older active people. But now there are people in their 20’s and 30’s that are very present and active in Bible studies and church events. They are forming a young adult group and they are creating socials for that age group. We have a great pastor who is doing some great things.

Sounds wonderful, brikar! In our parish as well, the Small Group DVD programs have brought ministry groups which usually operated independent of each other together.

With Oremus did you see members you would have expected to attend, or did you see some people you didn’t recognize? Did the Evangelization group select the Oremus program? Do you think they’ll return for other program you will offer?

I’ve seen threads in this forum about young adult groups. I’m sure the people posting there would want to know more about your parish’s success in that area. I hope you’ll share the results and offer suggestions there.

 

[GAHere]

Catholic friends of ours have been giving us reading material, The Dogmas of the Catholic Church, Barron’s Catholicism video set, and opportunities to have our questions answered. It seems that our parish is on summer hold right now, no Bible studies, etc. because so many people go out of town. I wish there was ‘something’ for those who stay behind.

Casilda, are you actively looking for adult formation opportunities in your parish and around town? I know I am, but within my circle of friends, other parish members, I’ve noticed most of them are content with where they are at in their faith. They seem to glance over the bulletin notices. When I strike a conversation about signing up for one or another, or invite them to a talk in a nearby town, it just falls flat. Kind of makes me sad. Then, the other thing I notice is when I finish a program, or come back from a talk, they want to hear all about it. I’ll share the information and they seem genuinely interested, but still not enough to make time for the next.

Wondering if it’s the same at other parishes. People talk about how the church should teach from the pulpit, but when these adult formation classes are offered they don’t make the time to attend. I think that’s the overall problem I see. Parishes won’t continue to offer these excellent small group programs if people don’t attend.

 

[Casilda]

Casilda, are you actively looking for adult formation opportunities in your parish and around town? I know I am, but within my circle of friends, other parish members, I’ve noticed most of them are content with where they are at in their faith. They seem to glance over the bulletin notices. When I strike a conversation about signing up for one or another, or invite them to a talk in a nearby town, it just falls flat. Kind of makes me sad. Then, the other thing I notice is when I finish a program, or come back from a talk, they want to hear all about it. I’ll share the information and they seem genuinely interested, but still not enough to make time for the next.

Wondering if it’s the same at other parishes. People talk about how the church should teach from the pulpit, but when these adult formation classes are offered they don’t make the time to attend. I think that’s the overall problem I see. Parishes won’t continue to offer these excellent small group programs if people don’t attend.

Exactly. The priest is actually forming a small class for a handful of new members and inquirers later this month because of lack of ANY organized study. We are seeking ANY such study in ANY parish in our diocese. We’ve joined a diocese-wide prayer group that meets once a week and has a monthly gathering. I am afraid that once Sept comes around we will be connected elsewhere with para-parish groups.

 

[HappyPeach]

I participated in the Catholicism study by Fr. Barron. My parish offered it at the same time as my son’s PSR class. It lasted approximately 20 weeks, as we’d meet an hour at a time while the children were in PSR. So one week we would watch a DVD and the next week we would have discussion. I also participated in a 4 week study of the Divine Office. I am aware of other programs that the parish offers, such as Lectio Divina; but I haven’t experienced them myself. Many of the groups meet at night and I have a young child plus a husband who travels for work.

I am starting my second year with a women’s bible study that is actually considered a “small group” out of a nearby parish. We use the Great Adventure series by Jeff Cavins. Last school-year we studied the Acts of the Apostles and this year we will study the Bible Timeline. We meet in one woman’s home. The group has grown to be ecumenical and I enjoy seeing our protestant friends understand the Catholic faith more fully (and keep coming back for more!) We meet for 24 weeks for about 2 hours each week, while our children are in school.

 

[ajp]

Does anyone have experience with Y-disciple?

 

[jeannetherese]

Have any of you gone through any Small Group Faith Formation/Evangelization type study programs at your parish?

I have attended presentations by our priest which have been held prior to Mass at myFSSP parish. They last about an hour, are very well attended, and have been very beneficial to my faith life.
the fact that each time Father offers a class, families take the time to come in, suggests that others are finding these presentations to be beneficial as well.

If you have not, why not? Have they not been available? Does the commitment of 6 or so weeks steer you away? Does the small group structure not appeal to you?

the other two parishes in which I am involved also offer programs-in these cases the programs are purchased packages.
I would love to attend the Symbolon presentations but cannot work around my work/commuting schedule. the possibility of attending online is very attractive due to my long days away from home. I have followed some evangelization online (Father Barron and some presentations from John Paul the Great University which have been made available online.
My other parish emphasizes participants feelings about bible readings in its study program. I am looking for programs which strictly adhere to the Magisterium, and have found that this sort of program at my parish has difficulties in this area. It is not a good use of my time.
I also listen, at times, to the Bible studies available through Lighthouse or Catholic radio when I am driving. Because my attention is split between driving and listening, I get a bit less from the presentations, but they are helpful.

Examples of what I’m referring to would be (add your own):
Fr. Robert Barron’s “Catholicism”
Ascension Press: “Great Adventure Bible Timeline” (Bible), “Chosen” (Confirmation)
Augustine Institute’s: “Symbolon” (RCIA), “YDisciple” (Youth)
Hearts Afire’s: 33 Days to Morning Glory, Consoling the Heart of Jesus

 

[DiZent]

My parish has used many small group programs for adult continuing formation & enrichment. The theme and focus varied, depending on the program. Participation tends to be underwhelming. Time and commitment is always a problem. I don’t recall any of the DVD based programs being used. Some of the ones I attended were:

Active Parenting of Teens - a video based 4 session program to help parents

Renew - focus was Social Justice. I liked it, because it made me think about living out my faith. I have since heard many negative comments about it and the parish skipped Renew 2000 due to problems with the materials.

Disciples in Mission - focus was the Sunday readings during Lent - and how to share the faith with others. There were 3 years of materials to use. The small group I was in continues to meet to this day - using other materials that focused on the Sunday readings - including Prayer Time & the Sunday Missal.

Why Catholic - focus was the Catechism - the parish got involved in the 2nd year - it was set up as 2 season presentation each year, and my small group went back and did year 1 after we had completed year 4.

Since then, my small group has chosen various topics to study - mostly using Little Rock or other books. We look for books with study guides/and leader’s answer guide.
Women of the Old Testament
Women of the New Testament
The Mass by Dr. Edward Sri
Gospel of Luke
Gospel of John & the Letters of John
Book of Revelation

The Parish continues to present small group opportunities for adults. It is very hard to get people to attend.