Sister Lisa Marie Cecil, OSU, Director of Religious Education at St. Pius Tenth, Calvert City, said, "After meeting with Patty Blair and discussing the profound contents of the document, 'Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation,' I felt the parishioners of St. Pius Tenth should have an opportunity to become involved in this document’s directives." Some money was budgeted from the adult education fund to cover the cost of expenses and the wheels were set in motion to present this very timely workshop to the Calvert City parishioners.

Sister Pat Froning is the Director of the Office of Lay Ministry and Outreach for Diocese Parish Pastoral Formation for small Christian communities through retreats and workshops.

Patty Blair, Director of Religious Education of the Diocese, became acutely aware of the need for emphasis on adult education after reading the document, "Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation." She is of the opinion, "If adult education is done well then everything else will fall into place."

Together, following the "Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation" document by the Bishops in the United States, the group was encouraged to exercise their own thoughts through a variety of what turned into very lively discussions. The Pastoral Plan that was used for this workshop contains four parts:

1. tangible challenges and breakthroughs;

2. vital essentials of adult faith;

3. three strategic objectives to search for consistent principles to utilize; six subject matter areas to focus on; and several methods to offer positive expansion of adult faith formation; and

4. including the heart of the parish as the "locus of adult faith formation ministry" and recognizes the significant roles of "parish leadership and diocesan support." It is brought forth in this document that, "if you work with adults, you have the opportunity to help them to continue to grow in their faith."

It was this statement that brought suggestions that included the use of literature to the possible expansion of existing programs. Other ideas were newsletters, study groups, potluck suppers with a speaker to address different views of our faith, and finding ways to promote more understanding of the personal and spiritual life of the parishioners.

Each of the groups formed was asked to share their own experiences of faith formation as an adult and then to discuss the "insight and circumstances of these experiences." Other issues included distinguishing between the needs of adult faith formation vs. that of children, and the objectives and philosophies for adult faith formation in this parish. The group discussions began with the need, plan implementation, and following through to the final fruition of the strategies used. It was felt by all the attendees that this would have to be an ongoing program starting with the execution of one or two goals a year. Thought provoking discussions, including the "concerns of life and faith" throughout the lifecycle, were introduced and then several tangible approaches were given that could be followed. Major roles and the validity of their direction and support, also came under discussion with some very solid approaches that could be taken.

Each session began and ended with a prayer, the discussions were animated and at all times relevant to the needs of the parish.

All in all, this was a very good workshop that increased inner awareness with some very clear-cut tactics that may work very effectively.

A few comments that were made by the participants include:

Heidi: "I think we can do more than we are."

Diane: "This will help me become a better Christian and to become more involved."

Donna: " Gives me a feeling of excitement that something may begin happening in our parish."

Lori: "I really think this is going to work if we can just involve enough people."

Sister Lisa Marie: "Maybe we can get fired up to enrich our own faith and it may be the impetus to do more in community service and family life."

Sarah: "This was very inspiring."

Father Robert Drury, St. Pius Tenth Parish Pastor: "This is a very good way to interact with fellow parishioners."

"Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us" is an excellent workshop, well-planned and involves all the participants throughout the program. I would encourage anyone interested in adult faith formation to contact Sister Pat Froning or Patty Blair at, (270) 683-1545, the Catholic Pastoral Center.