Adult Faith Formation

Adults young and old at Sacred Heart Parish are encouraged to deepen their faith by joining one or more of the offered programs throughout the parish community. These programs include something for everyone, short courses during the seasons of Lent and Advent and longer courses that extend through the entire academic year. These programs are chosen with the average parishioner in mind- these are not classes that require a degree in theology or fluency in ancient Greek. In fact, each class is designed for all ages and all walks of life with the simple purpose of bringing all closer to Christ and deepening the faith of the entire parish community. If you are interested in deepening your faith, below are some examples of the types of programs offered at Sacred Heart Parish.

Anchored in Faith, whole-community Faith Formation Program

Everyone, including adults interested in Faith Formation, is invited to Anchored in Faith, our new whole-community Faith Formation Program on Sundays, 10:10-11:25 am in the Parish Center gym.

Anchored in Faith invited parishioners of all ages to learn about their faith and celebrate together. This approach provides an integrated and comprehensive direction, addressing the role of the parish community as both the agent for catechesis and its recipient, and promoting faith formation as a lifelong process. It emphasizes all ages and generations, provides opportunities for Christian Service, and supports the family's role in passing on the faith to children. It also supports the Domestic Church, which is vital to the continuing mission of the Church.

What does the program look like?

After the 9 am Mass, everyone is invited to the Parish Center gym for coffee and donuts. Parents/ guardians of children attending, will sign their child in on the respective grade sheets. There will be a short gathering prayer reflective of the Sunday readings. Children will be excused to their age-appropriate class around 10:30 am. Older teens can opt to stay with their family to attend the presentation. Adults stay for their session on various topics presented by priests, novices, and guest speakers. At 11:20 am, the session ends and parents/ guardians are instructed to go to the child's respective classroom and sign them out. OCIA participants continue formation until 12 pm. Special celebrations of liturgical seasons will be added when applicable.

Men and Women Faith Sharing Groups

In an effort to increase an already vibrant sense of community at Sacred Heart Parish, these small group studies are intended to introduce parishioners to each other and encourage current parishioners to branch out and meet new parishioners. These groups are intended to provide an informal setting for faith sharing and comradery. These faith sharing groups will focus on the content of Scripture and tangible ways to live out the teachings of Scripture in one’s everyday life.

Men and Women Retreats

When the crowds closed around Jesus and his Apostles, they went on retreat, oftentimes to a remote area, a mountainside, or to a quiet room. For men and women today who are immersed in the daily grind of life, this same need for retreat is very real. Imagine for a moment setting aside the worries of work, the tasks around the house, and the ever-present cell phone.

Retreats at Sacred Heart Parish feature guest speakers, engaging discussions, time for prayer and reflection, and an opportunity to meet other parishioners. The Men's Retreat is a weekend retreat that occurs in January. For the women of our parish, we offer Mornings of Reflection in the spring and fall. Registration for each event fills up quickly, so register as soon as information becomes available.

Aside from the formal programs offered at Sacred Heart Parish, parishioners who wish to deepen their faith may contact the parish office to schedule a meeting with a priest.

For more information contact our Faith Formation Director, 719-633-8711 x105 or formationdirector@sacredheartcos.org.