The fall/winter schedule of adult enrichment/catechist formation classes is now available, according to Chris Malmevik of the diocesan Department of Catechetical Ministries.

"Adult enrichment and catechist formation are processes that assist all of the faithful, especially those called to the catechetical ministry, in responding to their baptismal call to spread the word of God and grow in their faith," Malmevik said. "The adult enrichment/catechist formation process of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois was created to do just that."

Malmevik said that adult enrichment opportunities are made available to respond to the growing need of Catholics to know more about their faith in order to make faith-filled decisions.

"Many Catholics want to know church teaching on various issues and they wish to grow in their relationship with God," Malmevik said. "The days of thinking, ‘I learned everything I need to know about my religion back in grade school' are over. People are realizing that learning goes on way beyond the childhood and adolescent years in many fields and especially in the faith development arena. God and the church are always calling us to judge things by what is true, make moral choices, and grow closer to God."

In addition, the catechist formation process can lead to formal certification and diocesan recognition of professional and volunteer catechists. The policies of the diocese require that all Catholic school teachers and volunteer parish school of religion catechists be certified. The purpose of the process is to provide the opportunity for catechists to enrich their background in religious studies in order to be more effective communicators of the Gospel message to those to whom they are called to minister.

The Department for Catechetical Ministries promotes the adult enrichment and catechist formation process in a variety of ways, according to Malmevik. She notes the biennial Diocesan Adult Education Conference, regional meetings for teachers/catechists, various workshops, approving alternate programs for credit like the Echoes of Faith, Catechist Magazine, the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation online courses, Serve our Schools and Parishes programs, and assisting the deaneries of our diocese with the set up and promotion of course offerings. Many parishes and schools that provide adult enrichment and catechist formation for their parishioners, Parish School of Religion and school faculties are utilizing these programs.

During the fall/winter people will have the opportunity to attend courses across the diocese for the purpose of adult enrichment and catechist formation credit, Malmevik said. Continuing this year is the opportunity for Catholic school teachers in the process of state recertification to receive CPDUs for some of the courses on the schedule.

Also continuing this year is the opportunity for people to take online courses through the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (see page 14).

"Because we are a partnering diocese with the University of Dayton in this program, our people can take online courses for half price ($40 per course)," Malmevik said.

Bishop George J. Lucas said, "I encourage all who are able to take advantage of the offerings this fall and winter for adult enrichment and catechist formation to do so. Baptized Catholics have a responsibility today to bring the light and truth of Jesus Christ to our world. By learning more about our faith, we become more sure of ourselves in giving witness to the truth at home, in the neighborhood and in the workplace.

"We also find that our prayer and worship are enriched. Since we also have the obligation to pass on our faith to the next generation, it is important that we are well formed in the faith ourselves. The process of catechist formation helps ensure that we will have effective teachers and catechists to share the faith with children and adults alike," he said.

Call the contact names in the schedule to register or ask for information from pastors, DRE/CREs or principals. For any other information contact Chris Malmevik in the Department of Catechetical Ministries, (217) 698-8500, ext. 178.