Assisting young adults to appreciate
the teachings and traditions of the Church through catechesis, religious
education, and pastoral care.
The need for effective
adult religious education to assist in making good moral decisions
is more important now then ever. Having the
opportunity to speak out in an open
but well-reasoned discussion allows young adults to clarify all
misconceptions and misunderstandings and
gives way for the Church to
articulate a clear response on its teachings.
Young adults have
the opportunity to:
- Attend a
variety of educational programs such as: evening classes, special
one-evening presentations, days of recollection/retreat, discussion groups,
mentoring relationships, and missions.
- Attend scripture study groups or assist
in the renovation of current parish scripture groups.
(To join an ongoing scripture study group, visit the YAM Groups tab).
- Enroll in courses at the Diocesan Institute-
view the current class curriculum
here.
- Make use of available print resources,
audio and videocassettes, and computer resources such as CD-ROM and the
Internet. Audiotapes can be used while traveling, exercising, or at home in
the evening (Resources can be checked out from the
Diocesan Media Center).
Rite of
Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)-
Provides the opportunity for young adults to
enter their faith and for
those already
baptized and in communion with the
Church to sponsor other young adults. Learn more about the process
of
initiation or to begin the RCIA
program, check
your parish bulletin for additional
information.
Marriage
Preparation-
Many young
adults are called to the vocation of marriage. It is important that couples
nurture their relationship by
becoming
more involved in learning about
their faith and the Church's teachings. Especially during the
engagement process, couples should
embrace the
rich evangelization process that
comes from marriage preparation. The journey of faith is
similar to that of a catechumante
(RCIA). To help
your relationship grow closer to
Christ, the following is recommended:
- Rejoice! You're engaged! Soon to be
married and become a reflection of God's perfect love.
- Grow closer to Christ by engaging in
the marriage preparation process.
- Learn about authentic Catholic teaching
on human sexuality, marriage, and family.
- Learn about Natural Family Planning (NFP). For
more information or to register, click
here.
- The
sacrament of marriage is a vocation that requires patience, love, and Christ
at the center of your lives. Begin now, to set aside time to listen to
Christ and allow Him to guide you as you begin a new life together as
husband and wife.
- Consider becoming involved in the
parish where you are to be married or in the parish where you will be
attending Mass.
- Join ongoing young couples ministry and
participate in sponsored events or
service projects.
- Make sure to
involve your pastor or priest that is to
preside your wedding ceremony. Be vocal about any questions you may have
about the marriage preparation process. Including any questions pertaining
to you as a couple.
- Meet with other engaged couples or
married couples that have been assigned as mentors. They are trained and
skilled in pastoral ministry with young adults and understand the
developmental tasks of people in their late teens, twenties, and thirties.
- Discuss subjects that are meaningful to
you as a couple during marriage preparation such as theology of the
sacrament, communication, commitment, conflict resolution, the role of
religion (especially for interfaith marriages), values, children, and
natural family planning.
- You will be given
proven premarital inventory tools such as FOCUS that will clearly display
each of your views. The priest/mentor will then discuss in detail what
aspects of your relationship need work.
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