GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
The following are a list of ministries that a parish might use in its staffing.
Parish Director of Faith Formation (PDFF)
The person hired for this ministry should be responsible to coordinate the entire scope of faith formation in the parish:
Adult Faith Formation Children’s catechesis
Sacramental Catechesis Family Catechesis
Intergenerational Catechesis
Qualifications:
Holds or is working towards a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or a related field
At least three years experience in an administrative position in parish
Catechetical Ministry
Understands the principles of Lifelong Faith Formation
Is able to coordinate, delegate, and direct a variety of activities
Understands and embraces the principles and practice of collaboration
Understands and implements diocesan catechetical and sacramental guidelines
Parish Coordinator Adult of Faith Formation (PCAFF)
The person hired for this position would work in collaboration with the PDFF in developing the adult component of the parish’s lifelong faith formation ministry.
The PCAFF would work in collaboration with the PDFF to insure that all planned adult faith formation events compliment the other formational events in the parish. This person would collaborate with the Parish Sacrament Coordinator when working with RCIA candidates
Qualifications
Holds or is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or a related field
At least three years experience in parish catechetical ministry
Understands the principles of Lifelong Faith Formation
Understands and embraces the principles and practice of collaboration
Has been formed in and understands the principles of adult learning styles
PARISH SACRAMENT COORDINATOR (PSC)
The person hired for this position would work in collaboration with the PDFF, PCAFF, and the PCCFF, as well as the Director of Liturgy in the parish. This ministry would prepare and direct a formation process for all persons and their families who would be preparing to celebrate any of the following sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation. The PCS would be responsible to gather and form an RCIA team as well facilitating the RCIA sessions. This person would also be responsible t for coordinating the marriage prep process in the parish.
Qualifications
Holds or is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or a related field
At least three years experience in parish catechetical ministry
Understands the principles of Lifelong Faith Formation
Understands and embraces the principles and practice of collaboration
Has been formed in and understands the principles of adult learning styles
Understands and implements diocesan catechetical and sacramental guideline
PARISH COORDINATOR FOR CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION (PCCFF)
The person hired for this position would work in collaboration with the Parish Director of Faith Formation. The PCCFF would be responsible for the faith formation of children Grades pre-k through 8th grade. The PCCFF would recruit and form the parish catechists, as well as oversee the background checks for all children’s catechists. The PCCFF would also be responsible for the administration of the children’s faith formation program. The PCCFF would work in collaboration with all other ministries to insure that parish based faith formation is accomplished.
Qualifications
Holds or is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, Theology, or a related field
At least three years experience in parish catechetical ministry
Understands the principles of Lifelong Faith Formation
Understands and embraces the principles and practice of collaboration
Has been formed in and understands the principles of adult learning styles
Is able to explore and create a variety of models of faith formation in order to meet the lifestyles of the families in the program
SOME TERMS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL IN PARISH PLANNING FOR TRANSITION INTO LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION
INTERGENERATIONAL GATHERINGS
These gatherings are designed to incorporate all age groups in the parish. They are not EXCLUSIVELY for families with children. All members of the parish are invited to participate. These events are all inclusive, offering something for everyone
Possible Themes:
Liturgical Year Morality Church Liturgy
Sacraments Creed Prayer/Spirituality Social Justice
* Sacramental Prep *Retreats/parish missions
GENERATIONAL GATHERINGS
These gatherings focus on a particular age group. They include:
Graded curriculum based catechesis
Adult Enrichment sessions
* These sessions can be designed for both intergenerational gatherings and generational gatherings
Events- Centered Catechesis