Today, Dave and I brainstorm ideas and share opinions on how to approach catechesis and faith formation during this upcoming year, when groups can’t meet in person or at parishes. As you, dear listeners, know, Dave and I have lots of thoughts, and sometimes they can be pretty controversial ones–this episode might contain more of those than normal. If nothing else, our major message is this–we both agree that the way forward is to strengthen the domestic church and focus on forming adults, so that they can in turn hand on the faith to their children. This will be an ongoing conversation, so please email us with your ideas, strategies for addressing this at your parish, and feedback.
Snippet from the Show
“Connection is more important than perfection.”
Shownotes
“ The faith cannot be given in a disembodied manner.”
Shownotes
Practical Takeaways
- Get the Baltimore catechism if you’re a parent. If you’re a Director of Religious Education or confirmation leader, recommend it to your parents who are doing Sacramental Prep.
- If you’re a Director of Religious Education or Parish leader, focus on supporting the faith of the parents, first. Invite them for a night of adoration and focus on their spiritual needs.
- Explore programs that you or the parents of your kids can use at home, at your own pace, to help guide your sacramental prep.
- Read St. Athanasius on the importance of the incarnation.
- Make a list of 3 things you can start doing as an individual and with your family to make your home more of a domestic church.
Resources
- Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com
- Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and be added to Gomer and Dave’s email list!
- Visit Dave’s website at thesinnersguide.com
- As parishes plan for the fall, Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings!
Meet Your Hosts
Michael “Gomer” Gormley
Michael spent 17 years in full-time parish ministry and is now the Mission Evangelist for That Man Is You!, a men’s apostolate for Paradisus Dei. Michael is a frequent speaker at conferences, retreats, and parish missions all over the US and Canada.
He is the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, and hosts two popular Catholic podcasts: Catching Foxes and Every Knee Shall Bow.
He is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon, and has four beautiful and hilarious children: Kateri, Cecilia, Noah, and Thomas.
Dave VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of fourteen and has since dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ.
He is a speaker and retreat leader who focuses on proclaiming the universal call to holiness, authentic Catholic spirituality, spiritual warfare and deliverance. Additionally, Dave has over ten years of experience assisting Priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance.
Dave married his late wife Amber in 2010. He now resides in Pittsburgh with his five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie and Louisa.
I’ve been using the Baltimore Catechism for ten years with my own children. I am planning to purchase the New American Catechism series to use instead as it is updated. Everyone should use the New American Catechism series.