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Why Faith Formation is for Everyone
“I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good,
and lead you on the way you should go."
-Isaiah 48:17
Origen, the great third century theologian, believed a desire to know the truth was embedded in our very nature. Throughout life, though, he believed a person could only gather together pieces of truth here and fragments of knowledge there. Humans, being limited by sin and frailty, could only, as Paul said, “see in a mirror dimly.” Human weakness, according to Origen, however, didn’t excuse us from seeking knowledge. Instead, it meant that learning was a life-long journey, an endeavor that never ends for anybody until we know fully, even as we are “fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12).
Learning the Catholic faith of Jesus Christ is a life-long journey. At our baptisms, we were united with Christ in such a way that we were meant to grow with him and in him forever. When a couple marries, they begin a relationship. The same is true with God. If a husband stopped adoring his wife and learning more about her, his marriage would soon be in trouble. So too with God: if you stop adoring Jesus and learning about him, your soul will be in trouble. Saint John Chrysostom, in his usually blunt way, said as much, warning that it is “not possible for anyone to be saved without continually taking advantage of spiritual reading.” Harsh indeed! But quite possibly true.
At St. Rita there are many opportunities for both children and adults to renew their commitment to faith formation. Sunday school, sacramental preparation, adult formation, and Christian initiation all give opportunities for spiritual growth for the entire family. As you explore these pages, ask yourself just what God wants of you…because he wants something!