The American Catholic Bishops in the General Catechetical Directory say "Shepherds of souls should always keep in mind the obligation they have of safeguarding and promoting the enlightenment of Christian existence through the word of God for people of all ages and in all historical circumstances, so that it may be possible to have contact with every individual and community in the spiritual states in which each one is."
In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn about the formation of community. Just as the followers of Jesus gathered in fellowship, in community, the people of SSPJ belong to a community. We gather in prayer, in service, to praise and to give thanks. We gather to share faith, our gifts and ourselves.
The Catholic Church is in the early stages of a major paradigm shift in faith formation. The new paradigm of faith formation has its roots in the earliest traditions of catechesis within the Catholic Church and has been emerging for the past 40 years. In the new paradigm, the Church has to become a significant community of faith. Faith formation is a process of transformation (conversion) and formation (nurture). It is participation in the practices of the Catholic way of life.
At SSPJ, we strive to make faith formation a life-long experience. We offer formation programs for every age. We invite you to consider joining in our many faith formation opportunities.