I first became aware of the Faith Formation program through my involvement in the Young Adult Conference (an annual event held in October). The Faith Formation program has been designed to promote the goals of the Conference throughout the rest of the year, namely, faith, fellowship and friendship.

Any newcomer to the program can expect to be warmly welcomed to the group. Every session starts with a simple but tasty communal meal. This is followed by a short prayer and a preview of the gospel passage to be read the following Sunday. At this point the large group breaks into smaller discussion groups of 5-6 people. Each group has already selected a topic that they intend to focus on for the entire six-week program. Topic choices include Faith, Hope, Scripture (and a special Lenten theme for the program beginning in March). A booklet is used to facilitate discussion and some very thought-provoking questions are considered. Participants are free to contribute to the discussion or just sit back and listen. There is also some time set aside for private reflection and journal writing. At the end of the evening everyone reconvenes to socialize for awhile. And there are usually extra desserts for anyone who wants one!

Participants break for a photo opportunity at Young Adult Faith Formation at St. Noel Parish.

Photo by Jeff Rubinski

It has been my experience that many parishes in the diocese have programs geared toward seniors and teens. However, these parishes find it more challenging to support that middle demographic: the young adult. I think there are several reasons for this, including parish resources that are already stretched thin and the tendency for people in this age bracket to be constantly on the move, parish to parish and city to city. Faith Formation is a wonderful way to address the need and desire of young adults throughout the diocese to meet each other and to share and strengthen their faith.

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It’s exciting to be part of the young adult community in Northeast Ohio!   I have only been in the Cleveland area for just over two years and the way the Holy Spirit is working through this group is amazing!  One of the most recent ways this has been demonstrated is through the Young Adult Faith Formation Program which has been developed on the East side at St. Noel’s parish. 

Each evening we came together, shared a meal, participated in group prayer, small group discussion and prayer time, and then gathered again for social time.  Though not everyone in the group knew one another when we began, by the end of the six weeks, as more members opened up, we got to know and care for each other.  Friendships were deepened and a better understanding of how the Lord works in our lives continued to develop.

These sessions were a gift in my hectic life and I’m grateful for what they offered and will continue to offer me in the future.

The next session will be on March 6, 2006 and is a great opportunity to do something for Lent!  Click here for a Registration Brochure  For more information, please contact:  Michelle Lantos, 216.798.9206 or michelle91270@yahoo.com or Paul Kelly, 216.334.1261 x 28 or pekelly@clevelandcatholiccharities.org