Formation days focus on Christian initiation

Published: September 9, 2024

En Español

The 2024-25 Parish Catechist Formation Day focuses on the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, which goes into effect on Ash Wednesday 2025. This daylong event is offered in five parishes across Arkansas from September to May. All catechists, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators and other faith formation leaders in parishes are invited to attend at the location of their choice in English or Spanish. Visit the calendar to find dates and locations.

"The new translation explains the process we follow to fulfill our mission: to bring people into a relationship with Christ in communion with the Catholic Church," explained Jeff Hines, director of the Faith Formation Office. During this formation day, "we will learn the roles and responsibilities of the parish community to accompany, invite, evangelize, catechize and celebrate the rites at the appropriate times for those who are on the journey to a sacramental encounter with Christ."

Participants may register online or via email to Jasmine Hogan for the location of their choice at one of the following parishes:

• Sept. 21 — Church of St. John the Baptist, Hot Springs. Deadline to register is Sept. 3.
• Nov. 16 — St. John Church, Russellville. Deadline to register is Oct. 28.
• Jan. 18 — Holy Redeemer Church, El Dorado. Deadline to register is Dec. 30.
• March 22 — St. James Church, Searcy. Deadline to register is March 4.
• May 10 — St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Bella Vista. Deadline to register is April 21.

Each formation day is held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes presentations from priests, deacons, ordained religious and qualified catechists with small group discussion, lunch and Mass. (Mass times vary by location.) The cost is $15 per person. The fee includes lunch and is payable by cash or check to the Diocese of Little Rock. Advance registration is required. For more information, contact Jasmine Hogan at (501) 664-0340, ext. 323.

This event is the annual training program for those who teach religious education in the Diocese of Little Rock. It is sponsored by the diocese's Faith Formation Office. For more information, contact Jeff Hines, faith formation director, at (501) 664-0340. 

The Faith Formation Office began hosting formation days in 2022. That year, the focused was on "The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church," the 2021 document released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) outlining the goals of the National Eucharistic Revival. In 2023, the theme was "The Love of Christ Impels Us," which offered catechists an opportunity to learn "how to live out our vocation to share Christ with others in our parishes, communities and families."