Faith formation includes every action, experience, and relationship that nurtures a deep and abiding relationship with God, which shapes the way we interact with God’s creation. This includes:

• Sharing of the Gospel in word and deed
• Learning about the faith in a way that brings spiritual growth
• Meaningful relationships and faith dialogue with fellow disciples of Jesus  
• Individual and communal prayer
• Scriptural reflection and study
• Discerning personal gifts and the call to share them in witnessing to the Gospel

Community and Belonging
Faith formation occurs most effectively in the context of a supportive community in which people are invited, welcomed and feel they belong.

As the Directory for Catechesis teaches, “The faith is professed, celebrated, expressed, and lived above all in community” (DC 88). Because the deepening of trust in God is fundamental to lifelong formation, the individual participating in faith formation must also be able to trust the community and instructors accompanying their spiritual growth. This means that they must feel welcomed and accepted, able to express doubts and confusion as they grow in faith. To accompany people on a journey of lifelong formation we must invite and welcome them into a community of faith, where they can experience the love of God more fully over time.