A new format for Adult Faith Formation in the diocese features three unique elements – PROCLAIM, AWAKEN, and ENCOUNTER:

PROCLAIM is a movement where the diocese’s Evangelization & Mission Leader will accompany both parishes and individuals in a discipleship-making model for the purpose of multiplying missionary disciples. Individuals and parishes will learn how to develop and nurture small faith communities.

God is calling each of us and our parish communities to live out a radical missionary identity so that more people may come to know and love him. There are three programs that we would like to highlight that any parish or individual can use in order to share the good news with their community:

• THE RESCUE PROJECT: The Rescue Project seeks to proclaim the gospel in a compelling and attractive way over eight weeks in a small group format. This experience is imbued with beauty, authentic humanity, and accompaniment. Simply put, participants will an experience of the gospel surrounded by food, conversation and prayer.
• ALPHA: Alpha provides an introduction to the Christian life, in a casual and attractive setting. Alpha programs are typically run by parish communities that have a desire to provide an opportunity for parishioners to invite friends and neighbours to join them at the Church for a meal, a short video session, and a small group discussion. Alpha programs are great for building community and can provide an attractive first impression to new or potential new members.
• DISCOVERY: Discovery is a six-week long faith study with the goal of introducing participants to the basic message of the Catholic Faith and invites members to consider their own relationship with Jesus. The strength of Discovery is that it requires no audio visual equipment, and can be led in nearly any environment and for groups of many sizes. Discovery is a great way to launch small groups in your parish.

For more information about having a program launched at your parish, please contact John Hickey at 306-659-5847 or jhickey@rcdos.ca

AWAKEN will provide an opportunity for individuals to consider their call to share in the mission and life of the Lord. Four-to-five session in-person modules will be offered twice a year, with instruction that is grounded in Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Participants can choose to take part in one module or both. New to Awaken are multiple-session webinars, also offered twice a year. Another element of Awaken is the diocesan Called and Gifted discernment process from the Catherine of Siena Institute (LINK).

ENCOUNTER features large group events to help create an environment for growth in discipleship and holiness. Encounter offerings include a diocesan-wide retreat, a Truth and Reconciliation themed event and a Marriage and Family Event.