Older & Wiser

Older & Wiser

Our relationship with Jesus should not be frozen in time when we are confirmed. Throughout our lives, we are meant to grow in understanding of His teachings. Yet, for many American Catholics, confirmation signals the end of our religious education. Weekly Mass and daily prayer may leave us hungry for more.

The office of Adult Faith Formation of the Archdiocese of New York works to fill this void. “We provide resources to help people enrich their faith,” says acting director Elizabeth Guevara de Gonzalez, “to deepen their knowledge of the Church and Gospel and their relationship with God.” Here’s an update on some of its core programs.

FORMED A bit like Amazon Prime for Catholics, this service is available with no annual fee if you register using an Archdiocese of New York parish code. FORMED offers a rich menu of movies, shows, audio books, e-books and study programs, and much of the content is free for subscribers. Stage a family film festival of saintly biopics; listen to radio dramas during long car rides. This resource is what you make of it. nycatholicfaith.org/formed

New York Catholic Bible School This multiyear program for adults is offered at locations around the archdiocese. “In the past, most participants were catechists, but in recent years we are seeing more everyday Catholics,” Guevara de Gonzalez says. After four years, students will have covered all books of the Old and New Testaments. Two- and four-year certificates are awarded. nycatholicfaith.org/new-york-catholic-bible-school

ChristLife Participants discover Jesus through three seven-week programs featuring talks, music, prayer, food and discussion. In Discovering Christ, we learn who Jesus was; Following Christ helps us develop a closer relationship with God; Sharing Christ leads us to evangelization. nycatholicfaith.org/christlife

Enlighten This curriculum of six free online courses is offered through Fordham University in collaboration with the Archdiocese of New York and includes Understanding Holy Scripture, Unveiling the Sacraments and Catholic Social Teaching. The next seven-week sessions begin on September 16 and October 22.  nycatholicfaith.org/learn

Felix Varela Institute Foundational Spanish-language courses in the faith at 10 locations from Staten Island to Dutchess County. 646-794-2581; nycatholicfaith.org/felix-varela-institute

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) A program of instruction for adults who were not baptized as children, or who did not complete their other sacraments but now wish to become fully initiated Catholics (see “Saying Yes to Christ,” Archways Winter 2018-19). For information, speak to your parish RCIA coordinator or call Oscar Cruz at 646-784-2851.   

In addition, the Office of Adult Faith Formation offers conferences, pilgrimages and other activities. For details, visit nycatholicfaith.org.