The concept of the Faith Formation Roundtables was inspired by Bishop Zinkula's 2017 Advent Message, where he wrote: 

As individuals, parishes and even a diocesan church, we can get stuck in maintenance mode, in just keeping things running as they are, in complacency and comfort. Our God challenges us to move out, to go to the margins, the edges, in order to announce the Good News in new and compelling ways. To let go of our fears.

As we journey into 2018 together, let’s challenge ourselves and one another. How can we move from maintenance to mission, from just resting on what has been to rejoicing in what might be? As we journey into 2018 together, let us embrace the God who makes all things new, who works deeds so awesome that they are beyond even what we hope for!

The first Faith Formation Roundtables were held in January and March 2018 and focused on the realities, challenges, and hopes of Faith Formation in the diocese.  Armed with that information and having asked for input, a series of three Roundtables were held during the 2018-2019 academic year:  Adult Faith Formation, Becoming Sheep and Accompanying Parents.  A roundtable on Evangelizing the Catechized was held in Fall 2019.

• Shifting to a New Paradigm for Youth Ministry

A roundtable discussion means that you are invited in to conversation and dialogue with your parish team and all who are gathered for the day, which includes the Office of Faith Formation, as well as your parish team and all gathered in the room.  There will be a short presentation on the roundtable's theme, but we will journey together to discern answers and solutions to the questions at hand.  All will be processing and wrestling with the topic, recognizing what might be possible for you in your particular setting. 

A Roundtable differs from a Listening Session in that facilitators will be guiding the discussion and inviting those gathered to focus on a particular theme and topic. A Roundtable also differs from an introduction to a new program.  Everyone searches for answers together and those answers may be different for each person gathered in the room.  All will learn from the experiences, challenges and insights of one another.

It’s no surprise to anyone involved in ministry with youth that we are at a crossroad. Tried-and-true methods and programs are not as effective as they once were, and many theories and approaches are being hailed as the way to proceed. In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis proposes that there is a need for “new styles and strategies,” but also a need to recognize “those practices that have shown their value” (204). Join with youth ministry and faith formation leaders, clergy, and volunteers as we attempt to sort all this out and see what it means for us in our ministries with today’s youth.

Who:  Ministry Leaders, Principals, Clergy, PLCs/PAs, Catechists, Team Members, All the Faithful
Time:  9AM-12PM, with Lunch to Follow
Cost:  Freewill Donation for Lunch

Select Your Session:

• January 30, 2020, St. Mary, 701 E 3rd St, Wilton IA 52778

• January 31, 2020, St. Mary, 3100 W Madison Ave, Fairfield IA 52556