Understanding How Faith Develops

OVERVIEW

The catechist who hopes to understand

the possible faith responses being sought in his or her participants must both understand how

faith is defined and identify the various developmental milestones of faith. Faith development

and growth in faith contribute to a variety of unique responses.

OBJECTIVES

1. To develop a definition of faith as related to many elements involved in the faith process.

2. To understand the distinction between faith, religion, and belief.

3. To uncover techniques for helping participants of various age levels expand their faith.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to recall, write, and share personal "milestones of faith" from various stages

of their lives.

2. The participants will be able to describe their own current level of faith and how

it relates to the faith life of their students.

3. The participants will be able to apply teaching suggestions related to their stu-

dents' faith development to their own catechetical setting.

Use a variety of materials and techniques to present the points of content and to

engage the participants in the learning activity.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better understanding of the dynamics of faith development

as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"Thanks to the Holy Spirit, the understand-

ing of both the realities and the words of the heritage of

faith is able to grow in the life of the Church" (#94).

Read the Catechism

Read #50-#100, especially The Transmission

of Divine Revelation.

Discuss the Catechism

1. How is the heritage of faith growing in your life?

2. Are there ways in which you can better recognize the signs of growth?