Why Adult Faith Formation?
At the heart of Christianity is the call to belong to a community of faith, in part so that our experience is not one of having to walk our spiritual journey alone. Yet, the reality is that each of us can experience periods of isolation, doubt and spiritual questioning that can have us wondering what this journey of faith we are on is all about. At these moments, we can find that our understanding of who God is, how God works, and who we are being called to be in response to God becomes unclear. This is when each of us, as adults responsible for attending to our own faith development, might start to look for assistance. With this in mind, the second primary service offered is that of adult faith formation.
What you can expect from this faith formator
After 30 years of working in the ministry of adult faith formation, the approach taken is one where the individual is encouraged to explore their own questions in light of their current understanding of their faith and in response to their experience. Guided by Catholic Church teaching and the wisdom of our spiritual ancestors, Shane will provide material that will help to deepen the individual’s understanding of what it means to grow in understanding of this being we call ‘God’ and, as a consequence, what it means to become increasingly the person God is calling each of us to be.
This act of co-creation is at the heart of the Christian spiritual journey, and is where the theology of the Catholic Church meets the reality of an individual’s life. You can expect that Shane will represent the Catholic faith journey as faithfully as he knows how, while leaving you free to undertake your journey in faith in your own time and in your own way. You can also expect that the Creed proclaimed by the Catholic Church is not up for debate, and the fundamental truths articulated in both the Apostles and Nicene Creeds are assumed. While it is appropriate to discuss the meaning and implications of these truths, and in the knowledge that doing so can be a helpful formative experience, those who cannot allow for their voracity are better to go in search elsewhere.
What adult faith formation is not
Adult faith formation in this context is not the systematic study of Catholic theology, which can be undertaken elsewhere. Neither is it an attempt to provide quick and superficial answers to an individual’s deepest questions. There are many resources (Church documents, Catholic websites etc.) that can be consulted to answer questions concerning what the Church teaches and why. The formation provided by Shane assumes Church teaching and instead provides the individual with the opportunity to think about their own concerns, struggles and failures to live in response to it. The adult faith formation provided will not exempt you from the work you need to do to respond to the truths that God is putting before you.
The experiences provided implement the basic principles of adult formation, where it is understood that adults learn best if they are allowed to go in search of the answers to their own questions.
1. Catholic questions
In response to questions that have arisen regularly over decades in this ministry, a series of short articles have been developed.
These are not provided as the definitive 'Church response' to these questions although, at all times, the teachings of the Catholic Church have been front of mind in their development. Their primary purpose is to keep us turning back to the heart of the Catholic faith - God's desire to call you, heal you, and bring you fully into the life he has for you. Without this foundation, the teachings (doctrinal, social, moral, spiritual, pastoral) have no context within which to establish themselves.
In my experience, there are many today who have degrees in theology (and so can claim an intellectual understanding of matters related to God, faith etc.) but who experience little or no relationship with the living God. The implications of the parable that speaks of the wheat that shoots up with no roots, and so withers away for lack of moisture and nutrients, spring to mind. The responses provided on this site are concerned with the roots. They will be added to and redeveloped in response to further questions that arise from those who make use of the resources and opportunities provided.
2. Daily Reflections
The second free service offered as an adult faith formation resource are the daily reflections to be found on this website, commencing with Ash Wednesday 2026. With reference to the ebb and flow of the Catholic liturgical calendar, the daily reflection provides the reader an opportunity to take a few minutes to reflect on their own experience and to pray. Subscribers can arrange to have the reflection sent through to them each morning.
3. Seminars
This service can be accessed by negotiation. These can range from being a one-off seminar on a theme of interest to those engaging the service, to a series on related themes. Seminars can either be accessed online, or arrangements can be made to have the formation delivered at a venue of the recipients’ choosing. Content, style and length of seminars are decided in consultation. All costs are covered by the participants.
4. Retreats
These are typically of a more spiritual nature, with the emphasis being less on adult formation in favour of the individual retreatant’s developing relationship with God. Retreat experiences may range from a morning, a day, a weekend or a few days depending on the needs of the group. Unlike seminars, these are only available in-person at a venue of the recipients’ choosing. All costs are covered by the participants.
5. Courses
As the opportunity arises, short courses will be made available on this site. These will take the form of input and discussion on aspects of the Catholic faith as they impact on our lives in the contemporary context. Individuals and groups will be invited to sign up to express interest in attending upcoming courses, which will proceed once the required number of intended participants has been reached. Sign up to receive notification of developments as they are made available.