Archdiocese of Newark announces expanded focus, new name for Catechetical office
The Archdiocese of Newark announces a renewed focus and new name for its office supporting faith formation in parishes, Catholic schools, and ministries throughout the four counties it serves: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union. Effective Sept. 1, the Catechetical Office was renamed the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation.
The Office for Lifelong Faith Formation’s expanded focus includes an enhanced approach to religious education and a broader vision to nurture faith and foster discipleship within and beyond the Archdiocese’s Catholic communities.
“This marks a significant step in our commitment to nurturing a vibrant and lifelong faith journey for all within the archdiocese,” said Father Stephen Fichter, episcopal vicar of education for the Archdiocese of Newark. “I am hopeful this change will help energize our efforts and encourage many people in our community to deepen their relationship with God and actively participate in our Church’s mission.”
The office will continue to offer support for core programs, such as sacramental preparation and religious education, along with resources and experiences that encourage spiritual growth and active participation for all age groups. It will also widen its focus to better equip parishes in developing and implementing initiatives promoting lifelong discipleship and deeper spiritual engagement. This includes enhanced initiatives for adult faith formation, family-centered catechesis, and meaningful engagement of youth and young adults.
A vital component of the ministry’s enhancement is the introduction of new opportunities for professional development open to parish catechetical leaders, parish catechists, and Catholic school teachers. These opportunities help them carry out an evangelizing catechesis integrating intellectual formation and an invitation to conversion that inspires discipleship. These include newly designed courses for catechists and teachers that will equip them for this mission, as well as working more closely with pastors, parish administrators, and their staff to help parishes meet the lifelong faith needs of their communities.
The Office’s broadened focus aligns with the pastoral vision, Forward in Faith Together, introduced in 2019 by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. This vision is supported by six key pillars representing areas of action for the Archdiocese’s continuing commitment. The fourth pillar, “Lifelong Faith Formation and Education,” emphasizes the need to evaluate and reorganize lifelong faith formation stages and support new initiatives to ensure the faithful flourish in every aspect of their lives –human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. This requires helping parishes create and implement formation initiatives that immerse individuals in the faith during every stage of life.
Patricia Rodriguez, director of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation, is excited to make a positive impact within the archdiocese. “We want our faith formation programs to ignite a passion that reaches Catholics young and old in every aspect of their daily life,” she said. “The renaming reflects a comprehensive approach to educating and nurturing a lifetime of vibrant faith. It also highlights the full scope of our ministry, which is dedicated to helping and inspiring people of all ages to grow spiritually.”
About the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation
The mission of the Office for Lifelong Faith Formation is to foster and support the faith formation and religious education of Catholics within the Archdiocese. It aims to equip individuals of all ages with knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, enabling them to live out their faith in daily life. The office provides resources, training, and guidance to faith formation leaders, including catechists, parish leaders, and educators, as they guide others to a life-giving encounter with Jesus Christ. It also involves collaboration with other archdiocesan offices and ministries, such as the Office of Catholic Schools, to ensure practical and inspiring religious education programs.
By promoting lifelong faith development and spiritual growth, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office for Lifelong Faith Formation seeks to cultivate a vibrant, informed, and active Catholic community dedicated to the teachings of Christ and the mission of the Church.
To learn more, visit www.rcan.org/lifelong-formation.
