Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In
Skip Navigation LinksADLA Administrative Handbook > Chapter 4 - Catholic Identity and Religious Ed > 4.1 - Common Principles of Faith Formation in the Archdiocese > 4.1.12 - Adult Faith Formation


Print this topic

​​Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study,
must be "the central task in [this] catechetical enterprise," becoming "the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age."  (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us , 5).  

Adult Faith Formation (AFF) consists of pastoral efforts to accompany adults in their initial, ongoing and lifelong experiences to grow deeper in their Christian life.

Persons who are seeking a life in Christ and are not baptized, are invited to connect with a Catholic parish in their community that offers opportunities to encounter Christ.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education  serves as a central source of information and referrals for adult faith formation and education.  The office collaborates with the Office of New Evangelization and Parish Life, Office for Divine Worship, Catholic Schools Department, the Office of Marriage and Family Life, and the Office of Life, Justice and Peace.

The goals of AFF are to:

  • Introduce the adult to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and as appropriate or upon request, refer the adult to the Order of Christian Initiation through the Office for Divine Worship or a local parish.
  • Invite and enable ongoing conversion and deep relationship with Jesus Christ leading progressively to holiness in all aspects of life.
  • Promote and support a welcoming spirit and active participation in the Christian community.
  • Call and prepare adults to live as missionary disciples in the world. 
  • Promote a holistic approach to faith growth in all its dimensions. 

The pastor, associate pastors, parish administrators, the pastoral council, and the parish catechetical and ministerial teams need to be trained and formed in the principles of adult faith formation and their roles in supporting its growth and development at the parish level. (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us​​, 127-134 & 168).

AFF is inclusive of all groups and sensitive to the abilities of adults with special needs, and as the Popes have exhorted the faithful, embraces the marginalized in our communities.

Based on Gospel values and Church documents, all locations offering AFF should:

  • Ensure that leadership training and resources are available in the areas of human, pastoral, spiritual, theological, academic, and technological formation.
  • Promote the respect and unity of different Catholic groups and organizations in their particular calling and charism.
  • Promote the collaboration and sharing of resources among all the different groups
  • Respect and value cultural traditions
  • Rooted in the Catholic principle of human dignity, AFF supports efforts of justice and peace, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society
  • Use media and communications to educate, catechize, and evangelize at a variety of academic levels
  • Support the laity in discerning leadership roles
  • Promote on-going formation

AFF content, drawn from Scripture and Tradition, includes:

  • Knowledge of the faith 
  • Liturgical life and the sacraments
  • Moral formation 
  • Prayer and holistic spirituality
  • Communal life 
  • Missionary spirit

12-10-2021, 02-03-2026



Resources