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School of Christian Formation

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The School of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Palm Beach is offering a series of classes and programs here for adult Catholics who wish to learn more about the rich traditions of their Faith. 

Each course meets weekday evenings for a total of six classes (12 hours). Two courses are taught during the Fall and two during the Spring. You may attend individual courses for credit or follow the entire three-year program, which concludes with the granting of a Certificate of Completion awarded by Bishop Barbarito at the school's annual graduation ceremony.

The Diocese strongly recommends these courses for all the faithful, especially those serving in liturgical, educational and spiritual ministries.

The goals of the School of Christian Formation are four-fold:

  1. To nourish and challenge Catholics with a deeper personal understanding of their faith tradition.
  2. To enable participants to bring this experience to their families, friends, places of work and ministry
  3. To explore the Catholic tradition from our local context as a diverse Church with members of different cultural backgrounds and with varying ministerial needs.
  4. To situate our experience of faith, Church and ministry in light of the teachings and documents of the Second Vatican Council.

The School of Christian Formation seeks to make its programming accessible to all persons in the diocese who are interested in learning more about their faith tradition. In matters regarding scheduling of times and locations, as well as the payment of fees, one of our primary goals is to meet the needs and limitations of participants in the program.

While the fee for each class is $10.00, plus the price of the textbook, persons who wish to participate in the program and are active in parish ministry may wish to seek financial support from their parish, or call our office to discuss the situation. No one will be turned down for lack of funds.

 

The Course of Study

Each class in the School of Christian Formation will meet for a total of twelve hours. Classes will be scheduled at various times (days, weeknights and weekends) and locations throughout the entire diocese depending on demand. Instructors in the program will have a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree in Theology, or extensive expertise in the course offered.

Persons may audit or take in individual courses for credit as desired, or follow the entire three year program which concludes with the granting of a certificate of completion. The program follows the new catechism of the Catholic Church in three divisions- Our Faith, Celebrating Our Faith, and Living Our Faith.

YEAR ONE
Introduction to the Bible
Old Testament Introduction
New Testament Introduction
Jesus Christ, History & Theology (Christology)

YEAR TWO
Vatican II
Theology of the Catholic Church (Ecclesiology)
Liturgy and Sacraments
Morality

YEAR THREE
History of the Church
Social Justice
Spirituality
Pastoral Ministry & Evangelization

 

Class and Program Requirements

In addition to class attendance and participation each class will have an assigned textbook readings will be decided by the instructors. Catechist Certification through the Office of Catechesis and Leadership Development is available should class participants desire such. In general, participants who miss more than two classes will not be granted credit. However, special circumstances may be taken into consideration by the instructors. The instructors of each course will determine which students have earned credit for the course.

In April there will be a day-long retreat required for graduation of Level I. The dates for the retreat and graduation are listed further below.

Please click on the following links listed below to view the schedules for the School of Christian Formation:

 

Please contact Armando Garcia:  (561)-775-9544 -  agarcia@diocesepb.org

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