Formation as Catholics includes understanding and participation in the social mission of the Church and the local parish.
Spiritual and faith formation is essential to our journey as baptized members of the Body of Christ. Formation is a path to deepening our relationship with God and others. It includes instruction, but is more than instruction. It encompasses prayer and worship, being enriched by the word of God and the sacraments, knowledge of the faith, living an authentic Christian life, practicing the works of mercy, charity and justice.
The mission of Saint Olaf Catholic Church is “to serve as a living sign of Christ’s saving presence in the heart of the city” — to be this living sign we need opportunities for formation.
PARTICIPATE, PLAN & HELP LEAD THESE FORMATION ACTIVITIES:
JustFaith Ministry programs; justfaith.org/programs
Retreats, small group faith sharing and speaker series
Opportunities to deepen and broaden our faith through works of charity and justice, prayer and reflection
Volunteer development, training and support
The Saint Olaf Commission on Charity and Justice is a leadership, advisory and working group that identifies values, goals and activities to live out our social mission. It is vital that this Ministry is integrated throughout our parish actions. The Commission members plan formation opportunities and activities for charity and justice. This group seeks to move the social mission from the margins of parish life to its center. The U.S. Bishops in their document, “Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish” have a central message: “We see the parish dimensions of social ministry not as an added burden, but as part of what keeps a parish alive and makes it truly Catholic. Effective social ministry helps the parish not only do more, but be more—more a reflection of the gospel, more a worshipping and evangelizing community. It is an essential part of parish life.”
For more information, please contact the parish office or Michael Griffin, 612-767-7632 or MGriffin@SaintOlaf.org.