Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LIFE the new CCD?

The short answer is no. CCD is Religious Education, whereas LIFE is Faith Formation. CCD is focused on teaching children, and LIFE is focused on teaching adults.

The long answer is again "no". Jesus played with the children and taught the adults. Jesus brought people to faith mainly through his stories and by forming relationships with them. The early church formed people in faith the same way. They focused on adults and the aim was always growing one's relationship with Jesus.

This way of faith formation lasted for 1500 years. Then gradually the emphasis changed from faith formation to religious education. Schools were formed to teach the faith to children, who then memorized the answers. In the 1960's Vatican Council II called the Church to return to its roots. Once again, the goal was growing our relationship with Jesus. This return to faith formation has been heartily endorsed by our Bishop.

Faith formation is for everyone, but as it was for Jesus, the focus is on adults. Because of this focus on adults, parents become better equipped and empowered to form their children in faith. Faith formation looks and feels like church. It's the whole community gathering, eating, praying, singing, and learning together.

Does LIFE have something for all ages?

LIFE is for everyone!  LIFE Sessions generally offer age appropriate teachings.  During the breakout section of the session the groups are generally as follows:

  • K - 1st
  • 2nd - 5th and their Parents
  • Middle School
  • High School
  • Adults

If I miss one session can I attend the next one?

Of Course!  The LIFE Curriculum is a 6 year rotation.  Throughout the program we will revisit each topic, and present it in a new and exciting way.  While each year does follow a theme, you can start attending any time!

Is LIFE all about sharing your feelings?

Faith Formation is all about deepening your personal relationship with Jesus.  LIFE Sessions are designed to help facilitate that growth through a multitude of experiences.  Each session may use a combination of faith sharing, shared experience, lecture, or activity.  LIFE Sessions are designed to take into account differences in individual's learning styles.

Is St. Vincent de Paul the only parish doing LIFE?

No, the transition back to Faith Formation was set in motion in 1960 with Vatican Council II.  This return to Faith Formation has been heartily endorsed by our Bishop.  In fact, this emphasis on Faith Formation rather than Religious Education has also been reinforced in document after document by the church at large.

There are many parishes in the Wichita Diocese that are currently running Faith Formation programs, and many more are in the process of developing them.

Who designs each session?

A team of staff members and parishioners meet weekly to continue designing each session.