What is Catholic Identity: Our Faith?

Catholic Identity: Our Faith is a basic overview of the Catholic faith incorporating prayer and reflection for lay people interested in deepening their faith. 

Catholic Identity is no longer Year One of the Lay Ministry program but can be taken as an update for those persons entering Lay Ministry. 

Catholic Identity is also offered in Spanish (Identidad Catolica) and as Imani (Faith) Black Catholic course. 

Our goal is to increase the opportunity for adult education in every parish/deanery in our diocese. This course provides a basic understanding of their faith so that participants may be transformed to live out their faith in the family, workplace and society. 

Required Text:

This Is Our Faith: A Catholic Catechism for Adults by Michael Francis Pennock.  ($12.95)  ISBN:0-87793-653-6. The cost of the book is $12.95. Each person will need a copy of the textbook.

A facilitator’s supplement will be created with course outlines/lesson plans, additional discussion exercises and media resources. 

How many hours are involved in CI?

Catholic Identity: Our Faith will consist of twelve three-hour sessions focusing on Scripture, God the Father, Jesus, Church, Mariology/Eschatology, Prayer, Liturgy, Sacraments, and Morality.

Thirty-six hours are involved in the process. Sessions may be offered weekly for three hours each or on a Saturday using the all-day model. These sessions can be used for "Growing In Faith" hours for Catholic School Teachers.

Who can facilitate the Catholic Identity process?

A person with a degree in religious studies, pastoral ministry or someone who has completed the Lay Ministry Formation Program or has completed Intermediate or Advance Certification in "Growing in Faith". The diocese will offer a fall facilitator training session.

What do I need to start a group in my parish or deanery?

• Publicize the course in your bulletin and/or collaborate with your deanery.
• Find a facilitator or contact the Adult Education office for a suggested list of available people.
• Gather at least ten people to participate in the program.
• Order textbooks from your local Catholic bookstore or on the Internet.
• Contact Gary Landoll, Office of Catechetical Ministry.

Catholic Identity: Our Faith Curriculum

Session I – Opening Session – Overview of Scripture

Session II – God the Father

Session III – Jesus / Holy Spirit

Session IV – Church

Session V – Mariology / Eschatology

Session VI – Prayer

Session VII – Liturgy

Session VIII – Sacraments of Initiation

Session IX – Sacraments of Healing

Session X – Sacraments at the Service of Communion

Session XI – Morality & Social Justice

Session XII – Personal Morality