BOOK REVIEW: WHERE FAITH AND LIFE MEET: ADULT FAITH EDUCATION THAT TRANSFORMS
Until the release of the new Directory for Catechesis in 2020, learning, research and discussion about catechesis was in a bit of a lull. The new Directory put forth new language and understanding of the role of the catechist and the need to meet those learning in faith where they are. At St. Paul University, Carol Kuzmochka, along with a team of experienced theologians, adult faith practitioners and catechists, lead a series of Action Research projects about present practices and needs in the area of Adult Faith Learning/Education. Through the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis (CREC), supported by the Sisters of Service, Where Faith and Life Meet is the culmination of years of research and discernment about the needs of today’s adults in their journey to a mature Christian discipleship.
This rich Canadian resource contains 12 chapters from various authors spanning an array of topics that are relevant to the present reality. Anne Walsh is the author of Chapter 5, “The Power of Our Story.” Here are some of Anne’s thoughts about her involvement in the research and in the value of this publication to those accompanying others in adult faith today.
Anne shares a childhood memory connected to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). There is a knock at the door and it’s the pastor. He hands Anne’s father a document and asks him to read it. The priest had been at Vatican II. Handing her father the document, the pastor declared it would change his life. Anne’s father, who was very involved in his church, read this document on the Liturgy. He was inspired. He became a member of the first diocesan liturgical commission. Her parents became passionate about the Liturgy as a tool for faith formation as well as being the source and summit for life. Thus, the roots of Anne’s passion for the Church and catechesis were nurtured.
Today, as at the time of Vatican II, the Church and catechists are met with the challenge of an increasingly secular society. We are one voice among many. But, as Anne describes, there is also a thirst for faith. The term “Where Faith and Life Meet” is coined from Gaudium et Spes. Anne remarks: “This was the dream of Vatican II, to have a consistent cradle to grave approach, a commitment to address the joys and challenges of a life lived in faith.” The relevance of this publication aligns with Pope Leo’s recent teaching series on Gaudium et Spes. The importance of bridging this faith life gap is at the heart of these teachings and research. As editors Carol Kuzmuchka, Lorraine Ste. Marie and Miriam Martin describe in the introduction of the book: “It is only where faith and life meet that we have adult faith education that transforms.”
Where Faith and Life Meet: Adult Faith Education that Transforms answers the call of the Directory for Catechesis for a consistent approach to adult faith formation. Resonating with the work of the Synod, there is a need for a commitment to a culture of encounter. The twelve chapters of this book speak to various conditions within which catechists in Adult Faith Education/Formation can create such a culture.
Anne asserts that this book draws our attention to the need for good formation for all catechists, and in particular those who walk with adults on the journey of faith. Formation is not achieved through one off events, but rather a committed response to the needs of God’s people in their walk of mystagogy and life-long learning in faith.
Where Faith and Life Meet can be used as a text in helping to form adult faith catechists and each chapter can act as a resource on its own, culminating in reflection questions to speak to the practice of the catechist. As Anne says: “each chapter is a piece of the banquet of adult faith formation.” Anne’s chapter is “The Power of Story.” She says that the job of a catechist is to walk with people as they put “their story in dialogue with the story.”
Anne makes the observation that although many think faith is supposed to be dead, there is something going on. Many adults are coming forward to learn more about faith. We need to be there to support them on their journey in becoming mature Christians and we need good adult faith catechists who can offer this support.
Where Faith and Life Meet is a celebration of all that is good in adult faith catechesis in Canada. Anne remarks: “It is incredibly valuable that this is a Canadian resource. We have a distinct cultural and spiritual mosaic. This book and our research echoes Canadian experiences and voices.”
To Sr. Mary-Ellen Francouer and the Sisters of Service, Carol Kuzmochka, Lorraine Ste. Marie, Miriam Martin and to Anne Walsh and all of the authors of the chapters of Where Faith and Life Meet, congratulations on this very valuable accomplishment! We, as the Canadian Catholic community, are grateful for this contribution to the future growth of the Church.
Jan Bentham is a retired Religion Coordinator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She is a musician, serving in music ministry at St. Ignatius Parish in Ottawa. She currently works at St. Paul’s University with the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program.
