What is Why Catholic? It is a unique adult faith formation program that is based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Why Catholic? offer a concrete approach to help adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect the teachings to their everyday lives. Why Catholic? encourages learning and faith-sharing in a prayerful small group setting.

SS. Peter and Paul has joined more than 70 parishes throughout the St. Cloud Diocese with the implementation of the Why Catholic? program. This is a four-year program consisting of six weekly sessions during Lent and Fall beginning in Lent 2007. The Why Catholic? program consists of small groups or “small Christian communities” of approximately 8-10 people. It offers individuals an ideal, supportive environment for evangelization and adult faith formation where knowledge and confidence grow. People are able to share what we believe, how we worship, and how we live and pray.

Each year, Why Catholic? will focus on one of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

• The Profession of Faith: What we Believe.
• The Celebration of the Christian Mystery: Sacraments.
• Life in Christ: Walking with God: Commandments and Beatitudes
• Christian Prayer: Deeping My Experience Of God.

How can I get involved in the Why Catholic? Program? Join a small Christian community (small group). The weekly sessions for Lent 2007 begin the week of February 18 through March 25. The session dates, times and locations are decided by each small Christian community. They can meet in a parishioner’s home, in the parish center, or a place of their choice. Each weekly session lasts about 90 minutes. Each session has its own self-contained topic from the booklet which can be purchased for $10.00. Sessions will consist of prayers, reflections on passages from the Catechism and Scripture, and sharing questions.

“Sign-up Sunday” will be held the weekend of January 27 and 28, 2007. Detailed information will be forthcoming.

In our hectic society, we tend to lose track of what is really important in our lives. Why Catholic? is a great opportunity to focus on and renew our Catholic faith. When we as adults have a deeper understanding of our faith, we can truly reach out to others in faith.

-Father Stephen Beauclair, O.S.B.