By Jessica Able, Record Staff Writer
The final season of Why Catholic? will soon begin in parishes across the Archdiocese of Louisville. Sign-ups for the small faith-sharing groups will take place the last weekend of January in parishes.
The focus for this Lenten season will be on the Ten Commandments and participants will use the second portion (sessions 7 to 12) of the “Live: Christian Morality” workbook for their studies, said Sal Della Bella, director of the archdiocese’s Office of Evangelization.
“The groups will be pulling a theme from each of the commandments — marriage, family, creating a culture of life, stewardship and discipleship,” Della Bella explained in an interview at the Chancery last week.
The groups are also aiming to apply the lessons they learn in a practical way to their daily lives, Della Bella said.
“Their focus is on real, concrete ways they can live out their faith, whether that is in their marriage or family or workplace,” he said.
Della Bella said that most all parishes in the archdiocese are involved in the Why Catholic? process in one way or another either through small group discussions, large group presentations, printing Why Catholic? messages in their bulletins or in some other way the parish has developed.
Most groups will begin the six-week session the week of Feb. 15 and will wrap up by the end of Lent.
Why Catholic? participants will again be able to take part online this season. The online version will contain weekly readings, videos and additional resources, Della Bella said. Last fall about 40 people participated in Why Catholic? online.
If someone has previously registered online for the first portion of “Live: Christian Morality,” there is no need to register again.
To enroll online for the first time, visit www.tinyurl.com/renewinstructions.
Della Bella said he hopes the small groups are able “to learn more about their faith and ways to live it out.”
“I also would encourage these participants to continue with some type of catechesis or ongoing formation, whether that is in small groups or another process,” he said. “It’s important to continue a lifelong formation.”
Training is available for small-group leaders — both existing and new leaders — online or through a DVD. If group leaders would like a “live” training, Maureen Larison, consultant for adult formation and initiation in the archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation and Education, is available to meet with group leaders. Contact sdb@archlou.org to inquire about leader training.
