St. Richard of Chichester Church
Saint Frances Cabrini Stained Glass Window

Adult Faith Formation Programs

Breaking Open God's Word

Ever have questions about the readings you hear proclaimed at Mass on Sunday? Ever wonder how the readings are relevant to your life or what meaning you should take away from them? Do you have a desire to learn more about Sacred Scripture? Are you seeking a way to deepen your relationship with God? If you answered, "yes," to any of these questions, consider participating in Breaking Open God's Word - a weekly Scripture study that focuses on the readings for the upcoming Sunday. Each week we will gather to hear the Sunday readings proclaimed followed by facilitated discussion and sharing on the history and context of the readings, the meaning they have for our lives today, and their implications for our relationship with God. The benefits of participating are...

an increased knowledge and understanding of Sacred Scripture
a deepening of your relationship with God
a great way to spiritually prepare for Sunday Mass
the chance to grow in your faith by sharing it with others

Breaking Open God's Word is held on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the rectory. Come regularly or whenever your schedule allows. There is no fee or cost to participate.

Adult Faith Formation Seminars, Retreats & Reflections

Periodically throughout the course of the year various seminars, retreats, and reflections are offered to parishioners that address varied themes and issues of importance to our Catholic faith. Please check our Current News page for information about current program offerings. In addition, online seasonal reflections are made available throughout the course of the year. These online reflections will be posted on the Current News page as well.

Catechetical Institute (CI)

The Catechetical Institute is a non-credit adult religious education program offering adult Catholic catechesis for those interested in growing in knowledge of their faith. It is also the program that provides catechist training for those who teach the faith.

Courses are non-credit for those taking the courses for their own personal enrichment. As such, they are open to all parishioners. This program is coordinated by the Religious Studies Division of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Registrations are accepted online through the Seminary website. You may register for courses through the first night of class. The cost is $50.00 per course. Each course consists of four 2 ½ hour sessions for a total of 10 hours. All courses are currently held on Wednesday Evenings at St. charles Seminary and local diocesan high schools.

The current course schedule may be found here. Summer courses are only offered at the seminary due to the accomodations of an air conditioned environment. Each summer session runs for one week - Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 9:30 PM.

This is a great and affordable opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the Faith. Register online at St. Charles Seminary, download a registration form, or call 610-785-6287 for more information. Email inquiries to rsd@adphila.org

Church Ministry Institute (CMI)

The Church Ministry Institute is for those seeking a certificate in Church Ministry. The difference between the CMI and the CI is that the CMI is for those seeking certification to work as a volunteer or employee in parish ministry (e.g., as a youth minister or administrator of religious education). Whereas, the CI is for those seeking personal enrichment or to obtain certification to teach in a religious education program or catholic school.

Detailed information about the CMI and its program offerings can be obtained from the Archdiocesan Secretary for Evangelization's Office for the Formation of Laity. There are tuition cost associated with the program, but the Archdiocesan website states, "Do not let finances keep you away. Arrangements can be discussed." More information as well as contact info can be found on the Office for Formation of the Laity's website.

Free Online Correspondence Courses
on the Catholic Faith -- NEW!

The Missouri Knights of Columbus and the Vincentian Community have developed a Catholic Home Study Service. The Catholic Home Study Service offers free correspondence courses on the Catholic Faith. A list of the nine available courses may be found at www.amm.org/chss/chss.asp. When people enroll (either by mail or via the Internet), you will receive the requested book and workbook for the course. Students may give answers to the workbook questions over the Internet or by mail. When they finish a course, they receive a certificate of completion and may take other courses.

This is a great way to learn more about your Catholic faith in the convenience of your own home, on your schedule! Archbishop Justin Rigali in the Foreward to "We Believe - A Survey of the Catholic Faith" wrote, "Father Lukefahr presents Catholic doctrine in a concise and attractive fashion . . . I recommend this book to teachers and catechists, to Catholics wishing to deepen their knowledge of faith, and to all earnest seekers of the truth."