Faith Formation Basics

What is Faith Formation?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops defines faith formation as formation that "aims to help the faithful of all ages to grow in both human and Christian maturity, enriching the whole of life with the leaven of the Gospel. Consequently, appropriate goals and content will embrace all the faith dimensions of an adult life—for example, understanding and communicating the faith, skills needed for personal growth, the experience of family life, relationships, public service, and concern for the common good."

At the school level, our formation provides MACS teachers, staff, and administration with the tools to communicate and teach the faith, grow spiritually, build school Christian culture and climate, and develop Christian relationships with colleagues.

In practical application, our faith formation takes many forms including Diocesan face-to-face sessions, group study and discussion of the basics of the Catholic faith (through Symbolon videos and other platforms), book studies, workshops offered by Franciscan at Home, retreats, etc.

Who Needs Faith Formation at MACS?

All of our teachers, administrators, and staff who work with students and are employed at 50% and above need to complete faith formation. This is a continuing process that lasts as long as your employment. In addition, all of our employees are encouraged and invited to participate in faith formation opportunities, whether or not they are required to do so.

Why? Faith Formation Goals

In alignment with the 2021 Strategic Plan Goals, MACS Faith Formation goals are to provide teachers, staff, and administration with the resources and formation that they need to provide MACS students with a Catholic education that is illuminated by the unity of truth and harmony of faith and reason. MACS faith formation strives to help create a culture of Catholic education that announces the mystery of salvation across curricula. It is our hope that this Catholic culture will produce students who have determined their vocational call and are college and career ready.

MACS Strategic Plan- PLAN GOALS - 2021

EDUCATION

Focus - Steeped in the Catholic tradition (MACS) ensures, with the support of our parents, a safe learning environment in which all people flourish intellectually, socially, and emotionally in Christ.

Goal - MACS has an approach to education that is illuminated by the unity of truth and harmony of faith and reason, and by announcing the mystery of salvation across curricula. Our parents are well informed of their crucial role as the primary educators for their child’s success and faith formation, and in collaboration with students and staff continue to form a communion of persons that shares in the life and the mission of the Church both domestically and globally.

Goal - MACS has the resources, time, and support of a viable core curriculum, including religion, to ensure that students have determined their vocational call and are college and career ready.

RECRUITMENT, RETENTION and CAPACITY BUILDING

Focus - MACS will recruit and retain highly qualified employees that exemplify strong leadership and who are committed to grow in excellence in the vision and mission of our Catholic schools.

Goal - Through formal and informal supervision and evaluation practices, MACS staff continue to grow in professional excellence to ensure a viable school system and student success. To accomplish this, leadership develops, mentors, and supports an employee from the initial contact and then consistently throughout their employment.

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