Formation Life Cycle

CONNECT 
The most natural “first step” for most people is to CONNECT with people.  Research clearly indicates that people are more prone to persevere through the process to refinement if they are connected to other people who are walking with them.
• When have you enjoyed the greatest momentum in your spiritual life?   Were you alone or did you have people walking with you?
• Who knows you? Who really knows you?
• Who holds you accountable?
• Who wants your holiness more than you do?

 

ENCOUNTER
ENCOUNTER is perhaps the most influential part of the process.  It is the energy that animates an on-going personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• When was the last time you had a personal encounter with God?  What was it like?
• Is God real to you?  Is He really real?
• How would describe your relationship with God?


CONVERSION
Once people have an authentic encounter with God, the most natural response is contrition.  CONVERSION is important.  Without receiving the grace of saying “no” most people are not able to sustain the “yes” experienced in their encounter.
• What helped you “stay” and respond to the encounter?
• What has pulled you away from God?
• What would your life look like if you had help “staying” with God?


GROW
The fire of emotion must be grounded in the truths of the Bible, the Tradition, and wisdom.  People are need to learn how to GROW in virtue, healthy spiritual exercise, and knowledge of God.
• Did anyone ever mentor you to learn how to live in the “new land” of conversion?
• If so, what did you learn?  If not, what impact did that have on the conversion?
• What has helped you move from emotion to virtue?
• How would you describe your experience of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance?


MISSION
God always calls us out of ourselves.  We are all called to participate in His mission.  While service at the parish is a way of participating in the MISSION, the true aim is to equip the laity to walk others through the five-step process of forming disciples.
• Do you know your “testimony”?  Can you share it?  Do you share it?
• Do you have a confidence of God being with you, leading you, in the midst of your everyday life?  Back home?  In your vocation?
• Are you aware of your gifts?
• If God asked you to serve His Church, would you know how to best use your gifts?