Dedicated to Adult Faith Formation
CFM emphasizes that spirituality and growth in the Lord can be realized anywhere, in any walk or stage of life, occupation, or profession. That is why CFM starts where you are--whether you are. married or single, working or retired, Church-involved or not. A goal of the CFM experience is to help each person embrace more fully his or her own life situation by bringing the good news of the Gospel into its midst.

How Christian Foundations for Ministry Works
Each of the three years of the program consists of eight-week courses held in fall, winter and spring cycles. Courses are offered at various parishes within the Archdiocese of Newark. The class meets for a two-hour session once a week and combines instruction with prayer, reflection and small group sharing. Sessions are designed in the manner of theological reflection.

Each cycle during the three years also includes a retreat day held at the Archdiocesan Center or at another parish in the Archdiocese. Participants are expected to attend the retreat day.

Christian Foundations for Ministry is offered in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Spanish languages.

Where Christian Foundations for Ministry Leads

CFM leads to recognition, celebrations and designation of those completing the three-year process with an Archdiocesan Certificate of Completion and recommendation for specific ministries both within and beyond the parish communities. A one-on-one discernment session is available for third year participants who want to explore further ministerial opportunities.

Participants completing the program are recognized at an Archdiocesan commissioning ceremony presided over by the Archbishop of Newark or an Auxiliary Bishop of Newark.
 
THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU:

IF YOU WANT TO:

 deepen and enrich your personal relationship with God
 assume responsibility for your own spiritual formation
 examine your life in light of the Gospel
 discern your giftedness for ministry
 respond to the needs of the Church and the World

IF YOU ARE:
 already engaged in parish ministries as a catechist
 leader or member of a small Christian Community
 RCIA coordinator, team member, or sponsor
 evangelization committee member
 liturgical minister: lector, eucharistic minister, music minister
 social minister to hospitalized, home bound, to the poor or marginazlied
 leadership minister: pastoral council, youth leader, family life leader
 a newly initiated Catholic (CFM is an excellent follow-up to RCIA) 
 anyone searching for a role in parish ministry