Parish Catechist Formation Day in Searcy

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Location: St. James Church - Searcy
Contact: Jasmine Hogan
Phone: (501) 664-0340, ext. 323

The 2024-25 Parish Catechist Formation Day will focus on the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (currently Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - RCIA), which goes into effect on Ash Wednesday 2025. "The new translation explains the process we follow to fulfill our mission: to bring people into a relationship with Christ in communion with the Catholic Church," explained Jeff Hines, diocesan faith formation director. During a formation day, "we will learn the roles and responsibilities of the parish community to accompany, invite, evangelize, catechize and celebrate the rites at the appropriate times for those who are on the journey to a sacramental encounter with Christ."

Formation days offer training to catechists, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators and other faith formation leaders in parishes. They are held throughout the year in parishes across Arkansas to allow participants to attend the location of their choice in English or Spanish. The cost is $15 per person to help cover lunch and speaker stipends; payable by cash or check to the Diocese of Little Rock. Advance registration is required. The day begins with check-in at 8 a.m. and finishes with Mass at 4 p.m. (Mass times vary by location.) This program is sponsored by the diocese's Faith Formation Office. For more information, email Jasmine Hogan or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext. 323.