“As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” —Matthew 4:18-20
“That is discipleship—being willing to move on every level, leaving the old life behind, following Jesus wherever he may lead the way, sitting at his feet so to speak, taking in not only what he says but who he is on the deepest level of our being, allowing our lives to be reoriented and our selves (our deepest self) to be transformed. This is no small or superficial proposition.
“Our growth in faith does not happen accidentally by sitting passively in a pew. Christian faith is not something we absorb as if by osmosis. Our formation requires not only our attention but our intention. It requires our time, our care, our commitment. Our formation as disciples demands an ongoing disciplined life of prayer, regular participation in the sacramental life of the church, a practice of studying the scripture, of fearless self-examination, reflection within the fellowship of the Body. Formation is a life-long process requiring a life-long commitment.”
— Bishop O’Neill, Diocesan Convention 2005
In the Diocese of Colorado, we work to support the work of faith formation for children, youth, young adults and adults. The diocesan Office for Faith Formation equips, encourages, and empowers faith formation leadership and ministry at the local parish level—encouraging and empowering local churches, equipping and training faith formation leadership, and developing and growing faith formation programs that foster growth at the local level. To learn more about discipleship in Colorado – including youth summer camp opportunities – visit the Faith Formation pages.
