Over 250 people attended the Office of Faith Formation Recognition Evening on Tuesday, May 22, at Holy Name Church in Park Slope.

The theme centered on the notion that each baptized person is called to catechize, that is, “echo God’s word.” Among those being honored included catechists and catechetical leaders celebrating special anniversaries of catechetical service to parishioners in the parishes of the Diocese of Brooklyn.  Together, the years of service by those individuals amounted to nearly 2,000 years.

Also being honored included those who completed significant courses of study in the Living and Leading by Faith catechist formation program.  Now in its third year, this program provides initial, ongoing, and enrichment catechist faith formation for all catechists and catechetical leaders who serve in the parishes and schools/academies in Brooklyn and Queens.  Over 3,000 individuals participate in the LLF program each year.

Evening prayer was led by Father James Cunningham, administrator of Holy Name, who also welcomed those gathered.

The festivities continued in Shepherd’s Hall with Sister Angela Gannon, C.S.J., Secretary for Catholic Education and Formation, offering thanks to the staff of the Office of Faith Formation as well as all those gathered. She commented on the importance of this catechetical ministry for people of all ages.

The staff of the Office of Faith Formation promotes the concept of life-long faith formation by providing support and resources to the parishes and schools/academies in Brooklyn and Queens.

Ana Puente, coordinator of Marriage Ministry; Paul Morisi, coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; and Haydie Roldan, administrative assistant served as hosts.

Following a buffet dinner, Theodore Musco, director of the Office of Faith Formation, with the assistance of Sister Alice Michael, SUSC, who read each name of those being presented an award, presented the Living and Leading by Faith certificates of completion for either initial, ongoing, and enrichment faith formation to 64 individuals who completed 50 hours of course work.  Certificates were also presented to individuals who are retiring from ministry and to those who celebrated five year, 10 year, 15 year, 20 year, 25 year, 30 year, 35 year, 40 year, or 45 year anniversaries.

More than 6,000 catechists minister to people of all ages in the parishes and schools/academies within Brooklyn and Queens.