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How is Nathanael structured?
Formation Content
- A Spiritual Formation which, while respecting the individuality of all, strives for growth in faith and for knowledge and fidelity to Church tradition and its teachings. Through prayer, worship and an ongoing Liturgical Formation, candidates are encouraged to renew their baptismal commitment, come to better understand their baptismal call along with the richness and the purpose of the sacramental life of the Church.
- A Theological Formation is firmly rooted in the theology expressed by the Church as promulgated by the Second Vatican Council. This will be further enriched by a Study of Scripture that considers the study of the Word of God as a study of our faith, keeping with the richness of the biblical interpretation of the Catholic Church. Based on Tradition and Scripture, this formation will be offered with all due respect to the methods of an adult model of learning. This formation will draw from various theological disciplines and include the study of history, dogma, moral life, sacraments, biblical scholarship, Trinitarian God, ecclesiology (church), and social teachings.
- The Nathanael program is offered from September to June, one weekend per month for three years. One of the weekends each year will be a Retreat weekend for all candidates and their spouses - a time away for presentations, reflection and prayer.
- Each Nathanael weekend is comprised of:
- prayer
- liturgical celebrations
- teaching and learning sessions
- silence and reflection
- small group sharing
- large group discussion
- health breaks and relaxation times
- sharing of responsibilities
- the sharing of work accomplished at home
- personal evaluation...
...confident, in all of these activities, that Jesus accompanies us, the Holy Spirit guides us, and the Father embraces us.
Adult Formation
- The Nathanael process promotes a collaborative model of formation and education.
- it is intended for adults who possess experience and continue to grow;
- it recognizes that each individual is the primary agent in his/her own formation;
- it ensures the integration of each element of the formation process;
- it encourages interaction so that all may be enriched;
- it encourages community building;
- it creates an environment where growth is possible.
In the adult formation model, the Nathanael process assumes that there is personal commitment to the formation learning process. Such a commitment includes the internalization of the weekend experience by means of a briefly written reflection. Directors and presenters are invited to write personal feedback to candidates on their weekend reflection.
- Candidates are encouraged to continue with any responsibilities they may havein their parishes or communities, unless these activities interfere with their Nathanael formation.
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