"Why Catholic?"

The next round of Why Catholic will  begin the remaining six lessons in the Sacraments book used during our first round.  If you do not have a book, one will be available during sign-ups in back of church or by contacting the parish office.    Groups will meet during the 6 weeks of Lent..

Click here for an online Catechism of the Catholic Church (green or white cover)

St Gabriel "Why Catholic" program Frequently Asked Questions

updated: 1/25/2012

Q: What is "Why Catholic?"
A: "Why Catholic?" is a unique faith formation process developed by RENEW International, solidly based on Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It was introduced to Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville in Lent of 2011. It offers a concrete approach to help adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect its teachings to their everyday lives.

Q:  I participated in the first session on Sacraments, where can I find additional information?
A:   We invite parishioners to visit our parish Library which is housed in the Confessional in the church.  There you will find the Fr. Corapi DVDs on the Catechism.  These are the DVDs that were used in a previous Catechism study hosted by Deacon Stephen Bowling.  There are several DVDs and you can choose which topics you wish to borrow. 

Also, visit the Archdiocesan Office of Lifelong Formation.  There are many offerings and certifications available for the laity.  You can find a schedule of current classes offered by clicking here Scroll down to Upcoming Events to see what classes are coming soon.

Watch our own Sunday bulletin and website for Adult Faith formation opportunities.  We are very blessed to have many opportunities throughout the year to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith, from Guest Speakers to Bible study to retreats. 

Q: How does Why Catholic? work?
A: Small groups, approximately 6 to 10 persons per group, are formed. Over the course of 4 years, groups will meet intermittently for six weekly sessions discussing various topics of faith.  Click here for a long term calendar that shows the timeline for the various components of the study.  Your participation in a group will be determined by your needs at the beginning of each six-week session.  The group you started with in Lent of 2011 may be the same group that you meet with in the spring of 2012, but there is also flexibility for you to choose another group/time that fits your needs better.  Each session typically lasts about 90 minutes. Your group can decide if you would like to meet for more or less time. Each participant is asked to purchase their own study books. 

Q: How do I sign up?
A: Sign-ups for the 3rd  session will be the weekend of February 11/12. If you are interested in joining a group, contact the parish office.

Q: Can I arrange a group of friends in a small group?
A: Yes. Just let the leadership team know when your group is meeting and how many are in the group.  (members of the leadership team are  listed at the bottom of this Q & A.)  You will want to be sure that the facilitator of the group is on the email distribution list so that you can be assured of receiving all information and updates.

Q: Who leads the group discussions?
A: Each group will have a leader to act as organizer and facilitator.  Group facilitators will be provided with a recommended outline for each session and discussion questions.    A Group Facilitator should be confident in his/her abilities to lead a discussion and keep the group focused on the topic at hand.

Q: Where do the groups meet?
A: There are several options for meeting locations. Here are a few options:
   1) Groups can meet at the house of the group leader or one of the other group members for each session.
    2) Meetings can rotate through houses of the group members.
   3) Meeting space at the Parish Office can be made available if desired.
   4) The group could meet at a restaurant or other public location if desired.

Q: When do the gatherings start?
A: Groups are encouraged to begin the week of Ash Wednesday so that they may finish by Easter.  Each group has flexibility with that schedule. 

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The books are $10 each.   We will have copies available sign-up weekends or you may contact the parish office

Q: Is childcare available?
A:  At this time St. Gabriel is not able to offer assistance with ChildCare.

Q:  What is the difference between the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults?  
A: A catechism is a text which contains the fundamental Christian truths formulated in a way that facilitates their understanding. There are two categories of catechism: major and minor. A major catechism is a resource or a point of reference for the development of minor catechisms. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a “universal catechism,” that is, a major catechism which is intended to be a resource or point of reference for the development of national or local catechisms throughout the world. Its audience is the universal Church. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is a minor catechism. It is aimed specifically at adults and is intended to present Catholic teaching comprehensively and authoritatively but with a view to American culture and experience. Unlike the previous minor catechism, the Baltimore Catechism with its 421 questions and answers, this catechism does not require rote memorization. Instead, it promotes a command of the Catholic faith, prayer life and morals through a more accessible writing style and numerous, often unexpected, features.

Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
A:You may contact any member of the Why Catholic? Leadership team listed below with any
any additinal questions. Also, check back to this website for future updates.