Christian Formation

Christian Formation is an ever-changing, lifelong journey with Christ. It is an adventure with our Lord at different times and from different levels and experiences throughout our lives. Christian formation is not confined to any definitive period of time; it truly begins when we begin our lives and remains with us until our final days here on earth. We, as Christians, are formed throughout each and every day, not only on a Sunday morning but through our daily lives.

Our mission in the Office of Christian Formation is to assist and support parishes, groups and leaders in Connecticut to develop and enhance their Christian formation programs for people of all ages.

Our Office serves as a resource for information and networking within the Diocese by researching, obtaining and sharing information about events and programs of interest to the people and congregations of the Diocese. Workshops are regularly offered throughout the year in various locations in the Diocese. Parishes serve as hosts and the programs are open to any who desire to attend.

Regional teacher trainings are held throughout the Diocese each spring and fall on Saturday mornings. Topics include lesson planning, spirituality of children, curriculum, peace and justice, prayer, and faith at home. Special training is also offered for Godly Play and Journey to Adulthood programs. Workshops can also be arranged for individual parish needs on weekday evenings, Saturdays or Sundays.

Christian Formation Communications

Communication takes the form of emails, newsletters, retreats/gatherings, and an online talk group.

• Connecticut IN-FORMATION and Catch the Youth Spirit are monthly electronic newsletters  that inform those interested in children, youth and adult formation about events and timely resources.

• CON-NECTIONS is a quarterly newsletter emailed to every parish and person who requests it. It focuses on children’s ministry, advocacy, and faith at home, highlighting upcoming events, seasonal ideas and new resources. Support for adult education and ministry is also shared.
• Christian Formation Leaders Gatherings are informal meetings held every six to eight weeks. The gatherings are open to all who are called to the ministry of Christian education and/or youth and young adult ministries.
• Connecticut Episcopal Christian Educators Talk - CECE Talk - For the “in-between” times, there’s an online talk group for Connecticut Episcopal Christian Educators to have conversations, share joys and frustrations, invite colleagues to join you in a special event or to gather ideas from each other.
• Resources to assist you in your ministry with children are available at Diocesan House in Hartford. Workshops on various topics are held throughout the year. We welcome invitations to visit parishes to do individual workshops or presentations to parishioners or groups.

Christian Formation Staff

Linda L. Snyder, Missioner for Children & Adults, 860-233-4481, ext. 126, lsnyder@ctdiocese.org

Emily Anna Perow, Missioner for Youth & Young Adults, 860-233-4481, ext. 128, eperow@ctdiocese.org

Leslie Jones, Administrative Assistant, 860-233-4481, ext. 129, ljones@ctdiocese.org