FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
This seems like a lot. Why should I commit to this?
We hope you’ll commit yourself to this catechetical process because you desire to follow Jesus with your life and to be an active participant in the life of Christ’s church. CCL is our church’s way of pursuing these two ends.
On a very practical level, you may also want to be baptized, to volunteer, to become a member, to be confirmed, or to serve as a leader. This process provides the necessary teaching and practices which will allow you to participate in those deeper ways.
Each course in the CCL process has a set of growth goals which communicate what knowledge and abilities we hope you’ll acquire along the way. With a willing heart and a teachable spirit, this process will help you to grow in your faith and discipleship to Jesus no matter where you are on the journey.
Can I be exempted from a course if I’ve already done something similar?
Yes, if Fr. Peter believes a person has already satisfied the requirements through previous catechetical formation, he may give an exemption on courses 201, 301, and 401 (no exemptions are made for 501 and 601). Should you like to request an exemption, fill out the CCL Course Exemption Form (see above). Note: even if exempted from attending a course, each person will still be required to complete the “required reading” for that course.
What if I’m already baptized, volunteering, a member, confirmed, or a lay leader?
You won’t be asked to complete courses required for a step of involvement that you’ve already taken. For instance, if you’re already volunteering, you won’t be asked to complete 101 and 201. Instead, you’ll need to complete the courses for any further steps of involvement that you’ve not yet taken but would like to take. For instance, if you’re already volunteering but would like to become a member of Living Faith, you will be asked to complete 301, 401, and 501.
Any person who is already a church member is welcome to participate in any of the CCL courses and read the books. You’ll just need to register for the course that is of interest to you.
Can I miss one (or more) of the sessions in a course?
To complete a course, all the course sessions must be attended. This CCL process has been distilled down from a longer version to a version which only includes what Fr. Peter believes are the essentials. Since belonging to the church requires priority of commitment, it is necessary that the CCL process expects full participation as the norm. We want each person to make a good faith commitment to Living Faith just as Living Faith will make a good faith commitment to its parishioners.
The overall course calendar and the advanced scheduling of days/times is meant to give persons the ability to mark their calendars and plan to attend. In addition, each of the 301-501 course sessions are offered twice a week (Wed. and Sat.) to help meet the needs of different persons’ varied schedules.
That said, Fr. Peter may be willing to work with a person who cannot attend all 4 sessions under certain circumstances.
Is there care for children offered during the courses?
Yes, we offer a “children’s workshop” for the Saturday sessions of 201-501, taught by our Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers. Parents who register for a course will need to alert Fr. Peter that they desire to bring their children to the workshop.
There is no care of children on Wednesday sessions.
Do I have to take the courses in order, or can I take in the order that I choose?
The CCL process is designed in such a way that each course (101-601) builds on the one before it. For that reason, each course should be completed in order. Since the overall course calendar schedules each course 2+ times a year (with the exception of 601) this provides adequate opportunity for a person to complete the sequence within one year.
Do I have to complete the required reading?
Yes, the readings are an essential part of the CCL process, and each course relies upon the writings of the various authors. Part of discipleship is lifelong learning, and these books have much to teach us (any of us and all of us).
If you have already read one of the required books, you do NOT need to RE-read it.
Can I listen to the readings on audiobook?
Yes. If you are able to focus on the material, listening by audiobook is a great way to engage the books.
What if I can’t afford the books?
The required readings represent a small investment in your own spiritual formation. However, if you are unable to afford the books, Fr. Peter does have scholarships available.
How quickly can I complete the whole process?
It is technically possible to complete courses 101-501 within 6 months. This also is the minimum amount of time Fr. Peter will require a person to regularly attend Living Faith before becoming a member. Yet, each person can work through the CCL process at his/her own speed.
If a person desires to make efficient use of time while they wait for the next course to be offered, the required reading can be done in advance, which makes it easier to take the courses back to back once they are offered.
Am I required to attend in-person or is there an online option?
Each course is offered only in-person at Living Faith (with the exception of the 101 recordings). There is no Zoom or recorded option for courses 201-601. This can be a challenge for some folks, but we are choosing to prioritize incarnational time together in the catechetical process (over convenience).
If a person is physically unable to attend in person due to an infirmity or disability, he/she can speak with Fr. Peter about an alternative way to complete a course.
