This new release from Fr Michel Remery complements his previous popular books, Tweeting with God and Online with the Saints. As well as being a frequent visitor to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Fr Michel has travelled the world listening to those who want to learn more about the faith and those who are keen to share the Good News.
This offering from Fr Michel is comprehensive in its approach. My first thought as I skimmed through the pages was a slight sense of nervousness as to how a catechist or teacher would approach the book. It would certainly help them if they were familiar with the content of Tweeting with God and Online with the Saints, as both are key resources referenced by this newer book. To get the most value from this book I would suggest that the user needs to invest some time in looking through the first section in order to discover the myriad of ways the book can be used in a parish or school.
The book covers topics that people on the journey to being Catholic, and even cradle Catholics find difficult. For example, what is the relationship between science and faith, good and evil and the relevance of Scripture. Each session is broken up into different activities. And what I like about this approach is that the author mixes it up. Some sessions might have a time of silence, others encourage group discussion and there are handy suggestions, such as, how to engage volunteers, the importance of hospitality and how to include other resources. Another handy addition is the section in each session called, “The gist of it”. I found this very helpful to quickly ascertain what was going to happen in the session.
As I delved into the book, I sensed a strong focus on building relationships with God and with others, and the importance of accompaniment. Fr Michel notes this aspect in the Preface. He writes:
Therefore, to grow in faith means to grow in understanding of our family ties with God and with other people simultaneously. “No one lives for themselves,” St Paul wrote (Rom14:7). [Remery, M. How to grow in faith. p5.]
Personally, I think this book could benefit from a short instructional video that would succinctly explain what is in the book and the variety of ways and settings it can be used. However, if you are putting together a “tool-box” of resources to support faith formation or the RCIA process in your parish, then this book is well worth having. Once you have understood how the book works, you will benefit from ready-to-go sessions that provide flexibility so that you can meet the particular needs of your participants.
How to Grow in Faith: A life-changing course to explore the faith, search for answers or prepare for the Sacraments
Fr Michel Remery
Freedom Publishing Books, Melbourne, Australia, 2020.
ISBN: 9780648804437
For more details: Click here
Approximate cost: $33.95 (AUS)
