Develop a spiritual formation strategy that fosters encounter by awakening faith, engaging the heart and transforming believers.

Objective 1: Using adult learning principles, create engaging and inspiring formation processes and methods.

• Magnificat: Breaking Open the Bible  - An introduction to Bible study that will change the way you read and respond to the Word of God. Three simple Bible studies, each examining texts from the Old and New Testaments, highlighting their thematic unity. A very useful resource for confirmation students, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, RCIA, prayer groups.
• Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion.
• Our Catholic Life is an engaging summary of the main themes of the Catechism helps adults understand their faith.
• Knights of Columbus parish-based councils today are not only places that provide invaluable support to parish life in terms of charitable and social activities, they also provide through their website, support for Catholics to learn more about their faith through online videos, courses, and booklets. 
• The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis provides opportunities to adults to encounter the beauty and richness of our faith throughout the year.
• Bishop Robert Barron's Word on Fire DVD's, CD's and Liturgical Season booklets. Visit their website for ordering information.Discover the latest release Catholicism the Pivotal Players, the figures who shaped the church and changed the world. Two episodes of Volume 1 of Catholicism: Pivotal Players will be available on public television stations nationwide beginning November 19, 2016 (check local listings).
• The Basic Teachings of the Catholic Faith offered by The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis offer adults a strong foundation on various aspects of faith. 
• The Journey/ El Camino is a new resource to help parishioners and their friends  refresh and renew their intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Available in English and Spanish with a special component for youth.
• Alive in the Word invites you to explore Scripture in a way that is engaging and transformative. Each volume offers brief but powerful lessons that help you reflect on your own life and experience in relationship with the words, events and characters of the Bible. 

Objective 2: Provide formation, resources and support for priests and deacons in developing specific awareness, knowledge and skills on the role of preaching as a key aspect of encounter.

Resource

Desired Outcomes:

Objective 3: Attract, engage and inspire people to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer by teaching people how to pray.

Resource Spotlight:

• The Catholic Way to Pray - This is a must-have prayer guide and primer for catechists, parish ministers, candidates, catechumens and anyone seeking a richer prayer life. Here they will find information about prayer forms and ways to pray, as well as inspiration to jumpstart their Catholic prayer life.
• Praying on Empty – A Guide to Rediscovering your Prayerful Self - You used to like to pray and all of a sudden your prayer dried up! You lost the sense of God’s presence, could hardly wait until prayer was finished, and maybe stopped praying entirely. Dryness in prayer might actually be a grace in disguise. Popular author Kathleen Glavich you will help you explore possible reasons for experiencing aridity in prayer and acquire ways to cope with it. Includes questions for reflection.
• A Treasury of Marian Prayers This beautiful book contains all the traditional Marian prayers, arranged by topic and with background information.,A lovely book for anyone seeking to understand Mary or deepen their relationship with our Blessed Mother.
• The Office of Evangelization, Catechesis published the Family Prayer Book that can be ordered for your family or formation program.
• Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR and 4PM Media have teamed up to offer The Wild Goose is Loose. A 14-part film series focusing on different characteristics of the Holy Spirit and His affect on our lives.

Objective 4: Strengthen present retreat experiences on the diocesan and parish level for all age groups, so that retreats are a key ministry that help facilitate encounter with Jesus Christ.

Resource:

• Cedarbrake Retreat Center located just north of Austin in beautiful Belton, TX offers an number of retreats throughout the year.
• Eagle's Wings Retreat Center in Burnet is a wonderful facility for your next retreat. The staff at Eagle's Wings also offers retreats throughout the year.
• Together Encounter Christ (TEC) is a multigenerational movement to encounter Christ through retreats and community.
• NET Ministries hosts retreat for young people in a variety of settings: school day, weekends, and evenings.

Objective 5: Attract, engage and inspire young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and knowledge of the teachings of the Church, resulting in stronger participation in parish life and external Christian witness.

Resource Spotlight:

• The Emerging Leaders Program provides opportunities for young adults to network and learn from emerging and established leaders in business and government and to be empowered to exercise their faith in positions of leadership, both in the diocese and in their communities..
• Young Adult Adoration: Schoenstatt Movement of Austin’s Young Adult Adoration is open to all young adults for prayer, benediction and worship, followed by dinner and discussions on current events and other topics from a Catholic worldview. Occurring every third Tuesday of each month, it “attracts, engages and inspires young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.” Schoenstatt Movement of Austin www.schoenstatt.us