CSC in 1-2-3: Spiritual Formation

1) What is spiritual formation? The process of formation is about being formed into something. But what? Philosophically speaking, according to Aristotle, humans are made up of form and matter. Form is the essence of who we are as humans. What is our essence? Spiritually speaking, Catholics believe that we are made in the image and likeness of God and so our essence is being God-like. What does all that mean? Spiritual Formation is the process of becoming more (and in some ways rediscovering) ourselves and realizing our essence - fully human in the image of God.

2) Why make time for spiritual formation? Fully human in the image of God, concisely, means to be truly free (spiritually, not legally), ordered toward God's goodness, and united in love with God and all of creation. What is the end product of becoming fully human in the image of God? True happiness. With each step we take to spiritually form ourselves into God's image we will become more happy.

3) How do I do spiritual formation? There are many ways to form yourself spiritually, far too many to list here, but essentially it is anything that gets to the heart and soul of who we are. Some practical examples that are offered at the CSC: Prayer (conversing with God about who you are), Mass (Diving into the mystery that is God, within community), Bible Study (listening to God's Words of wisdom), Spiritual Direction (guidance in the spiritual life), Retreats (spiritual work-outs), Reconciliation (recognizing the room for growth in fully realizing our humanity), Service (encountering the depths of humanity outside yourself), Education - such as our Foundations Series, books, RCIA, Theology on Tap, etc. (gaining knowledge about who you are and who God is).

Written by Troy Woytek, Campus Minister

**Don't miss either of tonight's special opportunities for spiritual formation: Yoga Stations of the Cross from 7-8pm and Lenten Mass on the S. 40 at 10pm!**