NATHANAEL 2015-2018 - Testimonies
NATHANAEL 2015-2018
A Lay Faith Formation Program
to form missionary disciples
Nathanael 2015-2018: Participant Testimonies
Inspiring Testimonies from Nathanael Participants
1- Why “Nathanael”? Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has undergone many changes and a profound renewal. Throughout North America, local churches felt the need to offer the laity means of formation in order to assist them in deepening their faith and to empower them to exercise their particular gifts and talents in the Church.The Nathanael Adult Formation Program was established in 1988 as a three-year program offered to men and women who expressed a desire to deepen their faith and their Church commitments. Why the name Nathanael? Nathanael becomes a disciple of Jesus after Philip presents him to Jesus. Nathanael recognized Jesus as the Messiah in addressing him: “Son of God” and “King of Israel”.
“It took four calls before I answered and finally enrolled in Nathanael. Somehow, this time it seemed to come with the message, “Last chance, Hal.” I figured I better respond, “Yes Lord!” I wasn’t sure what to expect of this program, especially in terms of how it would affect me. Would there be flashes of insight? Might I have a visitation? Or…..might it just be another long, three year Homily! What has happened has been totally expected. No, no great flashes yet that have totally remade my life and faith. What I have experienced, however, that has been the truly profound is in a very small aspect of my life. I guess God decided to start there. (Hal S., St. Alphonsus Parish)
“I am a cradle Catholic. Having said that, I knew little about my faith, the faith God chose for me. I wanted a deeper knowledge and I began to search for answers on my own. I noticed some people who had been through the RCIA program, knew the Bible, knew Catholicism, and were passionate about it. So, when Nathanael became available, I felt a calling to register, that I could not say “no” to. My husband and I are both enrolled in Nathanael and look forward to our sessions every month. (Pauline B., Blessed Sacrament Parish)
2- Nathanael continues!!
The Nathanael Adult Formation Program was established in 1988 as a three-year program offered to men and women who expressed a desire to deepen their faith and their Church commitments.
“I was wanting to take my relationship with Jesus to the “next level” and also wanting to journey with Jesus in order to experience his unconditional love for me.
I believe this Nathanael program will help me to prepare to respond to the plans Jesus has for me. I am truly humbled (and excited) to have this opportunity to participate in the Nathanael program.” (Debbie B., Holy Family Parish)
3- Why Nathanael?
“Nathanael has been on my mind for a long time. Over the years I have taken every opportunity that came my way, whether Bible course, a retreat, a religious conference, ‘Arise’, to learn more about God. I am Thirsting for God. These left me wanting more. Thus Nathanael, at this time in my life, seems the answer to me in my continual growth to have a closer relationship with God.” (Hélène D., St. Alphonse Parish)
