The Diocese of Orlando offers a faith formation and evangelization program for adults to explore the richness of their Catholic faith, deepen their relationship with Christ and share more fully in the mission of the Church.

Simply titled Why Catholic? , the four-year program is solidly based on Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Participants receive in-depth information and insight into core beliefs, the sacraments, morality, and prayer.

Why Catholic? , developed by Renew International, is offered in English and Spanish, and includes workshops, retreats, and meeting as small communities to share how we relate Catholic teaching to everyday life. 

Successfully implemented in over 1,300 parishes in the United States, the program covers the basic teachings of the Church in terms of what we believe, celebrate, live, and pray. Throughout the entire process the program provides direction for strong evangelization outreach.

Dan Hardester, diocesan secretary of evangelization and director of the Diocese of Orlando Media Center serves as coordinator for Why Catholic?  “Why Catholic ? is an opportunity to put our lives in conversation with our Catholic heritage,” said Hardester. “It enables us to witness our faith to one another.”

Participants in Why Catholic? year one have been focusing on Christian Prayer – Deeping My Experience of God. Year two, which began on October, 2011 is dedicated to the Profession of Faith. Year three explores the Celebration of the Christian Mystery (Sacraments) followed by a study of Life in Christ (Morality) in the fourth year.  See below the general schedule for the remainder of the year.