Faith Formation Programs and Young Catholic Adults’ Vocation Choices in Ruaraka Deanery

Abstract

The study sought to explore the faith formation programs that inform vocation choices of Young Catholic Adults (YCA) in Ruaraka Deanery, Nairobi Archdiocese. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods. The target population included YCA group, moderators and chaplains from Ruaraka Deanery which is made of 10 parishes. The study employed convenience and census methods to sample 241 YCA participants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and presented using frequencies and percentages in tables. The qualitative data was analysed and presented thematically using summaries.  The study findings indicated there is a positive and significant relationship between faith formation programs and vocation choices in Ruaraka deanery (?=.633 p=0.000). The regression analysis showed that faith formation programs have a positive and statistically significant influence on vocation choices (R Square=0.395, P<0.000). The study concluded there is no uniformity in the faith formation programs training in all the parishes. The study also concluded that reference resources according to YCA members and the moderators lean more on the church teachings rather than providing holistic formation to enable YCA address both their faith and vocation needs. The activities were found relevant for faith formation and vocation choices. The study further concluded that both family and the community of faith form the most influential faith formation agents in terms of training, mentoring and accompaniment. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that YCA groups across the Ruaraka deanery should be exposed to relevant faith formation programs that are capable of influencing vocation choices. The faith formation programs can include prayer, Bible reading and faith sharing, relationships, sub-topics on marriage, work, liturgy leading and participation. Moreover, it is recommended that there should be uniformity in the faith formation programs training in all the parishes.  Keywords: Faith Formation Program, Vocation Choices, Young Catholic Adults, Ruaraka Deanery, Nairobi Archdiocese, Kenya