By Dr Joanne Lim
KUALA LUMPUR – In an era where faith and technology increasingly intersect, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (API) hosted a transformative session introducing The Catholic Faith on Demand (FORMED); a dynamic platform not just for spiritual content but a vital tool for evangelisation and intentional discipleship, on Feb 22.
Held at the API Formation Room, Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, the session welcomed 37 participants from 15 parishes, including Holy Rosary; Kristus Aman; Kristus Cahaya; Holy Family; St Jude; St Francis of Assisi; Good Shepherd; Holy Redeemer; Sacred Heart; St Paul the Apostle; St Anthony; St Joseph; Christ the King; Divine Mercy and Visitation.
Led by Caroline Soon and the dedicated formation team from the Church of the Holy Rosary and the Church of the Good Shepherd, the session underscored that FORMED is more than just a “Catholic Netflix.” It is a tool for conversion, evangelisation, and faith formation, designed to guide Catholics in deepening their spiritual journey and fostering intentional discipleship.
A major highlight of the session was the discussion on how to become an intentional disciple. Participants explored the Five Thresholds of Conversion; trust, curiosity, spiritual openness, spiritual seeking, and intentional discipleship; key stages that help individuals grow in their faith journey. The session encouraged parish leaders and laypeople alike to use FORMED as a resource for nurturing this process within their communities.
Another focus was the Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic; pray, study, generosity, and evangelise; reminding participants that discipleship is a continuous journey. “We will never fully arrive; we are always on a journey,” Director of API Sr Margarete Sta Maria (and the presenters) emphasised, “The mission of evangelisation, given to us by Jesus, is an ongoing calling.”
Participants also explored key FORMED series like Symbolon, Forgiven, CST 101, 33 Days to Morning Glory, and the popular Brother Francis cartoon series, all designed to engage a wide range of audiences; from catechumens to young children. The session emphasized how FORMED can be integrated into parish ministries such as RCIA, catechism classes, parent groups, and even within family homes.
Helen Scott highlighted the platform’s potential, saying, “FORMED is more than a library of Catholic resources; it’s a tool for real transformation. It helps us answer the call to evangelise, reaching people wherever they are on their spiritual journey.”
The formation team from the Church of the Holy Rosary also shared personal testimonies on how FORMED has already made a difference in their parish community, from deepening faith conversations to strengthening family spiritual practices.
As the session concluded, participants left inspired, recognising FORMED as a catalyst for nurturing discipleship and extending the Church’s mission beyond its walls. For more information on FORMED or how to subscribe through your parish, contact Christina Joseph, Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute at 03-2026 6466.
In a world where digital tools shape much of our daily lives, FORMED offers Catholics a way to stay rooted in faith, live out their discipleship intentionally, and share the Gospel with others; fulfilling the timeless mandate of Jesus: Go and make disciples of all nations. – Herald Malaysia
