After completing a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School in 1980, Jack accepted a high school teaching position in Madison, Wisconsin.  Later he moved into parish ministry and served as parish catechetical leader in two parishes.  In 1986 he began ministry in the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the diocese of Madison and served on the staff as Associate Director until his death after a long battle with cancer in 2007.

In the late 1980s he was elected to serve as a representative to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Committee on Adult Religious Education (NACARE).  The Committee served the bishops of the United States in the area of adult catechesis and consisted of representatives from all of the episcopal regions of the country. 

Jack eventually became the chairperson of the NACARE Committee and guided the group in the writing and publication of the first ever USCCB Pastoral Letter on adult faith formation: Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us.  He also contributed to and edited an accompanying leader’s guide to the document that has been used by parish leaders to help resource parish adult faith formation teams. 

For Jack McBride, adult faith formation was not an afterthought or a secondary program—it was the heart of the Church’s catechetical life. He recognized what many still struggle to fully embrace: that adults are not simply supporters of parish life or companions to children in sacramental preparation; they are disciples called to ongoing conversion, growth, and mission.

He had a particular gift for forming leaders. Rather than simply creating programs, he focused on equipping facilitators—helping them lead discussions, invite participation, and connect faith to real-life experience. His work emphasized that the process of catechesis (dialogue, reflection, encounter) is just as important as the content.

His creativity pointed to the essential truth: adults learn differently. They bring experience, questions, doubts, and wisdom. They seek relevance and authenticity. Effective catechesis for adults, then, creates space for reflection, conversation, and connection between faith and life. It honors where people are while gently inviting them deeper.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• How are we intentionally forming adults as disciples in our communities?

• Where might we create space for adults to share their stories and discover Christ within them?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/

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Blog thumbnail portrait photo adapted from: Cleveland.com Obits