Family Formation
VIDEO: What is Family Formation?
This model is for all families regardless of where they go to school. (Not only for public school families)
The family-based curriculum, includes adult catechesis and training for parents, it is founded on the teachings of the Catholic Church, and is designed to make living the Faith a life-long learning adventure. The lessons are simple, follow the church calendar, are designed to help the family prepare for Sunday Mass and to better follow the bible. Dad’s are strongly encouraged to play a key role.
The Church has always believed that conversion of life is at the heart of all we do. Nowhere is this truer than in families. Strong families and those that are struggling, we are all in this together. We can all learn from each other and benefit from the love and support of our parish family!
All of the baptized are called to be an apostle of the Divine Mercy of Jesus in the modern world. Where ever we are in our faith, God wants to meet us right there and take us further.
Family Formation promotes parents as the primary educators of their children in the Catholic Faith. Families gather once a month on first Wednesdays. Pre K (age 3) – 6th grade will be dropped off by parents at 6:00pm at the school and the Mother Samuel Building. The parents come to the new church (infants welcome) to receive resources and instruction beginning at 6:15 and ending at 7:15pm then picking up children/teens at 7:30pm.
The children will receive encouraging lessons/activities around a central unified theme. At the church, parents will meet with the priests and staff to be equipped with a monthly packet of home lessons/activities (same theme as children) to lead their family in learning the Catholic Faith. These lessons are to be taken home and worked on as a family and are primarily for grades 1-6 (the older ones can assist or even lead some lessons). Each home lesson takes about 45 minutes and promotes Sunday worship as a family.
For today’s busy family we hope that this new flexibility will enable your family to come together weekly to share faith and grow in holiness as a family. Please see the Family Formation frequently asked questions section in this newsletter.
FAQs about Family Formation
How can parents who may not know their faith well teach their children the Faith at home?
Parents do not have to be experts in the Faith to use Family Formation. Each lesson is written at an elementary school level, and is easily understood by everyone. By simply spending a small amount of time in preparation each week, parents can become familiar with the topic in the upcoming lesson. Additional references from Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are given for those interested in further study. One of the richest blessings of Family Formation comes as families learn
about the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith together. Many parents have testified to the fact that, through Family Formation, they have come to learn and understand the Catholic faith for the first time.
What do you offer for sacramental preparation?
There is a separate Family Formation program for those preparing for the sacraments of first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion. Students in our program (typically second graders), meet at the same classroom time as regular Family Formation students. Instead of learning about the topic of the month, they
are on a separate track, concentrating on their preparation for one of these sacraments. Each sacramental prep student purchases a Family Formation workbook containing Home Lessons to do with their parents the other three weeks each month. They prepare for their first Reconciliation during the fall semester and,
after receiving that sacrament, they prepare for first Holy Communion in the spring.
I am a single parent / my spouse is not Catholic. Will this work for me?
Absolutely! All parents are given the graces necessary to lead their children to our Heavenly Father. The additional effectiveness of family-based catechesis is a wonderful blessing to families in these more difficult situations. The clear, simple explanations of the faith as presented in Family Formation lessons are a great way for a non-Catholic parent to learn about Catholicism and to have their questions answered. Simply use Family Formation in the same way as other families.
What about children who go to Catholic schools?
Faith formation at home is critical, regardless of a child’s school environment. By using Family Formation, a family can grow together in their faith, and the shared faith experiences offered make for many teachable moments in the normal events of family life. Children receive significant lessons in the importance of continual education in the Faith as they see their parents giving priority to their own progress. At every age, growth in our faith is important!
Is the LORD calling you to get involved with this mission? Please read this page and contact Justin 507-339-9116 or Rita 507-330-2606.
