FAMILY FAITH OVERVIEW

FAMILY FAITH is a monthly faith formation experience for the entire family. This program is offered as an alternative to the weekly Continuing Christian Education (CCE) program provided by the parish and combines group teaching with home study experiences. As the primary educators of their children regarding faith and morals, parent(s) will find that the FAMILY FAITH program supports them in that endeavor by providing regular opportunities to gather as a family and share their faith with each other in an intentional, thoughtful and relevant way.

Emphasizing the values often lacking in today's culture and society, FAMILY FAITH strives to build stronger Christian families, while deepening our understanding of the Catholic faith. Through group instruction, discussions and activities/exercises, family members grow closer to each other by sharing their faith. They also become connected to the larger community of other parish families in the program who encourage and support one another through prayer, deed and fellowship.

The FAMILY FAITH program is offered on the first Sunday of each month with a few exceptions. The first meeting is an adult only session in August, followed by once monthly family sessions starting in September through May of each year, from 9:15 am to 12:00 pm each month.

HOW IT IS RUN

The program coordinator, Joan Hastreiter, and the CORE team volunteers strive to provide a welcoming environment where participating families take turns serving each other during the course of the year by sharing the duties that help make FAMILY FAITH operate smoothly.

Each month, there is time for large group experiences, family Bible study/discussion and age level classes taught by parent catechists for all children ages 4 years through high school. Children ages 12 to 35 months will be cared for by the parish's nursery, Kingdom Care, with advanced registration through the parish office (see link) and children ages 3 years and older will spend the entire session time with their grade-level catechist.

CURRICULUM USED

The elementary aged children use the same textbooks as the weekly CCE classes, while the middle school and high school youth will use a variety of materials. Families will occasionally be assigned homework and/or a project to do during the month at home between sessions.

FAMILY FAITH, SACRAMENT PREPARATION AND YOUTH MINISTRY

Sacrament preparation is not a part of the FAMILY FAITH program and requires a supplemental registration form and fees. 

Preparation for First Sacraments is done apart from FAMILY FAITH with attendance at those  meetings required for preparation.  Those who are candidates for Confirmation must also attend regularly scheduled Confirmation classes separate and apart from FAMILY FAITH. However, participation in FAMILY FAITH does qualify as continuing faith formation for purposes of  either registration and/or continuation in both sacrament preparation programs.  Registration forms for the sacraments may be found under the 'Religious Education' tab of the church website.

High school and middle school youth are also encouraged to participate in the LIFE TEEN and EDGE programs, respectively.  

REGISTRATION

All families are welcome to register for FAMILY FAITH. Registration is limited each year to the first 60 families who complete and turn in their forms and payment, with priority given to returning families and then those on the wait list. Forms should be returned to the Registrar in the Religious Education Office of the parish on or before July 15th of each year.

Registration forms are located at the link to the top left.  For families needing preparation for First Reconciliaiton/First Communion and Confirmation, please click on the names to be directed to the required forms to be turned in with the Family Faith registration forms.