“There are two powerful influences on the planet-
the church and the home.
They both exist because God initiated them.
They both exist because God desires to use them to demonstrate
His plan of redemption and restoration.
If they work together they can potentially make a greater impact than if they work alone.
They need each other.
Too much is at stake for either one to fail.
Their primary task is to build God’s Kingdom in the hearts of
men and women, sons and daughters.”

(from THINK ORANGE IMAGINE THE IMPACT WHEN CHURCH AND FAMILY COLLIDE by Reggie Joiner)

Looking to 2023-2024 Faith Formation  

Faith Formation isn’t just for kids!

 What is the purpose of Faith Formation?

Many think it’s just for the kids and to ‘get a sacrament’ and that’s the reason they register or don’t register.  But sacramental preparation is just a piece of Faith Formation.  We are called to be disciples of Jesus: people who want to think as Jesus thinks, people who want to act as Jesus acts, people devoted to becoming the Body of Christ… each part connected and working with Christ, our head.  Is this accomplished after we celebrate Confirmation and First Communion such that we no longer need to continue Faith Formation?
In the Acts of the Apostles we read that “Those who accepted his (Peter’s) message were baptized,.. They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the   prayers… Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” 
People didn’t stop coming together and learning after they were baptized!  And because they didn’t, others were finding something profoundly different in them that they were drawn to check out this community of faith and then become an integral part of it so as to help it do its job!
 
Imagine if we considered just a bit more that this being the Body of Christ is more than what we are currently doing?   Would others begin to to find something profoundly different in us that they would be drawn to check it out?!  To become who we are called to be, we are embracing an  intergenerational approach: the whole parish, adults and youth, encouraged to learn, grow and serve together so as to be more fully the Body of Christ!
 
Intergenerational Faith Formation opportunities, known as LIFT (Living In Faith Together) will begin with Mass and then continue with a shared meal, fun activities and conversation to grow in our faith in our becoming more authentically the Body of Christ. 
 
There are a variety of schedules and topics from which to choose.   
All are welcome to join any of our sessions!
Pre-registration is requested so we may adequately plan for space, food and supplies.
 

 

And what is the point of 'making' a sacrament?
Faith Formation and the sacraments are meant to connect us more with each other, to help us become one in God’s heart and mind.  Many prepare their children for a sacrament and then are not seen in church again.  Could this not be compared to a couple on their wedding day vowing to be there for each other and then, after the ceremony, saying "K, see ya when I see ya!"?  Faith Formation and sacraments are not a checklist of things to get done!  Therefore, weekly Mass is foundational before, during and after preparation.  The intention is to grow in relationship with each other...
to build up the faith community, to grow in God TOGETHER so as to become more fully the Body of Christ.

When families want to learn and grow with the parish by at least coming to Mass weekly, then they are ready to further prepare children for the sacraments.

For some tentative dates of meetings and retreats, refer to the Faith Formation Handbook. 

 Catholic School Families and Sacraments
Each parish is responsible to prepare its parishioners for the sacraments.
This includes Catholic School families.
Families looking for First Reconciliation, Confirmation or First Communion preparation need to register in their parish’s Faith Formation program.
First Reconciliation: Grade 2 or older
Confirmation & First Communion: grade 3 or older