Program Overview: Family Catechesis

2021 is a year of new beginnings and we are planning on taking full advantage of that with our Discovery (for K-3rd graders) and Explorers (for 4th - 6th graders) programs. This year we want to make sure we feel the community of the church, and a place to fellowship with parishioners. Also, because of the 18+ months of distancing, we feel it's important to get "back to basics" in our personal spiritual connection to God.  The truth taught through rich traditions of our Catholic faith help us grow closer to Jesus through the Trinity, saints, and the sacraments.   

As our patron saint, St. Joseph Marello writes in his letters, faith begins and ends at home, within our families as the domestic church.  This year, we will be using a family catechesis model program that includes our parish, the home, and the one another.  This program is called, A Family of Faith by the Sophia Institute.

Here is what our schedule will look like each month:

1) We will kick off with a Family Adventure the first Sunday of each month with Faith Adventure Days where will will sing together and then breakup into age and parent-specific small groups.

2) The second week will be home study with our new A Family of Faith curriculum meant to be studied with all ages in your home.

3) The third Sunday we will gather again for Family Expedition, engaging community event.

4) On the fourth and final week of the month will again be home study as a family. 

We are very excited to go back to the basics with our faith and spend some time as families studying and learning about Christ--how to love Him more, get more out of the sacraments and grow as a community!

We hope you will join us to meet families that are in the same stage of life in our parish and strengthen the bond we have as Catholics.
 

Program Dates and Calendar

Sunday, September 12th: special Kick-off Mass for Discovery and Explorer families

Then, we will meet every-other Sunday after the 2nd Mass on Sunday.  That way, families have the opportunity to attend Mass and continue with our program.

• Week 1 will be our Faith Adventure Day.  We will begin as a group, then split off in to our age-specific and parent groups for discussion and reinforcement of the topics for the month.
• Week 2 is directed family catechesis at home with the A Family of Faith Materials.
• Week 3 will be our Family Faith Expedition session where we will do a directed activity together.  Examples include Family Stations of the Cross, Family Rosary, volunteerism, or adoration together.
• Week 4 is directed family catechesis at home with the A Family of Faith Materials.

Materials and Fees (will be calculated in the registration form)

Registrations costs for students in Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades are as follows:

Each family with one student costs $71 and will receive required materials:

1 St. Marys Press interactive, illustrated full text children's bible

1 Parents Guide - A Family of Faith

1 Student Guide - A Family of Faith

Each additional student = $12

Registrations costs for students in 2nd Grade:

All 2nd grade students will be automatically enrolled in sacramental preparation course for the Signs of Grace Program!  We are excited to continue this engaging, rich, and interactive program.  This course specifically provides preparation for the sacraments of Reconcilliation and First Holy Communion using videos, activities, bible lessons, and church teachings.  The cost for students in this program is $60.