Family Faith (Children in Gr. 4-6 + Parents)
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The life of faith first begins in the home with the faith life and practices of the parents being the first experiences children have with the faith. This sets the trajectory for how the child will live the faith as an adult, making family life crucial in the faith formation of the child. This is an empowering and ennobling task that can seem daunting for many families who have so many opportunities and responsibilities surrounding their family life. So, here at St. Gertrude we want to work closer with you, the parents, in the faith formation of your family. We know we cannot provide the full experience of the faith on our own and so we want to partner with and invite you into this process.
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Building on the 2020-2021 year, we are going to maintain our “family-based,” "child-centered" approach for 4th-6th graders in 2021-2022. Please note that we are "limiting" the target audience of the content to 4-6th grade. COVID precluded the possibility of having all of the children together this year, and we were basically “boxed” into a situation where we were trying to meet the needs of 3-8th graders. We knew that would be a challenge. So, we're adjusting for 2021-2022. 3rd grade formation will remain in the CGS program, which is a great fit, and 7th and 8th graders will become part of our new L'alto Confirmation program.
For a list of FAQs regarding the Family Faith program, please see this document.
For a list of FAQs regarding the Family Faith program, please see this document.
Program Elements
Once per month, families gather to engage in competitions, hands-on activities, breaking open and discussing Scripture, learning together, and praying together as a family. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
This coming year, we'll maintain that frequency, but, in response to your feedback, we're going to add a second Sunday morning each month just for the children. So, for example, if your family attends the 9am session on the first Sunday of the month, your 4-6th grader will return, with all of the other students from that 9am session, for a youth-only session the third Sunday of the month at 9am.
In sum:
This coming year, we'll maintain that frequency, but, in response to your feedback, we're going to add a second Sunday morning each month just for the children. So, for example, if your family attends the 9am session on the first Sunday of the month, your 4-6th grader will return, with all of the other students from that 9am session, for a youth-only session the third Sunday of the month at 9am.
In sum:
- Parents and their 4-6th grade children will meet for 75 mins 1x/month
- 4th-6th graders will meet an additional time each month for 75 mins for further formation
- Nb. This program happens simultaneously with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. So, younger children in families will be in the Atrium at the same time parents and 4-6th graders are in the School Cafeteria for Family Faith.
- We encourage older children to attend Family Faith as well. Even if the content is ultimately geared towards 4th-6th grade siblings, there is always something to learn and an opportunity to teach younger siblings.
Session Times and Cost
- Sunday Morning Sessions (either 1st/3rd or 2nd/4th from 9:00-10:15am or 10:30-11:45am
- Tuesday Evening Sessions (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) at 6:00-7:15pm
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Have more questions? Interested in learning more? Contact: Kristen Eggers (kristen@stgertrude.org) or Brad Bursa (bbursa@stgertrude.org) Phone: 513-561-5954 |
