A new method to evangelize and form our families in the faith.

“A commitment not to a re-evangelization but to a new evangelization — new in ardor, methods and expression” St. John Paul II, from Ecclesia in America 

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What is Family Faith Formation (FFF)? 

A ministry in which parents and children learn about the Catholic faith together and with other families. FFF merges the previous ministries of Religious Education (K-5) and First Communion preparation for children in grades 2-5. 

Why Family Faith Formation? 

Family Faith Formation focuses on living the faith together. Knowing the Catholic faith is important, and living the faith together in community is even more important.  
Building on our experiences of the past few years, we have considered the following in adopting FFF: 

• Online only learning of the faith lacks accountability in growing spiritually and lacks community building. 
• Parents who worked with their children in Sacrament Preparation had a positive experience learning about the faith with their children. 
• Parents value the guidance and passion a volunteer catechist shares with their family. 
• Family schedules are diverse, making it difficult to offer an ideal time in the week for all families to gather and learn about the faith at the same time.  

How does Family Faith Formation work? 

FFF is designed in a small group model. A small group will consist of 5-6 families. Parents will work with their children at home following the provided reading plan. On a regular basis, the small group of families will gather to pray together and talk about what they have been learning. A facilitator (volunteer catechist or parent) will facilitate the small group meetings. Small groups will be assigned based on information gathered during registration from a questionnaire and registration forms.  

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FAQ 

When will the meetings be? 

• Each small group will have a designated meeting time 
• Meeting times will vary between small groups 
• Meetings will run from October through May 

Where will the meetings be? 

• Meetings may be held on campus (scheduled through Maria) or off-campus. 

How will small groups be formed? 

• Based on information provided on the Registration Form & Questionnaire, small groups will be assigned. 

How will parents be informed of any changes, updates, or reminders? 

• Email 

What materials and resources will be provided? 

• Word of Life books 
• Word of Life online portal 
• reading plan 

How is First Communion preparation part of this? 

• First Communion families will be placed in the same small groups 
• Small Group meetings will be focused on First Communion topics 
• First Reconciliation: Saturday March 18th 
• First Communion Preparation Day: Saturday April 29th (details coming later in the year) 
• First Communion Masses are in May 

What if I have more than one child registered? 

• Each child will receive the book appropriate for his/her age.  
• A reading plan will be supplied for each child. 
• Parents may work with their children together or separately using the provided resources. 

My child attends St Matthew. Do I need to register him/her through the parish? 

• YES. Sacramental Preparation will be through the parish this year. 
• Registration for school families is the same as parish families.