Family Faith Formation
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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
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 and First Communion preparation for children.
Why Family Faith Formation?
Family Faith Formation focuses on living the faith together and building up the domestic church. Knowing the Catholic faith is important, and living the faith together in a 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 family 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 family group will gather to pray together, talk about the faith together, and share life together. A parent leader will facilitate family group meetings. Family groups will be assigned based on information gathered during the required registration interview meeting.
FAQ
When will the meetings be?
- Each family group will have a designated meeting time
- Meeting times will vary between family 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 family groups be formed?
- Based on the information provided during the initial interview meeting, family groups will be assigned.
How will parents be informed of any changes, updates, or reminders?
- During the initial interview meeting, parents will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred method of communication: email, text, or phone call.
- Various methods of communication will be employed as needed and as fitting to the message being dispersed
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?
- children registered for First Communion will receive the Word of Life First Communion Book (Bk 2)
- First Communion families have additional important dates throughout the year
- First Reconciliation
- First Communion Preparation Day
What if I have more than one child registered?
- Each child will receive a 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 for parish families.
Maria Wanner
Faith Formation Coordinator
503-648-1998 ext 230
[email protected]