In these articles, lately, I have been talking about some of the ways that adults can grow in their understanding of the faith. This week, I want to take the opportunity to share with you an entirely new way of forming children in the faith, and their parents as well! I do so, so that you can have a full understanding of the concept and implementation of the program, in case you hear someone talking about it, or asking any questions. If so, you’ll be informed, and able to share a bit about the program. Here we go!
In case you haven’t heard: Parishes are now gathered into groupings called “families.” These groups are designed to encourage collaboration among neighboring parishes. St. Francis – St. Maximilian, St. Isidore, and St. Therese of Lisieux are now joined together to form the “Disciples Unleashed Family of Parishes.”
One of our first initiatives is aimed at providing families with more options for children’s formation. Parents are encouraged to consider whether they’d prefer to have their children participate in their own parish, or if they’d like to participate in one of our other parishes so they can take advantage of a different type of learning experience. (More information is available on the Disciples Unleashed website under “Discipleship Formation.”) What makes this different is that participants can, seamlessly, attend classes in a different parish, or at home, while still celebrating sacraments in their home parish!
Another thing that is new is that we have developed a new type of formation for students in grades 1-6 to address the needs of busy families. This program, called “Living Faith,” focuses on participating in Mass, and in other prayer, service or social events at church. About ten hours each year will be completed at home in order to prepare for upcoming events, but the remaining twenty hours are focused on learning by doing, fulfilling the Archdiocesan requirement for thirty contact hours each year. For example, families might watch a video that explains what the Stations of the Cross are, and then go to a Stations event in their parish to reinforce that learning. Most educators would agree that involvement in an activity is far more impactful than just talking about it, but the thing that makes this program even more special is that activities can be done as a family. Rather than time in a classroom, it is our hope that participation in this program will provide families with the incentive for more time together, focused on meaningful faith-filled activities. Families tailor their participation to their interests and schedules, involving them in the life of their parish.
As you can see, there are some new things in the works, especially in the Discipleship Formation Offices at our Disciples Unleashed parishes! Spread the word! Registration for all of our programs, family-wide, is available online, at the same spot: disciplesunleashed.org/formation. Feel free to reach out to me, Peggy Casing, Director of Discipleship Formation, DUFOP, if you have any questions or if you need additional information (peggyc@stol.church 586-254-4433 X308). Encourage others to do so as well. No family will be turned away due to financial concerns. We are here to help families in their understanding and participation of the faith. We hope to build bridges, not barricades.