Elementary Faith Formation Program
Contact:
Jean Longendyke
651-784-3015 x108
We
ask that parents:
• take an active role in the program by talking with
your children about the lessons in the book before each session. We
therefore ask that you set aside time each week deliberately passing on
your faith to your children including taking time to share personal and
biblical stories of faith, praying together, and creating traditions
and rituals based on faith.• attend the Foundations in Faith Nights held at St. Joseph's.
• worship regularly with your children.
Grade
Level Sessions
We provide small group, grade level sessions during the school year
that reinforce the basic themes and teachings children are learning at
home. Catechists receive training, lessons plans, resources and
numerous ideas and ways to make their small groups fun and exciting for
the children (and the volunteers). Students in grades 1 - 6 meet
either Monday evenings from 6:15-7:15 or Wednesday evenings from 5:30
to 6:30. Learning experiences include small and large group
discussions, role play, games, music, art projects and prayer
experiences throughout the year. We use a spiraling curriculum
from the Harcourt Religion Publisher's Call to Faith series. Core
content is presented in an age-appropriate way for each grade level for
the following themes: Revelation, Trinity, Jesus Christ, The Church,
Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God.Formal sacrament preparation is done through special First Reconciliation and First Eucharist sessions for families with children in 4th and 2nd grades, respectively.
Foundations
in Faith
**** Note time
change this year! Foundations in Faith sessions start and
end at regular session times (Monday 6:15-7:15, Wednesday
5:30-6:30).****Faith is a lifelong journey. These sessions are an important way for us as a church to partner with parents in deepening their own faith knowledge and in forming faith-filled young people. Come journey with your child at these specially designed intergenerational sessions. Parts of the session include joining all together for worship and ritual and separating for a formation component that is age-relevant.
Foundations in Faith intergenerational sessions are an important part of the Elementary Faith Formation Program. Attend whichever session works best for you. All parishioners are welcome at these sessions.
FiF Sessions:
- September 28, 6:15 or September 30, 5:30 – Images of God – How the scriptures shape our relationship with God and our understanding of the purpose of life.
- November 16, 6:15 or November 18, 5:30 – The Torah – How to read the first 5 books of the bible from a non-literal, Catholic point of view.
- January 11, 6:15 or January 13, 5:30 - How the story of creation, the exile and the exodus of the Jewish people, and other key stories from the first 5 books of the Bible shape our own faith story.
Sacraments
2010-2011
First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
Starting this year 2010-11, Catechesis for both First Reconciliation and First Eucharist will take place at the second grade level. All children are required to be enrolled in a 2nd Grade Faith Formation small group in order to participate in Sacrament preparation. Preparation for 2nd graders will include one parent session, 3 parent/child sessions and 2 retreat experiences (one for each sacrament). Materials for each sacrament will also be provided for parents to work with their child at home.
First Reconciliation Third and Fourth Grade
In 2010-11 only, 3rd and 4th Graders who have not received First Reconciliation will participate in a preparation program in October and November. Registration for that program will be mailed in September.
Parents of older children who have not received these sacraments should contact Kathy Indihar at the parish office.
Sacrament Links: See Eucharist and Reconciliation for sacrament calendars and more information.
Parent Resources
Call to Faith Parent's Page
United States Council of Catholic Bishops
Bible, Liturgy and more
Daily Readings
Catholic Mom Website
Parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children. They catechize informally, but powerfully by example and instruction. (National Catechetical Directory, no. 212)
Catechist Resources
Call to Faith Catechist's Page
United States Council of Catholic Bishops
Bible, Liturgy and more
Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Catechist Website (planning resource)
Elementary Calendar 2009-2010
Monday
Wednesday
|
Sept. |
28-Faith Formation Kickoff |
30- Faith Formation Kickoff |
|
October |
5 |
7 |
|
October |
12-No Session |
14 – No Session |
|
October |
19 |
21 |
|
October |
26 |
28 |
|
November |
2 |
4 |
|
November |
9 |
11 |
|
November |
16 Foundations in Faith |
18 Foundations in Faith |
|
November |
23 – No Session |
25 – No Session |
|
Nov./Dec. |
30 |
1 |
|
December |
7 |
9 |
|
December |
14 |
16 |
|
December |
21 – No Session |
23 – No Session |
|
December |
28 - No Session |
30 - No Session |
|
January |
4- No Session |
6- Catechists Only |
|
January |
11 Foundations in Faith |
13 Foundations in Faith |
|
January |
18 – No Session |
20 - No Session |
|
January |
25 |
27 |
|
February |
1,2, and 3 |
PARISH |
|
February |
8 |
10 |
|
February |
15 – No Session |
17 ASH WEDNESDAY |
|
|
|
(no session) |
|
February |
22 |
24 |
|
March |
1 |
3 |
|
March |
8 Parish Reconciliation Night |
10 No Session |
|
March |
15 |
17 |
|
March |
22 |
24 |
|
March |
29- No Session |
31 - No Session |
|
April |
5 – No Session |
7– No Session |
|
April |
12 |
14 |
|
April |
19 |
21 |
|
April |
26 |
28 |
|
|
|
|
