SUNDAY MASS AND THE PRACTICE OF THE FAITH
We ask that all families participate in Sunday & Holy Day Masses, regular Confession throughout the year, daily prayer/devotions at home, and the practice of stewardship (time, talent, and treasure) which are the essential first components to faith-formation.
PHILOSOPHY BEHIND OUR PROGRAM
The goal of Holy Family's faith formation is to raise up disciples of Jesus Christ. This includes children and adults. We are also striving to build connections and community within our parish so that everyone finds a home here.
It is important to note that the formation the parish offers is considered supplemental to the role of parents as the primary and nearly irreplaceable teachers of their children in the ways of faith. Holy Family seeks to build up the domestic Church in each home as a place where Christian virtue, prayer, and life are passed on from one generation to the next. Because we believe in a whole family approach to our formation, we have chosen to use a combination of traditional classes and family prayer/adoration each month.
MONTHLY FAMILY ADORATION TIMES
One Sunday of each month from October through April we ask our families to join us in the church at 4:00 p.m. for Family Adoration. This time will give families with all age children the chance to learn to pray in the presence of the Lord. The US Bishops have called for a Eucharistic Revival and our own diocese has called us to create more opportunities at the parish level this year to do just that. Our goal is to awaken in all our families a love for Jesus in the Eucharist and an understanding of the Real Presence through this monthly event.
These events will take the place of one of the monthly classes (usually the first Sunday of each month.) We will have our prayer time which will include music, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, Scripture, communal prayer and quiet time. We are starting with a 30-minute session to allow families with young children to better manage what their children can handle. This will be followed with a time of fellowship with a POTLUCK in the Parish Center until 5:30 and all are welcome to join us over there.
GRADE LEVEL CLASSES
The other weeks of each month are grade level specific classes for students. These sessions are also from 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Students will meet with catechists according to grade level and will be covering materials using the Spirit of Truth series, by Sophia Institute Press. These classes will be age appropriate and help students apply what they are learning with their families and deepen their understanding of Scripture, Salvation History, and the Catholic faith. While the children are with their teachers, Room 202 in the Parish Center will be open for parents to come together to grow and learn more about their faith with an Adult Study (B.A.S.I.C.) that will supplement what their children are learning as well. It is a good time to meet new people and build relationships. You can learn more about the adult classes HERE.
ADDITIONAL AT HOME ENRICHMENT
It is critical that children experience the home as the principal place where faith is shared and practiced. Alongside the monthly Family Adoration session, we will supply fun activities for the home each month. We encourage you to make use of these resources to bring what you are learning to life. This provides another layer of connection with their faith. You can find them under the Monthly Parent Resources tab (coming soon).