August 3, 2020 Dear Parents of Faith Formation Students: Most of you have heard by now, that our parish is implementing a new Family Catechesis program from Sophia Press this fall. The program is designed to help parents become the main teacher of our Catholic Faith to their children. Without realizing it, you are the greatest and most important witness in your children’s lives. So, what is family catechesis? First of all, it’s FUN! Second, you do not need a degree in Theology, so relax! You will be working closely with our teachers and with parents like you who desire to pass on the faith of the Church to their children. You are going to see the same catechists that you did before, they know you and your family...that’s already a plus! Instead of your children meeting each week, you and your children will meet twice each month, with the exception of the children in year 1 and 2 who are preparing for the sacraments of first reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. They will meet each week as before. However, if you have children in years 1 and 2, you and your children will also be included in the bi-monthly family gatherings with the parents and children of grades 3-5. Why will we have these family gatherings? At the first gathering of the month parents will receive a Parent’s guidebook along with a workbook and activity book to bring home. Instruction and catechesis will be offered to you on how to present the lesson to your children at home. The parent’s guide has all the questions AND answers to help you guide your children in their workbook. The activity book has pages of fun things for the whole family to do. The best part of this, is that YOU make it fit your family’s schedule! Sophia Press also offers many wonderful online resources for you and your children. While this meeting is going on, your children will be in class with their teacher. At the second monthly gathering you, your children and catechists will meet to discuss what was learned from the previous week’s at home instruction and answer questions that you may have. We will also have a fun activity planned for families to do together, based on the theme for that month. And of course, there will be FOOD! Once COVID is gone. All together, these gatherings will take about one hour. We will start on time and end on time...if anyone wants to hang around to chat, great! But you can plan on each gathering to last no more than one hour. Sophia Press Institute has a great track record for providing what families need to grow in faith together, in a simple format. Parents and children learn together, they do activities together, they get involved in community and church projects together...and they grow closer to God together. Here are some quotes from people in parishes that have used A Family of Faith programs: “It seems to me like the families are more involved. I think they have a greater sense of ownership, of being members of the parish, than previously. Here are a couple of quotes from parents on a parish website who adopted the program: “It’s nice being able to be around other families with similar-aged children, to share conversations with and really engage with them about the faith,” he said. “We get a lot out of that. We get a lot out of the family activities, the parents’ guide, and the kids love the children’s activities. It was just clear that this is working better than a CCD approach to religious education.” “When we address the need in the parents’ hearts to know the Lord and receive the joy of the Gospel, then the children will learn the faith.” Something else to consider...when you cannot get out because of bad weather or sickness... a video will be sent to you to catch you up on what you missed. You will also receive a short video on what to expect for the coming month and to go over what to do to prepare. It’s a win – win! Keep informed through our website, Facebook page and the Parish App. Spread the word! Blessings to your family, Fr. Dave