Looking for information about our CCD program? Religious Education? Faith Formation? You've come to the right place. 

Generations of Faith

Generations of Faith (aka GOF) is our parish-wide religious education program which brings together parishioners of all ages, all generations to learn, live, and share their faith. We gather seven times each year (gatherings are called "festivals") and each time we gather we begin with a shared meal and group opening activity, followed by a break out sessions for different age groups, and conclude with a group activity and prayer. Several session times are available on every GOF weekend to accommodate the different needs of parishioners' schedules: Friday 5:30-8:30, Sunday 12:30-3:30, Sunday 5-8, Monday 5-8.

Overview

There are three main features to this Faith Formation Program:

• The Faith Festival: participants of all ages attend and participate together in this event, where we learn about the particular faith topic for the month. The Festival begins with a family-style meal that offers the opportunity for community building and fellowship. Following the meal, the faith topic is introduced through an all ages opening activity and prayer which leads into break out sessions (sometimes by ages, sometimes intergenerational ones) during which participants explore the topic in greater depth before re-gathering for a brief review and closing prayer.
• The Home Kit: at the festival participating households pick up a home kit which provides with additional material and resources connected to the topic covered at the festival with which they can deepen and put into practice what they have learned. Some of the material is available on the website for those who would like to enrich their faith but are unable to attend the festivals.
• The Church Event: the Church event is either a parish event--such as the parish day of service--or liturgical celebration--such as Good Friday--for which the festival prepares participants by focusing on the faith topic the event is about.  That is, the event provides the content covered at the festival and in the home kit; by learning about the faith topic at the festival and/or at home through the resources provided in the home kit, participants enjoy a richer, fuller experience and understanding of the event.  

What You Should Know

These are answers to some of the initial questions we hear from those who are new to the program and parish:

• Parental Involvement and Participation: we require the participation of parents with children in elementary school and highly encourage the participation of parents of middle schoolers and high schoolers. Why? On your end, by participating with your child/ren you gain a shared faith experience that can offer a reference point for conversations about faith, values, and morality. On our end, we want to empower you to be able to answer and give guidance to your child/ren in response to the questions evoked by participation in the faith festivals.
• Meals: these are a highlight of the program and a wonderful opportunity to meet other parishioners--and don't worry, meals are catered.
• Choice of Festival: we encourage participants to pick their session of choice for the entire year (eg. Friday or Monday) which will allow you to get to know the participants, volunteers, and activity leaders at your session. But if, in the course of the year you find you are unable to attend a particular festival, you can always email us and switch to a different one if space is available.
• Volunteering: The task of catechesis is the responsibility of the entire parish community and it is a task whose success necessitates the sharing of many gifts. For this reason we expect all participating households to volunteer in some manner in the course of the year. There are opportunities for all ages--affording families a great way to engage together in service--and opportunities that draw upon different gifts and talents. Check the Volunteer Opportunities section for more information.

For additional information please check the posted documents or contact the faith formation staff.