Promoting knowledge of the faith: Catechesis fosters "the gradual grasping of the whole truth" through a study of Tradition and Scripture. This task is realized by deepening one's knowledge of the Creed, "a compendium of Scripture and of the faith of the Church."
Liturgical education: Catechesls teaches the meaning of the liturgy and sacraments, aiming to bring the
faith to a "full, conscious, and active participation."
Moral formation: Catechesis fosters conversion of life by transmitting the spirit of the beatitudes and values of the Decalogue, and witnesses to the "social consequences of the demands of the Gospel."
Teaching to pray: Catechesls calls the disciples to pray with sentiments of Jesus' prayer: "adoration, praise, thanksgiving, filial confidence, supplication, and awe." The Our Father is a "summary of the entire Gospel," and handing it on is a "true act of catechesls."
Education for community life: By means of an apprenticeship (the catechumenate) that witnesses to (1) a spirit of simplicity and humility, (2) solicitude for "the least," (3) concern for alienated, (4) fraternal correction, and (5) mutual forgiveness.
Missionary initiation: By equipping the faithful, especially the laity, "to be present as Christians in society
through their professional, cultural and social lives." (Sowing Seeds 24-25)
The Directory emphasizes that all of these tasks are essential.
The tasks of catechesis, consequently, constitute a totality, rich and varied in aspect. All of these tasks are necessary. As the vitality of the human body depends on the proper function of all of its organs, so also the maturation of the Christian life requires that it be cultivated in all its dimensions: knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, missionary spirit. When catechesis omits one of these elements, the Christian faith does not attain full development. (GDC #87)
The Generations of Faith approach provides an integrated and comprehensive approach to faith formation, utilizing all six interrelated tasks of catechesis, by centering faith formation in the events of Church life.
Top
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Generations of Faith?
It is a learning model that moves beyond textbook knowledge. GOF encourages lifelong learning, invites each of us to practice the faith each day and to share the faith as a community.
Will Generations of Faith replace our Faith Formation classes?
Yes! Generations of Faith, will replace our Monday & Tuesday Faith Formation classes. We will gather as community 1 time per month for a 2 1/2 hour Faith Fest. 4 Faith Fests will be scheduled each month. You pick the monthly Fest that best meets your schedule.
May I attend if I don't have children or if I am single?
YES! EVERYONE, EVERYONE and EVERYONE is invited to participate!
What is a "home kit"?
A "home kit" is a packet of materials for you to take home each month and use to supplement your learning.
Is the price of food included In my registration fee?
Yes! Come and enjoy a home cooked meal and socialize with fellow parishioners.
How can I help?
There are many different roles for volunteers...You can facilitate a small learning group, prepare/serve food, assemble home kits, set up the parish hall, clean up after Faith Fests, etc. Just let us know!
Who participates in Generations of Faith?
Seniors, Young Adults, Families, Singles, Couples, College Students, Visitors, Newcomers, Friends, Teenagers...
How does Generations of Faith affect sacrament preparation?
Sacrament preparation classes for First Penance, First Holy Communion, Confirmation begin in September. Baptism classes will be required for parents presenting a child for Baptism for the first time. Marriage preparation will still occur.
Will it be mandatory for parents to attend with their children?
We believe that parents want to share in their children's faith journey, and more importantly, we believe that children-adolescents includes-need their parents and other adults to be involved in their faith journey, providing positive role models and encouragement. We expect parents to attend Faith Fest with their children. If it just is not possible, a responsible adult who is involved in the child's life (grandparent or other relative, godparent of family friend) may attend in the parent's place.
What happens if one of the parents is not Catholic?
Non-Catholic parents are welcome to participate. If, however, a non-Catholic parent is not interested in participating, this does not prevent the rest of the family from doing so.
How will registration be handled?
We welcome you to register at any time during the year. Come into the Faith Formation Office during our normal office hours to register. Season Passes run for a theme year from November to October.
What does "Generations of Faith" look like?
We gather as community one time per month for a 2 1/2 hour Faith Fest
1. WE SHARE A MEAL - No potluck, no cooking, serving or cleaning up. Just come, eat and enjoy!
2. OPENING - Introduction to the topic for all ages using prayer, film, story, activity, music, etc.
3. IN-DEPTH LEARNING ACTIVITIES - All ages learn about the same topic according to their stage in life:
- Children with parents activities
- Adolescent activities
- Young Adult activities
- Adult activities
OR
We remain in inter-generational groups for a shared learning experience.
4. WHOLE GROUP SHARING - We share what we have learned and receive Home Kits to help us go forth & live what we have learned.
5. CELEBRATION!
We experience more meaningful participation at mass and parish events!
  
  
 
Registration
Registration for Generations of Faith is going on right now.
A "Season Pass" includes all meals and program materials for Faith Fests from Nov. '08 thru Oct. '09.
Household size of 4 or more is $180.00 a year
Household size of 2-3 is $130.00 a year
Individual is $70.00 a year.
One Faith Fest Event: $10.00 per person/per Faith Fest; $25.00 per family/per Faith Fest
(As always, no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Fees may be waived due to financial circumstances)
Sacramental Faith Formation classes (1st Penance, Confirmation) are held on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. usually from September thru May. Parental participation is required.
You can register your child for sacramental preparation when you register for Generations of Faith
Top
| 
The General Directory for Catechesis provides a comprehensive framework for catechesis that is rooted in the life of the Church.
