WHY THE CHANGE?
 

In December, 2016, when Fr. Paddy announced a path of parish renewal rooted in missionary discipleship, our parish Senior Leadership Team (SLT) had already begun focusing on how this new vision and mission would impact our current approach to Faith Formation, which each year serves 500+ families and 700+ children.  In spite of the wonderful spirit so active and alive here at Notre Dame, the disheartening nationwide statistics are impacting our faith community as well;

The reality we faced is that the classroom model of catechizing children, a model used by the Church for decades, no longer is working because the culture has changed so significantly.  As a society we face a crisis of the breakdown of the family unit, an increase in alcohol and drug use, as well as a crisis in terms of anxiety, depression, mental health issues and suicide.

Many families search for the sacramental “event” for their children (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) without being offered a path of true spiritual growth and active engagement in the faith.  The classroom model not only fails the families we serve, it also places a continuing drain (financial, physical and spiritual) on the resources available to sustain it.

Life Benefits of Active Engagement in the Life of the Church.—In study after study, we see that families who actively engage in a faith community on a regular basis are rewarded with significantly reduced likelihood of life problems and risky behaviors, and stand to significantly improve their odds of a happier, healthier, and longer life.

What are parents to do?

Achieving this active engagement suggests that parents/families should seek to:

• Pursue a personal relationship with Jesus

• Develop a regular rhythm of participation in Mass and in the life of the parish

• Pursue opportunities to learn and grow in the fullness of our faith

• Recognize Christ’s presence in ordinary moments of daily life.

So, we asked ourselves: How can we as a parish support our families on this new path of spiritual growth and engagement in the life of the church?

• Connect: Help people belong

• Worship:  Bring liturgy to life and life to liturgy

• Grow: Live, learn and teach

• Serve:  Reach out to others

A NEW MODEL OF FAITH FORMATIOM FOR OUR FAMILIES

During the past ministry year, a number of initiatives were undertaken which affirmed the need to continue on this path for our families. Taking into account the successes experienced, the lessons learned and the available resources, the Faith Formation Model for 2018-2019 will seek to actively engage parents in all aspects of the faith formation of their children:

• Families with infants and toddlers (12 months to 4 yrs. Old) are invited to join us for Sunday Mass (9 AM or 10:30 AM) and benefit from Shepherd’s Call, which cares for and nurtures the faith of the little ones while parents attend Mass.

• Families with children Pre K-5th grade are invited to attend the 9AM Sunday Mass which offers children's Liturgy of the Word.  In addition, there will be monthly events that engage parents and children.

• Families with a child seeking to celebrate First Holy Communion will be part of the “Signs of Grace” Family program with     bi-monthly gatherings (Nov.—Apr.) beginning with 9 AM Mass and followed by a child session and a parent session.

• Families with a child in Middle School: The “EDGE” program will serve the children (bi-monthly gatherings (Sept—June / Tuesdays, 7:00—8:30 PM) while parents participate in a Parenting Teen series, which offers guidance and fosters a sense of community and belonging).

• Families with a teen in High School : Teens will journey through “Alpha Youth“ (bi-monthly gatherings on Sundays, 5:00—6:30 PM, Oct.—Apr.) while parents journey through the “Parenting Teens” series.

• Families with a teen seeking to celebrate Confirmation will journey through the “Chosen” program (bi-monthly gatherings on Sundays, 7:00—8:30 PM, Oct.—Apr.).  Parents will also journey through the Chosen sessions.

• Families with a child/teen with Special Needs are invited to participate in our Special Needs program.  Elementary families meet bi-monthly (Oct.—Apr) Sundays, 10:30 AM—11:30 AM.  Youth/Young Adult gatherings take place bi-monthly on Fridays, 7:00-8:30 PM.

EARLY EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS!

 
“Children’s Liturgy has truly been a blessing to me and my family. I have never seen my kids so engaged or wanting to understand who Jesus is and how he is a big part of our lives.  They now understand why it’s important to pray at night and to give thanks to Jesus and to be generous and caring to other kids who have less.”

“I registered for the Parenting Series so that I could show my son, by example, the importance of continuing the faith journey throughout adulthood.  The sessions offered me an opportunity to connect with other parents in an educational, spiritual, and supportive atmosphere."

“I’m glad I was given the opportunity to take part in this journey.  I admit there were times when I was disrespectful, or wasn’t giving my full attention, but I was definitely inspired to take part in this community.  Soon I will sign up to join the choir, sign up to volunteer, or maybe even read at Mass. I AM willing to change my life.” (Teen who participated in Alpha Youth)

“My journey through confirmation has really opened my eyes. I have enjoyed how there has been a lot of time to reflect and be with God.  Confirmation has meant understanding God and that through the sacrament, you can become closer to him. I want to receive the sacrament because I want to become closer to God and be my own person in the church.”  (Teen who participated in Chosen) 

We can’t do this without you parents, without the prayerful support of our faith community, and most  important, without the unwavering reliance on God, our brother Jesus, and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.