What is Family Formation?

Family Formation revolves around weekly family gatherings where home lessons, provided by the church, are worked on and discussed by parents with their children. Then there are monthly gatherings at the church which allow K-7 grade students to learn about a topic in a grade-level classroom setting with a trained catechist, while at these same monthly gatherings their parents receive a teaching with Father Browning and are being formed in the Faith on the same topic. 

At each monthly gathering, families will get a packet of home activities for the remaining 3 weeks to complete at their own pace, day, and time.  Packets include simple lesson, activities, crafts, music, stories, etc. All lessons are multisensory and meant to be done with mixed ages.  Parents get to choose day, time, how and what from each lesson.  
Time will take approximately 45-60 minutes each week.

FAQ:

When are monthly gatherings? The first Wednesday of each month. (September-May)

What will the times be?  6-7:40pm

Can I bring younger children on family nights? We are planning to offer childcare for younger siblings.

What happens for First Confession and First Communion?   
Parents who want to help their children prepare to celebrate the sacraments should plan to attend Family Formation.  We will have a separate meeting to explain sacramental preparation and distribute materials.  Some lessons will be done at home and some at the monthly gatherings.
For more details see First Reconciliation or First Eucharist

What about Confirmation? 
Confirmation is currently 8th and 9th grade and will stay on Sunday for teen classes.   Confirmation class is not part of Family Faith BUT the confirmation teens will have an opportunity to be childcare helpers AND leaders for the 7th grade break out at Family Faith night. Get more information about teen Confirmation HERE

How does the PreK work? 

The preschool age 4 will meet on Sunday during the 10am mass.  In addition, PreK families are invited and included to participate in family monthly gatherings .  Understanding the time may be difficult for younger children - there will be childcare offered.  We also have a Wee-Believers portal with resources and liturgical ideas for parents that will be updated monthly.

What if we have a conflict and can’t make one of the monthly gatherings? 
No Worries!  All of the parent programs and grade level break out will be recorded on YouTube.   We will send the links to all registered families each month and family packets can be picked up after mass or from the formation office.

What is the program fee for 2020/21? 
Program fee is $200 per family of the same household. The sacramental fee is $50 (First Communion & Confirmation Year 2).  NO deposit is due at the time of registration - please register by July 1 to assist with classroom and volunteer needs.
Scholarships are available for families who need assistance – call or email for details.

Do you still need grade level teachers (catechists)? 
YES! Each of our monthly gatherings has a grade level meeting.  We need adults to lead each grade.  Please prayerfully consider being part of the program.   As a grade level leader, you would need to attend a monthly lesson preview night on the Wednesday before each family gathering.  On family nights you will be with your grade level instead of parent program.
(Grade level leaders/catechists receive discounted tuition)
Email Michelle below if you are interested or have questions.

Will homeschool still be an option? 
Yes and No – The program from 2019/20 is no longer one that we will be using.  All grades from K-7 will be part of Family Formation which is a merge of home school and community gathering.  

My children attend STM Catholic School - do I still register?
If your child is attending STM in 2nd grade, You will automatically be enrolled in the Sacramental prep for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  If you have a child in Catholic HS and wish to have them celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation - YES! please register for "Year 2".  If you have a child enrolled at STM who is 3rd-8th grade and has not celebrated First Eucharist, please contact the RE office before registering.

I liked the program the way it was! Why the change? 
This may seem like a sudden change, but it has been over two years of research, training, parent surveys, and catechist trials.  Our ultimate goal is to assist parents in their responsibility as educators of the faith - We want to help you keep Jesus in the center of your family.

How do I register for 2020/21?
Registration for PreK4 through both levels of Confirmation can be found at the graphic above or HERE