Due to Covid we have made modifications to all programs to support families in keeping Christ the center of their Domestic Church.  The term “Domestic Church” refers to the family, the smallest body of gathered believers in Christ. Though a seemingly recent term, it dates all the way back to the first century AD. Our Early Church Fathers understood that the home was fertile ground for discipleship, sanctification, and holiness.  It may not seem like a blessing, but Covid-19 has been a catalyst to family togetherness and an opportunity for holiness.  Prayer is the answer!

How will family formation work this year?

At the beginning of every month there will be a “Family Faith Delivery” to each registered household along with a parent live-stream night.  After live-stream, an email will be sent to all families with parent talk recording and video lessons for Pre-k, grades 1-3, and grades 4-7. At the end of each month -Instead of quizzes or tests for lessons, we will have a family Kahoot! challenge.

Since we can’t meet on campus…we will come to you.
Since your head is spinning with log-in codes, virtual classrooms and e-learning…we are no/low tech...
Everything is pre-printed and ready to use.

FAQ:
When does the program start? The first delivery will be Sepember 10/11th  with opening parent night September 16th. 
When are monthly parent nights? The first Wednesday of each month. (October-May)
                                                                    live-stream/Youtube with sign up for adults in person by Flocknote 

What will the time be?  7pm (recording will also be posted and emailed to parents)

Can I bring children on parent nights? No, at this time we have a limit of 50 adults.

How will the delivery work? Do I need to be home?  Your liaison will reach out to you with an estimated time of drop off.  If you are unable to be home, please give instructions as to where the box should be left.  Pleae note that the Liaison will be wearing a mask and will need to keep with social distancing - they wil not be entering your home.

How long will it take to complete lessons? Each box from October-May will include 3 lessons, instruciotns for parents, and all activity materials.  You should allow 45-60 min. each week to complete.

Is the time to complete per child? NO! Children of the same family will work together.  The idea is to have everyone learn, complete, and pray together each week. 45-60 min. total

I'm not comfortable teaching my children. What support is being offered?  Please be assured that the lesson instructions for parents are very simple and easy to follow AND Father Browning's parent night will be specific to each monthly topic.  Your family liaison will be a phone call, or email away, and Michelle will be available for in-person or zoom questions any time. Please join the STM parent facebook group to get support and ideas from other parents.  You've got this!

What happens for First Confession and First Communion?   
Parents who want to help their children prepare to celebrate the sacraments should plan to register for Family Formation.  We will have a separate live stream meeting to explain sacramental preparation and distribute materials.  
For more details see First Reconciliation or First Eucharist

What about Confirmation? 
Confirmation is currently 8th and 9th grade.   Due to Covid we will be modifying the program to be a small group zoom gatherings.  Small groups will be led by parent mentors and meet at various times.  Teens will be grouped by schools and neighborhoods.  There will be a Confirmation parent live stream in October to review changes and expectations.  Get more information about teen Confirmation HERE

How does the PreK work? 
The preschool age 4 will not be able to meet on Sunday during the 10am Mass as in past years.  Pre-K families will be included in the Family Faith monthly delivery and will have a special lesson and video each month that ties to the theme of the month.  

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 money is due with registration.  An invoice with payment details will be included in the first monthly packet in September.

Do you still need grade level teachers (catechists)? 
For the 2020/21 year, the role of Catechist will be "Catechist Family Liaison" - As a Liaison you will meet monthly to review the monthly packets, and then deliver to a set number of families.  In addition, you will offer additional support, reminders, and prayer to the families you deliver.  Our hope and prayer is to be able to offer grade level classes again in future years.

I don't wan't to have my box delivered.  What are my options?
If you are not comfortable with the box delivery, you are always welcome to pick your box up.  Please let us know if you do not want delivery.

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.

My child has an IEP, this format is not good for him/her - what should I do?  We realize that faith development is not a one size fits all.  The delivery box will have basic lessons but we will be supplementing every month with additional resources on the monthly theme to assist with various learning styles.  Please utilize what fits best for your child.

Why can't we meet in person? 
Due to the Covid restrictions on group attendance, we are limited to gathering of 50 or less at any given time outside of Mass.  With the number of families in our program, we would need 7 gatherings for each lesson.  This is simply not feasible.  Our hope and prayer is to return to campus family gatherings in the future.

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