FAITH FORMATION 2020-21

A warm welcome to all of you as we are embarking on a new journey together.  I am happy to have the opportunity to work with you, in helping you, and talking with you about your faith formation and the faith formation of your child/children.  As parents and guardians, you have responded to God’s call to walk with your children on their faith journey. 

Faith Formation
            This year our new journey will be to start a new program of Family Catechesis which will be taught by you, the parents, and nurtured by us the Parish.  We have decided to use “A Family of Faith” series by Sofia Institute for grades K thru 8.  It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to do lessons at home and we will meet monthly either in person or online via Google Meeting. 

Protecting God's Children is a yearly requirement for the Diocese.  Please go to the tab and follow the instructions to teach your children Lesson 4: Secrets, Surprises, and Promises.  Sign the form that you taught your children or opt out if you choose not to teach your children. We must have this on file either way.

Sacraments
      St. John the Beloved offers special sessions and special resources for children and youth preparing for  First Confession,  First Communion, and  Confirmation. A general requirement is that a child preparing for a sacrament has been actively and regularly attending faith formation sessions prior to beginning the sacramental preparation program. Baptismal certificates and other sacramental records are required for the child or youth preparing for a sacrament and for his or her sponsor. Sacramental preparation programs include special study, prayerful preparation, regular attendance at sessions, participation of parents in designated programs, certification of readiness for the sacrament, and regular participation in the liturgical life of the parish. The reception of sacraments is a right for baptized Catholics, a right that carries with it the responsibility for conscientious and reverent preparation. Sacramental preparation programs may include retreat days, special prayer events, and service opportunities.
       For parents and students preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation/First Eucharist, classes will be on Sundays 10:30-12:30. 
       For parents and students of Confirmation, 9 ^th grade, classes will be held on Sundays 4:30-6:30.  
Classes are mandatory.  So please understand and make every effort to attend these meetings. 
 
Liturgical Celebration   
                I like to emphasize that celebrating Sunday Eucharist with the parish community is integral to fostering the faith of both students and their families. Please make it a priority to participate regularly in parish worship.
                As we begin this journey in helping our students grow in their faith and a deeper love of who God is in their lives, let us remember that “ “parents are the primary educators in the faith” (General Directory of Catechesis 255) and that the family is called to be “the domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium 11), that place where parents and children encounter Christ in prayer, Sacred Scripture, participation in liturgy, instruction in the faith, and introduction to Catholic customs, religious art, and the lives of the saints.”

I feel very privileged to serve you. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 
 
Lisa O'Rourke
DRE St. John the Beloved Parish
lisa@sjbsummerville.org