Faith Formation
As a parish community of believers, we have many opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. These can be found in liturgy and worship, service opportunities, catechetical programming and community life. It is important to look to and participate in all these areas to grow as individuals and as a community. It is a goal of the parish to provide opportunities to learn about our Catholic faith that will enhance other activities in parish and family life and encourage learning and spiritual growth for parishioners of all ages.
Mini Courses
Mini courses are an opportunity for students to receive specialized instruction on grade specific topics, but on a deeper level. A typical course would run from four to eight weeks. Exact length of class, scheduling and other details may vary, depending on the course and the catechists. Courses would be offered more than once during the year.
This structure will allow catechists to focus on their areas of strength, providing expertise and enthusiasm for any given topic. It also provides scheduling flexibility to participants. The courses will be offered as often as there is catechist availability and student interest.
Grade level Retreats
Students in each grade will have the opportunity to explore an area of our faith that has been a traditional focus for their age level. The three hour mini retreats will typically run on a Saturday afternoon and end with the opportunity for participation in the 4:00 Mass. Children in Kindergarten do not have a retreat, but have the opportunity to participate in a Nativity celebration in December, provided there are volunteers to organize it.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
During a regular Sunday Mass, children will have the opportunity to listen to and break open the Gospel reading on a level that is age-appropriate for them. Typically an activity or project is included to help reinforce their learning. Children will be dismissed from Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and return either at the Prayers of the Faithful or the Offertory. A six week trial is planned for the fall, providing leadership is available. If successful, the program will continue and could also expand to include more children if needed. This would be a drop-in opportunity and would be supported through donations earmarked for this activity.
Text-based learning programs
Using the text series, Faith First, Legacy Edition , published by Resources for Christian Living (RCL), parents will have resources to help them to share their knowledge and experience of faith with their children. Parents will register their children to receive books and support materials and then make arrangements for the learning environment that best suits their children's and family's needs. Models include but are not limited to a single household, home study model, a family cluster model, an independent catechist model, and an intergenerational learning family supplement model. There will be a parent meeting at the end of the summer to orient parents and catechists to this series and how to take advantage of all it has to offer.
Special Education in Faith Formation
St. Catherine parish is one of four parishes that have implemented a religious education program geared specifically for developmentally challenged children. This program was developed within the Archdiocese of Boston by Cathy Boyle for children with special needs. It helps them to develop an intuitive understanding of the concepts of God, love, the Church, etc. and give them comfort in belonging to a spiritual community. Learning arrangements are customized to meet the specific needs of the individual students. There will be an informational meeting in September. Please call Linda Cox at 978-692-5167 with questions.
Intergenerational Learning
Generations of Faith is a regular learning experience where households come together to learn and share about topics of their faith. It encompasses opportunities for socializing and community building, faith sharing and age-level learning. The learning sessions, or Faith Festivals, focus on a basic theme and help participates to be prepared to more fully participate in the events of church life. A total of four to five sessions will be offered. Based on participant feedback, changes and modifications will continue to be worked out to provide the best experience possible. A Core team, consisting of pastoral staff, plus some catechists and participants will strategize for details.
Adult Formation Opportunities
Strategic planning is underway to determine what opportunities can be offered for adults based on their needs and available resources. In addition to our RCIA program, they may include scripture study, guest speakers, mini courses and more. Please stay tuned for further updates.
First Reconciliation/Eucharist
Children, ages 7 and older, typically in the second grade, are invited along with their parents, to participate in a program that will prepare them for reception of both the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The program includes regular participation in the weekly celebration of Mass, two parent meetings, four 1 ½ hour classroom sessions for each sacrament, two of which parents participate with their children, and a Saturday mini retreat experience for the children and their parents. Specific preparation for First Reconciliation will begin in October with a First Penance service in December. Specific preparation for Eucharist will begin in January or February and commences with First Communion celebrations in May.
Confirmation
The Confirmation program will include instructional time, service opportunities and retreat experience. The exact format will be determined after consultation with current and former catechists, parents and the Faith Formation Council. Please stay tuned for updates. |
