2020-2021 Faith Formation Overview

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Our Program

Online Platform
This year our Faith Formation program allows for students in Kindergarten – 9th grade to learn the faith at home through an online platform which is managed by both the teacher and the parent.  Each grade will have a teacher who is responsible for the curriculum and provide guidance regarding all assignments.    

In addition to the online curriculum, students will be offered monthly Living Our Faith opportunities that will complement their curriculum and demonstrate how to live our faith in everyday life.  Please see the Faith Formation calendar for more details.  

Due to the pandemic, your child’s safety is our first priority and this year’s program was developed with this in mind.  Much of our program is virtual and if we do offer a live event, it will be optional and held in an environment that meets all safety guidelines.

What is Expected of the Student
Students will receive weekly assignments and we ask that they dedicate one hour each week to their assignment.  The student and teacher will communicate via an online portal and training will be offered in September.   

In addition, students will interact with their teacher and classmates on monthly Zoom classes.  These classes provide an opportunity for the students and teacher to engage to answer questions, share experiences, and further develop their faith.  The Zoom class will be scheduled on a week day evening and the teacher will provide the schedule once registration closes.  For our younger students, there will be more than one Zoom class to ensure engagement.  

What is Expected of the Teacher
The teachers are responsible to manage the curriculum and ensure that the students are completing their assignments and attending the virtual Zoom meetings.  The teachers are available to answer any questions and can be reached by email.

What is Expected of the Parent
As mentioned earlier, teachers and parents need to work together to grow the child’s faith.  With that in mind, there will be monthly Zoom meetings for the parents.  The teacher will host the meeting and share the curriculum for the upcoming month, providing details on the topics, and the online curriculum tools that are available.      

What is Expected of the Faith Formation Program
The objective of the program is to offer opportunities to help each child develop their faith and deepen their relationship with God.  We will do that by providing a strong curriculum and by teaching the children how to live their faith in everyday life.  Finally, the program is here to support our families, listen to their needs, and to brainstorm together to find solutions when necessary.


Curriculum Overview

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
For our younger students, they will have their faith enriched by learning traditional bible stories, experiencing different ways to pray, and becoming familiar with our church by visiting the church and chapel.  In addition, they will have a chance to put their faith into action with service to others.    

3rd Grade - 6th Grade
For these students, they will have a chance to put their faith into action with service to others, utilizing their faith as a foundational lens.  They will also participate in seasonal prayer services, such as a living rosary, an Ash Wednesday prayer service, Living Stations of the Cross, as well as be invited to participate in our yearly pageant.

7th Grade - 9th Grade
For our older students, they will have a chance to put their faith into action with service to others and have the opportunity to participate in various seasonal prayer services.  In addition, there will be discussions about becoming the best version of themselves and learning how to make tough decisions in today’s culture.

Attendance
Attendance will be taken for the monthly Zoom classes and all classes are recorded.  If your child misses a class, it is expected that he/she watch the recording and email the teacher a 2-3 sentence summary on the topic discussed.


Sacraments

Guidelines
In order to fully celebrate Communion or Confirmation, the student needs to participate in the Faith Formation program one year prior to the sacrament. 

During the year that a child is preparing to celebrate Reconciliation and First Communion, parents will attend two sacramental meetings (one that focuses on the history and the second that focuses on the logistics and the student experience).  In addition, the student will attend both a workshop and a parent-child retreat.  A final decision regarding the overall format will be decided in the Spring of 2021 based on Coronavirus guidelines.

During the year that a child is preparing to celebrate Confirmation, parents will attend two sacramental meetings (one that focuses on the history and the second that focuses on the logistics and the student experience).  In addition, the students will attend a workshop, retreat, and complete 10 hours of community service.  A final decision regarding the overall format will be decided in the Spring of 2021 based on safety guidelines.