Family of Faith

In our effort to better support parents as the primary educators, especially religious education, of their children,* we are overhauling the parish religious education experience!

Rooted in prayer, it is with great joy that we announce a new family-based model of religious education for the parish!

Beginning in September of 2021, all religious education will be led by parents and supported by the parish. We will host a monthly evening event in which all families come together to learn and pray.

Parents will then lead two lessons for their children in the home during the remainder of the month. There will also be optional social and community building activities.

* paraphrase of Gaudium et Spes 48

Initial planning meetings with potential leaders within the parish have been well received. We know that change from the classroom model will be difficult, but we are confident in this family model given the trials and successes of at-home and virtual religious education instruction that was forced on us during the pandemic.

We will ask all families to volunteer in some capacity throughout the year. This might be logistical support behind-the-scenes (set-up, etc.) or could be helping prepare or serve a meal. More information on volunteering will be available at our first meeting in September.

Each family will receive a parent guide book (similar to the one pictured above right) and an activity book. Given that the best metric for raising your kids to practice our great faith when they are on their own is to have a weekly conversation about our faith in the home, the activity book will help guide you as you guide your children on the important topics and beliefs of our faith!

Family of Faith nights are  scheduled to run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. We will begin with an optional meal at 5:30 p.m.

Upcoming Dates:
November 3
December 1
January 5
February 2
March 9 (change from original schedule)
April 6
May 4
Download our full schedule here

Sacramental preparation will remain the same as previous years. It has always been above and beyond standard religious education and those preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion (typically second grade) and Confirmation (typically 10th grade) will receive schedules for specific formation events.

We know that this is a big ask for some families. In our parish plan alligned with the Diocese of Madison's "Go Make Diciples" intiative, we are striving to Reclaim Sunday as a holy, family day. It will be up to each family to prioritize faith formation, but we are hoping that extra-curricular events and sports will be understanding of a religious need to miss practice two or maybe three times over the whole season.

Your children will eventually ask you some difficult questions! Even if you are unsure of everything or not confident in your knowledge of the faith, you are perfectly suited to teach your children our faith!

We will do everything possible to help you! Answering a personal or tough question with an honest, "I am not sure, but let me get back to you" is a perfect way to share with your children that we are all learning and growing in faith together! Your family does not want you to be a know-it-all. They want you to be honest and open as we allow Jesus Christ to transform our very lives!