Family Model
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Second, we will also be offering a new model of formation that seeks to make disciples, draw families together, and build community in our parish. This model of formation is by design easier on families of all shapes and sizes, offers an outrageous amount of support, and allows parents to walk with their little ones on their faith journey. Here is their website for those who are curious about the content and materials.
Sophia Press Website
Our program will work on a 4 week cycle. You'll be assigned a family small group based on geographical location. (and preference to some degree) You'll also receive a parent book, activity guide, and a host of online resources. All the children will learn the same lessons together. See below for an example:
Week 1: Father Brian teaches a lesson to just parents on an aspect of the Creed. (You'll need to find a sitter once a month on the first Tuesday of the month)
Week 2: You'll meet with 2-3 other families doing this with you. Parents will need to plan ahead and have a mom or dad share the lessons in the book that Fr. Brian shared with you. You can meet whenever and wherever you'd like. Attendance will be through a weblink that's shared with the lead family.
Week 3: Optional community event. These will vary from an Adoration night to a pot luck to coming to a penance service or even a craft night. (i.e. Rosary making or Jesse tree making)
Week 4: Meet again with your small group to cover the second half of the lessons provided.
Our first meeting for all parents with Fr. Brian will be Tuesday, September 14th from 6:30-8:00 pm in the PAC. We encourage everyone to have a babysitter that night if possible. This meeting will further introduce you to the program, allow you to meet your small group, and get your first lesson from Father Brian. If you are for some reason unable to make this meeting, please know that I'll be recording the video and posting it via Youtube on the parish website. This is also useful for those who want to go back and reference the teaching later on.
The idea here is that you as the parents know your kids better than we ever will. Study after study shows that parents are the most influential force in their children's religious belief. This is all born out of the heart of Familiaris Consortio by St. John Paul II. The way the family goes is the way the culture goes. Let's join together and bring about a culture rooted in the work of Jesus in our hearts, minds, and families.