Questions

 

What is Family Formation?

Family Formation is an opportunity to participate in a study of the Catholic faith for all family members, ages 3 and up.  Childcare is provided for those family members younger than 3.

 

What does a typical Family Formation session look like?

There are two types of Family Formation sessions: Schedule Formation Night, and Family Night.  

For Formation Night:

Each member of the family will go begin by going to their respective formation or service.  All participants in high school or younger will go to their formation.  Half of the adults will be assigned to a service option for the semester (either Fall or Spring) while the other half is in formation (they will switch at the change of the semester).  At the end of the evening, all will re-gather to close in prayer.

 

For Family Night:

The evening begins with all families gathered together for a pot-luck dinner.  The main course is provided, and families are assigned to bring a side course or dessert.  A large group event, such as Mass, the Rosary, Adoration and Benediction, or a presentation will be organized for each Family Night, and, depending on the night, the families will participate in small-group activities that focus on the theme for the night.  There are seven planned Family Nights over the course of the year.

 

What do the younger children do during a Family Formation session?

Children from birth to 3 are welcome to be in the nursery.  During Formation nights, children ages 3 to Kindergarten will study the faith using a program called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  It is a faith formation program that uses the educational model of Maria Montessori.   On Family Nights, the children in this age group will remain with their families.

 

What do the children in grades 1 to 8 do during a Family Formation session?

The children in grades 1 to 8 will study age-specific curriculum during normal sessions and receive formation with their whole family during Family Nights.

 

What do the high school students do during a Family Formation session?

Depending on the level of interest, there are two options for high school students.  Currently, there is a program in place for high school students called Crosswalk.  This is a small group formation program that helps high school students take their walk with the Lord to a deeper level.  Because Family Formation is offered during the set Crosswalk period, this will be one of the options for high school students.  This would entail weekly formation (small groups) for those who choose it, and will end with Adoration and Benediction.

 

The second option will also take place in the context of Crosswalk, but will cover a three year curriculum.  For the 2010-2011 year, the Bible Timeline for Teens will be offered during the Fall Semester (assuming sufficient interest) and a course in Catholic Apologetics will be offered for the Spring Semester.

 

What do the adults do during a Family Formation session?  

At registration, the adults will give their preferences from among several formation options (such as, the Bible Timeline study, a Theology of the Body study, the Paul VI course on Prayer, etc.), and they will choose from among several service options (for example, catechist assistant, high school small group leader, nursery assistant, etc.).  Given the interests of all who sign up, the adults will be assigned to a mutually agreeable formation and service option.  If there is insufficient interest in any of the formation options, the adults who selected that option will be given a different preference.  Half of the adults will be in formation and half o the adults will be in service, and then they will switch at the change of semester.  On Family Nights, the adults will participate in the events planned for the whole family.

 

Who can be a part of Family Formation?

Anyone who makes a commitment to the program can participate.  Ideally, for families with children, both parents would participate in the Family Formation program.  However, this is not always possible for every family.  Children may not be registered for Family Formation unless at least one of their parents / guardians has also registered.  Please note that, depending on the number of qualified catechists who desire to participate in the program, we may need to limit the number of participants who can join.

 

Why would a single person or a couple without children want to participate in Family Formation?

Single adults or couples without children (or with grown children) may want to participate in Family Formation because it helps to unite the parish in a way that no other program does.  So often, families with children in grades 1 to 8 get to know the other families with children in grades 1 to 8.  Unfortunately, these families do not always become acquainted with those families who are in a different moment in their lives.  For practical reasons as well as theological (Jesus prayed that we may all be one), we believe that any opportunity to develop relationships among parishioners will be to the benefit of all involved.  We are, after all, a parish family.

 

Please note that adults who participate in the Family Formation without children may choose to participate in formation both semesters (this is a change from last year).

 

How much does participation in Family Formation cost?

The cost is as follows:

Single adult:         $50

Couple:                $100

Family:                 $200

 

There may need to be an additional charge for some of the programs for adults depending on the cost of the materials for those programs.  This will be clearly indicated when the options are given.

 

As with all opportunities for faith formation at St. Alban Roe, assistance is available for those who need it.  Please contact Jim Blase for more information.

 

What are the dates for Family Formation?

The 2010-2011 schedule begins on September 1, 2010 with an opening Mass and Dessert.  The last session will be a closing Mass on May 11, 2011.  The full calendar can be found by selecting “Calendar” under “Family Formation Links” on the left.

 

What distinguishes Family Formation from Parish School of Religion (PSR)?

PSR offers formation designed for grades 1 to 8.  Family Formation offers formation for pre-school to adult.  Participation in the Family Formation program means that all members of the family attend.  The adults who attend Family Formation alternate between a week of formation and a week of service.  Children may not be registered for Family Formation unless at least one of their parents / guardians has also registered.

 

Can this fulfill my child’s attendance in PSR?

Yes.

 

Can my family attend Family Formation if my child is in the full-time school?

Yes.