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 A/ Schedule B, and Family Night.
For Schedules A and B:
The evening begins with all families gathered together to offer Prayer and Praise to God. The participants then divide into their respective groups for their study. Adults and interested high schoolers will alternate each week between participating in a study group and service. At the end of the evening, the families reconvene for closing prayer and blessing.
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 Schedule A and Schedule B 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.
A second option will be available if a sufficient number of high school students are interested. Much like the program for the adults, this option would allow high school students to identify their preferences from several formation options and from several service options. They would then be assigned a formation and service option, and alternate using the same schedule that the adults will be following. However, their formation options would still be only for high schoolers, and they would not be mixed in with the adult formation groups, unless that was specifically requested.
What do the adults do during a Family Formation session?
The adults who participate in Family Formation will be divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. 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, Women of Grace study, 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. For example, if only two people sign up for a Theology of the Body study, they would not be a viable small group, so those two people would have to be assigned to their second choice. On typical Family Formation sessions, the adults will alternate between a week of formation and a week of service. 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. 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.
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 2009-2010 schedule begins on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 and continues until May 19, 2010 (the Wednesday before Pentecost).
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.
For a copy of the survey for Family Formation participants, click here.