EMPOWERING PARENTS TO DISCIPLE THEIR CHILDREN

FAMILY FORMATION

Faith Journeys is a family-centered formation and catechesis program that runs from September through April, conveniently held simultaneously with student faith formation classes.

Parents in the Faith Journeys program meet twice per month as a community, under the mentorship of a trained Family Guide. These meetings provide opportunities to challenge one another, hold each other accountable, and form meaningful friendships.

THE MISSION

When you become a disciple of Christ, you learn that your job is to make disciples of others; most importantly, your children. The family is identified within the Catholic faith as the “domestic church.” Our goal at Saint Elizabeth is to provide parents and caregivers the guidance and support they need to fulfill their role as the child’s primary catechists.

Faith Journeys weaves together hand-selected learning materials designed to equip parents and caregivers to lead their families in the faith. Parents who embark on this journey of formation will gather tools to grow their own faith, strengthen their relationships, and guide their children. Support your family within a community of faith-filled companions. Discover more about the beautiful truths continuously revealed within the practice and living out of the Catholic faith.

“The Christian family, in fact, is the first community called to announce the Gospel to the human person during growth and to bring him or her, through a progressive education and catechesis, to full human and Christian maturity.”

— St. Pope John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio

HOW EMPOWERING PARENTS TO DISCIPLE THEIR CHILDREN WORKS:

MEET WITH CLERGY OR PASTORAL STAFF

Discuss your family’s situation and desire for Faith Formation.

PLAN FOR YOUR NEXT STEP

Depending on how the Faith Formation calendar falls in relation to your family’s needs, you may be able to get started right away, or there may be some time to pass before the appropriate session begins. It typically requires completion of registration paperwork, as well as the acquisition of sacramental records. Our staff will guide you in this process.

KEEP THE FIRE ALIGHT

No matter when your family is able to enter Faith Formation classes at Saint Elizabeth, seek out ways to keep the momentum going as a family. We have many resources available to you and active ministries to stoke those flames of faith. Be a positive example by making attendance of Holy Mass and Faith Formation/Faith Journeys classes a significant priority for your family. Connect with your Family Guide and fellow parents and caregivers as you work together to raise your families in accordance with God’s law and Church teachings. Seek answers to your important questions and encourage your children to do the same in their own Faith Formation classes and family discussions.

CONFIDENCE IN LEADING

Allow yourself to be joyful in this venture together with your children. It is not uncommon to meet with some resistance from family members, but keep your eye on the prize: God has entrusted you with the formation of those in your care.Your ultimate goal as a parent or caregiver is to educate yourself and those in your charge, to live this life so well that you can one day celebrate the joys of everlasting life in heaven. Be proud of your efforts and keep growing together toward that eternal goal.

TESTIMONIAL

LAUREN RANNALS AND FAMILY WITH FATHER SCOTT

“It is so easy as a mom of young children to feel isolated and in a constant state of “survival mode.”

As a mom of three, I desperately wanted to be more integrated into a faith-filled community, but wasn’t sure how to do that with kids of different ages running around! I felt overwhelmed and like the noise of my family would be disruptive.

I When I was invited to become a Family Guide for the Parent Faith Formation meetings, it was like a breath of fresh air I didn’t realize I was missing. My husband and I have enjoyed connecting with other parents and we have appreciated the faith-filled conversations we’ve shared throughout each year. My 8-year-old loves going to his faith formation classes while I’m in the Parent Meeting, and my 4- and 2-year-old girls look forward to play time in the nursery. Instead of feeling like my noisy family is disruptive and distracting, I have only felt like we are supported and spiritually fed.

Our family always attended Mass weekly and prayed together at home — but the process of being consistently formed in the faith, in-person with our parish community, was an important piece that had been missing. I can see how much attending meetings has helped to keep Christ at the center of our lives and the impact that has had on my kids, who now see our parish as a second home. I feel very blessed to be a part of this ministry and grateful to those who have worked so hard to help it grow!”

CONTACT FOR EMPOWERING PARENTS TO DISCIPLE THEIR CHILDREN

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

sarah@akseas.net

907-345-4466