Generations in Faith Formation
Together
Building Community, Helping Families and Individuals Grow in Faith
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Kathy McDermott, Director of Faith Formation
new model of faith formation is coming soon to All Saints! Families, along with individuals of all ages, are welcome to join us this fall for the implementation of our new, exciting program. The program, called Generations in Faith Formation Together (GIFFT), will bring together families to form solid communities and have families of all walks of life learning more about the faith. For this year, GIFFT is lectionary-based, meaning that it will focus primarily on the Scripture readings for Sunday Mass, following along with the liturgical calendar. “We’re trying to build community, as well as form parents so they feel more comfortable teaching their children in the faith,” says Kathy McDermott, Director of Faith Formation. GIFFT will take place on Sundays after Mass. Families are encouraged to attend Mass, then stay to participate in the session. There will be four sessions per month, with the idea that families will attend one session per month. Following Mass, everyone will meet in Fellowship Hall for prayer and snacks, then a family activity such as music or story, then break into small groups for age-appropriate activities led by our catechists. Finally, everyone gathers again and receives an assignment to complete before the next session in their small groups. The key difference between this new model and our previous faith formation programs is that the teaching happens all at the same time, and provides enough catechists and resources for the whole family. The idea is everyone will be learning the same things — parents, grandparents, kids continued on page 5
“We’re trying to build community, as well as form parents so they feel more comfortable teaching their children in the faith.” — KATHY MCDERMOTT, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
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