Family Faith
PreK – Grade 6 Faith Formation
Family Faith
Family Faith
Resources for your family
Dear Faith Formation Families,
As we move forward, during this uncertain time, I would like to give you some resources to do as a family in these weeks.
Our 2nd graders should continue to work on their home lessons, in the Signs of Grace book, for First Communion.
Our 3rd– 5th graders have been working in the Spirit of Truth workbooks, according to their particular age. Here are the workbooks, if your children would like to continue to work on them. https://sophiainstituteforteachers.org/COVID19CatechistSupport
Our 6th graders have been working on a scripture study of certain books of the bible. Please find the 6th grade lesson plan and lessons below.
6th Grade Lesson Plan
Lesson 16
Lesson 17
Lesson 18
Lesson 19
What is Family Faith?
Our elementary offerings reflect a transition to weekly sessions, with the younger grades (ages 3 years through grade 2) utilizing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and older grades (grades 3-6) receiving specially tailored curriculum. Recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children in faith, parents will join their children on-site for approximately one Wednesday per month for Catholic parenting education, catechesis, liturgical experiences or parent-child activities. Families can register for session times 4:30-6pm or 6:30-8pm.
What is the Schedule?
Parents attend with their child(ren) on a designated Wednesday session each month from September through May. The format will vary each month, but will include:
- Shared parent/child activities
- Liturgical celebrations
- Parent-only Catechesis
- Dynamic speakers addressing modern, Catholic parenting
- 2019-20 schedule
Learn More
What makes the program unique?
Your family does! At Epiphany, we want to form a partnership with parents as we all strive to pass on the faith to our young Catholics. The church will offer support, lessons, and the tools needed for families to grow in faith together. Families will gather at least one time most months at Epiphany and children will attend weekly classes. Parents will receive materials and support to foster a Catholic culture at home and be a strong witness of faith to their child(ren).
How often will families meet?
Parents and children will come together to at Epiphany one Wednesday evening a month and children will attend classes weekly.
My child will receive First Sacraments this year.
Children in second grade will still be preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The curriculum taught during the second grade Family Faith sessions will focus on preparing for these sacraments. In addition to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes, there will be several other meetings, practices, and celebrations throughout the year. Obtain more information on First Sacraments.
Do parents have classes?
We are excited to add parent/adult catechesis to our elementary faith formation program. Why is this so important? During a child’s baptism, parents are asked the following: “You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?” Many parents do understand what they are undertaking but have never been given the tools to know how to do this. By God’s design, parents are the first—and most effective—catechists of their children. The Family Faith program will include dynamic speakers who will catechize the parents so they, in turn, can help their children grow in the practice of the faith. Parents will feel confident in the information and materials provided by the church, so they can successfully teach the home lessons to their children.
I would like to be a catechist.
Wonderful! To help with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium for children age 3 – grade 2 contact Mary Minor, mminor@epiphanymn.org. To be a Catechist in grades 3-6, contact Dana Butler, dbutler@epiphanymn.org.
I don't have children at home.
Every adult is welcome to hear the dynamic speakers and to grow in community on Family Faith nights. While parents will be given specific directions on how to teach their children, others may want to come to glean ideas of how to share the faith with grandchildren or Godchildren. Come join us!
I want to volunteer?
Thank you for you interest in wanting to help our Family Faith program to flourish. We will have plenty of volunteer opportunities for our parishioners. Here are some of the ways you can help: Assistant (pre-k-grade 2) Catechist (grades 3-6), Substitute Catechist, Hall Monitor, Office Volunteer, and Small Group Leader for Parents.
