Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Faith formation — not just for kids anymore
Cheri Perkins Mantz reported in our Catholic Herald on InLight, a new "intergenerational faith formation program" at St. Robert Church in Shorewood.
The program is contrasted to dropping kids off for catechism class. The kids arrive and leave with their parents, but are still separated for instruction. It's a bit like coming to Mass with their parents but with a separate Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Its not clear if the two hours a month includes the Mass. Even if that's not included, instructional time is no more than a part of the two hours.
St. Vincent Pallotti Church uses another variation.
At St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee,
Our Archdiocese encourages, but not mandating, a change to an "intergenerational" approach and is presenting a Generations of Faith Workshop next February. ¶ 12/13/2006 12:31:00 PM
Each monthly session lasts about two hours, not including Mass, and is open to all parishioners.
The program is contrasted to dropping kids off for catechism class. The kids arrive and leave with their parents, but are still separated for instruction. It's a bit like coming to Mass with their parents but with a separate Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Masse [Vicky Masse, St. Robert’s director of lifelong faith formation] said each InLight program begins with a group prayer and introduction about that day's theme. Next, the groups break into age-specific groups for discussion and age-appropriate activities. After the break out session, the groups reconvene and share what they’ve learned. The session ends with prayer and Mass. Masse said the InLight program was developed at St. Robert and is modeled after Generations of Faith, a national program.
Its not clear if the two hours a month includes the Mass. Even if that's not included, instructional time is no more than a part of the two hours.
St. Vincent Pallotti Church uses another variation.
Celebrations of Faith begins with a group meal provided by the parish. Next, the group learns of the topic and there is discussion. Then there is a break out into smaller groups based on age. Afterward, they regroup for another discussion and end the event with prayer and song.
At St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee,
It meets twice a month at four different times. The group gathers and engages in conversation, then breaks into age appropriate groups followed by the families coming together to work on a project, discuss what they've learned, do an outreach project, or participate in their own special prayer service.
Our Archdiocese encourages, but not mandating, a change to an "intergenerational" approach and is presenting a Generations of Faith Workshop next February. ¶ 12/13/2006 12:31:00 PM
