Why family catechesis?

“. . . in every Christian family the different aspects and functions of the life of the entire Church may be reflected: mission; catechesis; witness; prayer, etc. Indeed in the same way as the Church, the family ‘is a place in which the Gospel is transmitted and from which it extends.’ The family as a locus of catechesis has a unique privilege: transmitting the Gospel by rooting it in the context of profound human values. …It is, indeed, a Christian education more witnessed to than taught, more occasional than systematic, more ongoing and daily than structured into periods.”

General Directory for Catechesis, 1997

Why does Saint Joseph church use a formation for families instead of CCD style classes for children? Simply put, we want to make disciples of Jesus. Every program, every expenditure, every activity, every gathering is viewed through this lens; 'Does this help make disciples?' Jesus Himself modeled the approach to use, outlined below. Current research has also supported the effectiveness of this format and has proven the ineffectiveness of the method used for the last 5 to 6 decades. We are solely interested in doing our best for God and for you.

Jesus' model of evangelization:

1. Come and See Jn 1:46 (Encounter)

We encounter Jesus first in the lives of our parents. - Children meet Jesus here.

2. Follow Me Mt 9:9 (Accompany)

Living explicitly the tenets of our Catholic faith. - Parents light path toward God for children.

3. Remain in Me Jn 15:4 (Community)

Go to Mass every Sunday, participate in the sacraments. - Parents show how to walk that path.

4. Go and Make Disciples Mt 28:19 (Send)

Living as God wants gives a living example of Him to others. - Faith is validated.

The Faith Formation programs offered by St. Joseph support the many family needs and help to foster community, especially among families with younger children.

The entirety of the Faith Formation programs is centered around a half hour of food and fellowship. There is an opportunity for all gathered to share food and conversation from 6:15 to 6:45 pm. Families from all of our programs are encouraged to share in the meal as well as all parishioners of all ages.

Families with children in 1st – 6th grades will participate in one of the three Pilots Program. These programs meet on Wednesday evening at St. Joseph. While parent(s) are at their session, their children will be together having an opportunity to get to know one another in a supervised environment.

Young adults in 7th - 12th grades meet on Wednesday evening following the meal.

Why Adult Faith Formation?

The General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) and the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC) clearly place adult faith formation within the framework of evangelization. Evangelization sets the foundation for Adult Faith Formation. Adult Faith Formation seeks to nurture an encounter with the Lord that leads the believer to a deepening conversion, communion and discipleship.

Adult Faith Formation is far from merely passing on information; this process must be aimed at forming the whole person through an integrated, four-fold approach that encompasses the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral aspects of formation. It is for this reason that the parish is primarily responsible for the catechesis and faith formation of all its members. “Adult Faith Formation by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, prayer, reflection and study, must be the central task of the catechetical enterprise.” (OHWB #5)

In November 1999, the United States Bishops (USCCB) published a pastoral plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States called “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us.” It has become the blueprint for organizing and implementing adult faith formation programs in parishes and diocese throughout the United States.

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