Frequently Asked Questions:

Generations of Faith: Frequently Asked Questions For Good Shepherd

1. Will Generations of Faith replace our current Christian Formation Program? (CFP)?

That is to be determined. Beginning this fall, we will halt our traditional Sunday morning program three times, and replace it with Generations of Faith, an intergenerational approach to faith education. We will meet in those months as entire families for these gatherings. We are offering less of the traditional classes in order to keep the time commitment by families the same as it has been. We will review and get input from our whole parish during this process and, after the entire parish has experienced GOF, we will review our plan for the next year.

2. What is Generations of Faith?

Generations of Faith is a learning model that moves learning beyond textbook knowledge. Encouraging lifelong learning, it invites each of us to practice our learning each day and to share in our learning as a faith community, not a classroom.

3. Do we have to attend with the whole family?

An entire household shares GOF. We use the term family loosely. We know that families are sometimes 1 person or even 20 people, but the idea is for everyone in each household to learn and share together. Each household will get a Home Kit, which will reinforces what was shared at the Gathering, help them experience the Event and reflect on the Event and how it affects their life.

4. So parents will be expected to do the teaching now?

Parents will be asked to do what they are already doing teaching! We tend not to recognize and value it, but parents are and will always be the primary teachers of their children. Our children learn just about everything from tying a shoe to crossing a street to caring for loved ones from parents and family. Home is also the primary place where our children learn their faith as well. Generations of Faith is structured in such a way that it encourages a partnership between the home church and parish church. We will provide a structured learning environment, trained leaders, a variety of resources and learning tools (the home kit) to extend our faith learning at home. The home kits are simple and interesting, and are really an opportunity to help your family. We often hear from families who are concerned and frustrated. They don't know how to speak about the faith with each other. They desire a stronger connection to their liturgical experience. They want their families to know more about their Catholic faith and value it! Generations of Faith provides the structure to address these needs and to fully support families and individuals in handing on the Catholic faith. At the same time seniors and singles will also be participating in a regular structured program that helps nourish their faith-growth. We learn together as a Catholic community. No one is ignored. The whole community is here!

5. This all looks like it'll be more fun, but will we all really learn something?

We realize that all this talk about event-centered learning and experiential learning might evoke for some memories of a time when catechesis was entirely focused on providing a positive experience but with little content or understanding of this experience. Although this might describe your own encounter with experiential learning, this learning method has been further developed and improved since that time. In fact, experiential learning, or shared-praxis, is recognized as the best and most appropriate method for achieving the goals of faith formation: to inform, to form, and transform people that their faith may be a living, explicit, and fruitful faith.

6. What about the sacramental preparation programs?

Preparation programs for the celebration of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation will continue as separate, but connected, programs. Preparation for first Reconciliation & Eucharist will continue to take place on Sundays; preparation for Confirmation will continue to take as it has been in the past.

7. How does this all work?

When all of us as singles, couples, and families, as the young and old alike gather this coming year we will focus on some event in the Church year and look at our liturgy within the context of this monthly event. The events (focused this year on the seasons of the church) become the textbook from which our shared learning about our Catholic faith emerges.

• a. We gather together to eat a meal, either a breakfast or dinner depending upon which time works for you and your family.
• b. We introduce the theme or idea of the day and perhaps do an interesting activity together.
• c. We break into differing age groups to experience the theme in a deeper more developmentally appropriate way.
• d. We come back together to share in a closing experience, and get information and ideas about how to deepen the at home.

8. How do we prepare for an event each month? What does that mean?

The learning process is event centered. Each month we take one event, mystery or feast and we do three things: prepare for the celebration as a community (e.g. Advent), experience the even as a parish, and reflect on the event and apply our learning to daily life.

9. Prepare ......Experience.....Reflect

 

10. Do we need to bring anything?

Just you and those who belong to you!

11. How will our monthly gatherings be structured?

Each gathering will have a similar format:

• a. Simple, shared meal we will ask for donations to cover the cost) : hour
• b. Shared prayer, song, activity to introduce the theme of the month: hour
• c. Break into age-specific groups (elementary & parents, middle school and parents, high school, singles, seniors) for age-appropriate discussion and activities: 45 minutes.
• d. Reconvene to share with each other what we have learned, receive home kit, join in closing prayer: 15-20 minutes.

12. But why now, what's wrong with the present model?

Nothing, as far as it goes.

Because our present CFP program is academic in its structure (classes, teacher & textbook) there is a misconception that it somehow guarantees our children's learning. While the classroom model is a way of learning, in matters of faith we have come to realize that learning must be augmented with integrated family practice as well.

Our best measure of success will be an increase in the number of children, families and individuals who more fully understand and value their Catholic faith. Our hope in shifting to this intergenerational model is that we will know participants are learning and growing in their faith when:

• a. More families are praying together
• b. More children and their parents actually understand the value of our Sunday Mass and the Sacraments and rites of the Catholic church
• c. More families are actively participating in parish life (no more drop-off-and-pick-up)
• d. More of our families are reading and sharing Scripture
• e. More families and individuals can speak of a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith
• f. More individuals and families are forming real Christian community and supporting one another in living a Christ-filled life

13. Will families be asked to pay a fee for these programs?

Currently all GOF expenses should not impact the CFP program fees.

14. Whose idea is this?

The Pastor, the parish council and the pastoral staff has decided to explore GOF as an excellent approach to integrating faith into daily life.

15. Who is doing the work? Who is responsible for these events?

The Pastor has asked the Christian Formation Department for Children and Youth Matt Hakes and Jean Newman to be responsible for this program. It is a large undertaking and will take time. We are dependent upon a great deal of volunteer input and would appreciate all the support and prayers parish members can offer.

16. Will this really make our program better?

Absolutely. Not only will our program be better, but more importantly, this program will strengthen our families and thereby strengthen our community.

17. How will my child benefit? How will my family benefit?

There will be many benefits to your child and to your family as a whole; to name a few: meet more neighbors and parishioners with whom you worship at Sunday mass, spend time together as a family engaged in a meaningful activity, have all your children come for faith formation on the same date and time, learn first hand what your child is hearing and learning about our faith, grow in your own faith, learn and develop new family faith traditions.