Sunday Morning Family Faith Formation
What is Family Faith Formation?
Family Faith Formation is the parish religious education program. Family Faith Formation has something for everyone! We have programming for Preschool (ages 3-5) through 8th grade. There is an adult group with babysitting available for adults that attend the adult sessions. PS through 5th grade meets individually by grade. 6th-8th grade meets as Middle School and is involved in the EDGE program.. High School age are invited to attend our LifeTeen program every Sunday evening. Depending on the registration numbers, some of the classes may be split or combined. What time does FFF meet? We meet on most Sundays from 10:15-11:20. You are welcome to attend coffee and doughnuts in the café before our sessions. We ask that everyone please be prompt to their FFF session as the catechists work hard to prepare to fill the hearts and minds of the children during this valuable time. We ask parents to accompany their children to their assigned room. Please remain with the child if the catechist has not yet arrived. Children 2nd grade through Middle School will be dismissed and free to go to meet their parents. All preschool through 1st grade children are asked to be picked up in their rooms. Calendar We will begin our year after Labor Day and end one of the first weekends in May. We have several times a year when different grade levels present or have an activity to share with the adults during the adult session and any of the other classes that would like to attend. This is a great opportunity for the children to work together and build community and a great way for the adults to get to know the children and see what things are happening in their sessions. Curriculum There are standards set out by the archdiocese and the catechists use this as their guide for catechizing the children. They also use the RCL Benzinger’s Faith First Legacy series. The catechists are encouraged to use many different resources and activities to make the lessons come to life in an interesting and interactive way. Our Middle School program uses the EDGE program and Theology of the Body for Middle Schoolers. EDGE is also offered on Thursday evenings. If your child is not able to attend on Sunday, they are welcome to attend EDGE on Thursday. Our Adult Sessions are led by our Pastoral Associate Aaron Haag and consist of faith sharing through the question of the week and the reading of the Gospel. They also have topical presentations and video presentations. The topics are most often suggested by the group. We encourage all of the adults to try this wonderful group. Faith sharing is optional and no pressure is ever given to participate. It is a wonderful way for the adults to meet others in the parish and to be a role model as they grow in their faith along with their children. Fees There are no fees for the Family Faith Formation Program. Download our registration form here Visits All parents are strongly encouraged to visit their children’s sessions whenever they would like. The catechists always like to have the parents involved! Sacramental Preparation Here at Saint Matthew preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist traditionally takes place during 2nd grade. Confirmation preparation takes place during the 10th grade. If you have questions about First Reconciliation or First Eucharist contact Jackie Noll. Confirmation questions can be directed to Deanna Lustig. If a Baptism is needed please contact Aaron Haag. Soup and Bread Supper Family Faith Formation sponsors the Parish Soup and Bread Supper that is held every year after the Ash Wednesday evening Mass. FFF families will take care of set up, clean up and supplying all of the items needed for the supper. There will be a sign up sheet during adult sessions or via email as the supper approaches. Families can then sign up to donate time, food product or homemade soup! All donations collected that evening go to Dr. Ellen Einterz and her mission work in Africa. Dr. Ellen’s parents are long time members of the parish. Special Children’s Liturgies We have approximately 12 Special Children’s Liturgies throughout the year. Most of these liturgies take place during the 9:00 Mass. This is a time when we invite all of the children of the parish to involve themselves more fully in the Mass as readers, ushers, greeters, gift bearers or part of the choir. Sign ups for children’s involvement in the Mass takes place the week before the special liturgy in the gathering space. All children are encouraged to take part as this is a great way to help children see that active participation in the Mass really makes a difference. St. Matthew Catholic Parish | 4100 East 56th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317-257-4297 |
Registration Form
2012 Calendar
Something for Everyone
Ages 6 months to 3 years
Free babysitting during all sessions Pre-school to 5th grade Meet individually by grade 6th grade to 8th grade Meet together in the Edge Program High school Meet together at Life Teen on Sunday evenings Adults Meet for faith sharing as they reflect on the weekly gospel. Kids sessions are offered at the same time. |