Family Formation
Communion of Saints Night
This is a special event open to all ages. Throughout the sanctuary, we will have several relics available for private veneration. These include relics of:
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The True Cross St. Anthony of Padua St. Augustine of Hippo St. Catherine of Siena |
St. Clare of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. John Vianney St. Maria Goretti |
St. (Padre) Pio of Pietrelcina St. Peter of Verona St. Thomas Aquinas
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Directly below the santuary, in the PLC, there will be games and other activities related to each of these saints. These are geared toward a wide range of ages, so bring the whole family. And we'll have plenty of snacks in Trinity Hall.
There is no fixed program, so feel free to come anytime between 6:00 and 8:00pm. Both the church and the PLC will be open the whole time, so you can choose to spend some time with the relics, then head downstairs, vice versa, or go back and forth between them. Seee you then!
What is Family Formation?
Family Formation is a way for families to grow in the faith together. On the second Wednesday of each month, families from our parish gather at the church to have dinner together, spend time in praise worship, and receive age-specific catechesis for both children and adults. Here is a typical evening's schedule:
- 5:30-6:15pm - Dinner (optional)
- 6:30-6:45 - Welcome, praise and worship with whole family
- 6:45-8:00 - Formation/catechesis
Parents receive formation through a talk and small group discussion with others parents, while children receive separate, age-specific catechesis. Each family is also equipped with materials to use as a family at home throughout the month. These are designed to help parents, regardless of background or experience, to serve as the primary teachers of their children, and build a domestic church at home.
This year, we will also gather on the fourth Wednesday of each month for a fun, community event to participate in as a whole family. These may include activities such as:
- Rosary walk
- Stations of the Cross
- Family-friendly adoration
- May crowning
Who is Family Formation for?
All families are encouraged to participate in Family Formation, even those whose children receive religious education through Catholic school or homeschool. Many such families are already participating and have found that Family Formation provides discipling and community that is different from the religious education they receive in a school setting. For parents in particular, it is an opportunity to connect with other parents who are seeking to live our faith, as a family in everyday life. Family Formation is not just about learning doctrines; it's about walking together as families in community and learning to truly live as disciples of Christ.
Registration is now closed for this year, but contact Gordon Kangas, Director of Youth Discipleship to find out how to get connected.
Sacrament Preparation
Family Formation is also an essential part of preparing for the sacraments of First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
First Communion and Reconciliation preparation is a one-year process that occurs in 2nd grade. Participation in Family Formation is not required for children who are receiving preparation through a local Catholic school or homeschool. If you have a child in Catholic school or home school who intends to receive these sacraments this year, contact Gordon Kangas, Director of Youth Discipleship, before the school year begins.
Confirmation preparation is a two-year process that occurs in 7th and 8th grade. For information about Confirmation, click here.