Life Long Faith Formation

Life Long Faith Formation at St. Agnes Parish
Who are we? Why do we do what we do? As Catholic Christians, we are called by our baptism to be disciples of Jesus. Jesus brings people into communion with God. This happens through catechesis which unfolds the fullness of God's plan. "Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people, and adult which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life."-Catechism of the Catholic Church #5. In our country, most catechesis is being modeled after the restored catechumenate (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in that "catechesis aims to achieve a more integral formation of the person rather than merely to communicate information." - National Directory for Catechesis -introduction section #3.

Faith Formation is part of a life-long process of learning and living our faith. There are 6 tasks of catechesis which I will outline only briefly: promote knowledge of the faith (Scripture and the Church teachings found in our Tradition), knowledge of Liturgy and the Sacraments, moral formation in Jesus Christ, teaches the Christian how to pray with Christ, and prepares the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church.

We are thankful for the opportunity to support the role of parents - the primary educators of children in faith. The Faith Formation Office is here to support parents in that role. Our class times for children attending public school K-8th grade will now be from 9:00am-10:15am on Sunday. Our Sunday Mass is at 10:30am. "Senior High" meets at a variety of times. Youth must be enrolled to participate unless otherwise noted.
Some specific programs and processes, which we provide for you and your family, are:
1. Sunday Faith Formation - traditional classroom format for grades K-5 (late Sept.-April) See the NEW 2010-2011 schedule for grades K-5
2. Youth Group programs - instruction (for grades 6 -8, 9-12) plus social and service opportunities. Typically Junior High (grades 6-8) gathers three Sundays a month during the academic year for instruction, sharing, fun and prayer (late Sept - May at the same time as K-5th grade). Senior High gatherings are Sundays starting at 11:30am twice a month and possibly one Sunday evening per month. Service projects and fun outings are also scheduled at various times and throughout the summer (for those interested). Outings and service projects are options planned with the assistance of parents and a Youth Ministry Team. The registration fees provide curriculum materials and entitle youth group members to get activity fee sponsorship from fund-raisers.
3. Home Study options (we provide textbooks as part of your registration & book fees). This is for disciplined and motivated parents whose children are unable to attend the classroom model. The Home Study model works best when a parent is able to commit to an alternative scheduled time each week. This model still has expectations that curriculum objectives will be covered.
4. Liturgy of the Word for Children - at the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass during most of the academic year & throughout the summer for the older children (typically ages 5 to 10) and a Pre-school section. No fee nor registration is needed for CLW children.
5. Adult Education - Over the course of each year there are numerous parish-sponsored opportunities for adults to continue to study and explore their own faith. This includes adult ed sessions, catechist formation training sessions, Sacrament preparation sessions, retreats, parish missions, spirituality groups, and liturgical prayer opportunities (Scriptural rosary, Stations of the Cross, Prayer for Peace, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament). We also publish events from neighboring parishes and St. Bernard's as space permits in our weekly bulletin Most of the educational sessions benefit from pre-registration. Watch the bulletin for specifics.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION: Due to the US Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children, we MUST have screened aides and catechists scheduled in advance for each classroom. There are many opportunities for training. What are other ways you might volunteer to help?

Questions? Please call the Faith Formation (Religious Education) Office (226-3232). A 2010-2011 Sunday Faith Formation registration form for children in grades Kindergarten -12th grade is available on this web-page to download. Forms were due before August 30, 2010. Late forms will be accepted as space allows by contacting the Faith Formation Office (in advance of the class).

Forms to download:
Annual Registration form for grades K-12
2010-2011 Calendar for Grades K-5
Cover letter

Interested in a Sacrament for your child?
Here is an Interest Finder Form.

Can you share your talents with our programs?
All volunteers working with children must complete Creating a Safe Environment program and fill out additional paperwork. Contact Mike Drexler at 226-3232 about the next CASE training.

All above forms should be returned to :
St. Agnes Faith Formation Office, 108 Prospect St., Avon NY 14414

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