Forming Disciples: Faith Formation

Forming Disciples within a Family of Parishes entails providing instruction for a wide variety of groups. This Pillar Group needs to have qualified representation for each of the demographics listed below:

1. Faith Formation (K-12) For further details, regarding the Faith Formation programs, please reference the resources section of this app

A. Identify which Faith Formation programs the FOP currently has in place. (include with the review of current program if the DRE is interested in looking into another Faith Formation option)

    1. Family Faith Formation Program (K-6th Gr)
    2. Junior high School program (7th– 8th Gr)
    3. High school program (9th -12th Gr)
    4. Sacramental Preparation Programs
      a. First Reconciliation (2nd Gr)
      b. First Communion (3rd Gr)
      c. Confirmation (9th-10th Gr)     
    5. Family Inclusive Catechesis Program (K-12th Grades)
    6. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (3-6 years old)

    B. Assess and evaluate the Faith formation modules to ensure that Faith Formation is provided for all families in the FOP

        1. Hybrid
        2. At Home
        3. In Community
        4. Online
        5. Inclusive Catechesis
        6. Junior high school
        7. High school

    C. Quantify the number of students in Faith Formation program

        1. Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
        2. Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
        3. Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
        4. Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels

      P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification

          1. Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
          2. Identify resources and develop a DRE training program

      Q. OCIA

        1. Identify the OCIA team
        2. Provide each member with a Study Edition of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (this will need to be replaced when the updated Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is published)
        3. Choose publications and resources 
        4. Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
        5. Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
      1. Consider how activities can be synergized into one FOP calendar 
        a.   Mass times
        b.   Confession times
        c.   School events and activities  
        d.   Ministry calendars of events 
        e.   Faith Formation programs and activities
        f.    Parish liturgical feasts, solemnities, Advent / Lent 

        K.Safe Environment 

            1.  Consider identifying 1 -2 Safe Environment Coordinators (SEC) for the FOP
            2.  Empowering God’s Children (EGC)

        a. Consider combining lessons at specific parish sites
        b. Consider combining grade levels together for lesson 
        c. Consider combining lessons online

          i.  K-2nd  
          ii.  3-5th
          iii.  6-8th
          iv. 9-12th

                                         d. SEC records EGC report for each parish site 

                  3. Safe Environment Adult Training 

                  a. SEC records EGC report for each parish site
                  b. DRE/ Principal / SEC ensure that all new volunteers:

                    i.    Sign up for a Virtus account
                    ii.   Register /complete Adult Training class
                    iii.  Read and answer monthly bulletins
                    iv.  Maintain their own account
                    v.   Maintain Virtus compliance 

                              L. Youth Ministry (6th-8th Gr / 9th-12th Gr)

                                1. Determine Youth Ministry options within the FOP 

                                2. The Youth Ministry program fosters spiritual/personal growth

                                      1. Empowers young people to live by truth and faith
                                        • Fosters relationship with Jesus Christ and neighbor
                                        • Draws young people to participate in the life of Christ
                                        • Cultivates fellowship among parish community
                                        • Invites participation in the life of the parish 
                                        • Promotes growth in the virtues
                                        • Encourages prayer, Adoration and service

                                  M. Young Adult Ministry (18-25/ 26-39) + Campus Ministry

                                      1. Explore ways that FOP reaches out to Young Adults
                                      2. Study the document by Pope Francis Christus Vivit
                                      3. Consider these goals:

                                  a. Deepen knowledge of Scriptures to support formation / education
                                  b. Connect young adults to the mission of the Church
                                  c. Connect young adults with a peer community through      developing peer leadership
                                  d. Encourage mentor groups 
                                  e. Foster professional and spiritual development
                                  f.  Develop a multifaceted Family program for encounter and accompaniment for young adults at all stages: college, single, married, married with children 

                                                N. Adult Formation 

                                                  1. Discuss Adult Faith Formation opportunities that exist in the FOP       

                                                    2. Identify/Create formation opportunities through the use of DOB Learning portal 

                                                        3. Use the website/bulletin/ social media to encourage participation

                                                          4. Identify gathering spaces most conducive to adult learning         

                                                            O. FAMILY ORIENTATION PROGRAM 

                                                            1. FOP assesses the number of baptized children in each grade level who have missed several years of catechesis, including the reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion
                                                                1. Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
                                                                2. Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
                                                                3. Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
                                                                4. Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels

                                                            P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification

                                                                1. Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
                                                                2. Identify resources and develop a DRE training program

                                                            Q. OCIA

                                                              1. Identify the OCIA team
                                                              2. Provide each member with a Study Edition of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (this will need to be replaced when the updated Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is published)
                                                              3. Choose publications and resources 
                                                              4. Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
                                                              5. Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)