Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels
P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification
Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
Identify resources and develop a DRE training program
Q. OCIA
Identify the OCIA team
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)
Choose publications and resources
Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
How many Faith Formation students are enrolled in each parish? (Highly recommended to evaluate the last 5 years of enrollment trends)
How many children are registered in each grade level?
Does parish have space to accommodate large gatherings?
Consider combining grade levels depending on space and availability of classrooms, so that families can meet in community:
a. Pre K- K b. 1st-2nd c. 3rd-4th d. 5th-6th e. 7th-8th (Junior high) f. 9th -12th (High school)
D. Determine the days and times of each Faith formation program within the FOP (Both current and how to optimize for future)
Consider Mass times
Consider schedules of families/ students in your programs when determining days and times of your Faith Formation programs
Consider combining calendars from each school district to determine the FOP Faith formation schedule and liturgical events
E. Identify the resources used in Catholic school and Faith Formation (K-8th Gr)
DRE’s ensure that the Catechists are made aware of and are adhering to the new Forming Disciples standards (2022), available on the DOB website
Principals ensure that Catholic school Religion teachers are made aware of and are adhering to the new Forming Disciples standards (2022), available on the DOB website. Password: to be obtained by DRE/ Principal/ Pastor
Identify the shared resource that can be used in both Catholic school and FF programs
When determining the Faith Formation resource, consider the supported modules (on the DOB website): a. Hybrid b. At Home c. In Community d. Online e. Junior high school f. High school
When determining the resource to use in the Catholic school, consider the supported modules: a. Classroom b. Online c. Small group
Identify the resource that can assist catechists and Religion teachers with tracking students’ progress a. Assessments – comprehension b. Online homework- missed lessons
Identify additional resources that can be supplemented in cases where the selected resource is deficient in meeting the required standards in each of the grade levels. For Catholic schools, the needs may also include support for those teachers who are not Catholic
a. Saint books b. Children’s Bible (Ascension Press)
i. 1-3 yr olds
ii. 4-8 yr olds
iii. 9-12 yr olds
iv. St. Mary’s Press
c. Glossary of Terms- manual (K-8th Gr) d. Family Prayer books (K-8th Gr)
F. Identify ways to consolidate Administrative tasks
1. Consider sharing Google document to share forms
a. Registration forms and paperwork b. FOP Faith Formation records c. FOP shared family data base (I.e., PDS) d. Parent Permission slips and medical forms e. Photo Release forms f. Attendance forms/ records g. Missed homework records h. Permanent Records i. Sacrament record forms j. Church of Baptism forms k. Baptism Certificates l. Sponsor in Good Standing certificates m. Catholic school student sacrament records
G. Assess Faith Formation FEES ( K-12)
1. Resources/book expenditures for the year
2. Consider Active vs. Inactive Faith Formation rates
10. Goodwill supplies to families in support of the Formation program
11. Bibles
H. Determine Sacrament prep FEES
Consider if this fee will this be separate from or included in the registration fee?
Consider the following expenses when determining fees:
Food
Crafts / activities
Books /resources
Guest speaker fees
Supplies
Certificates, pins, gifts, goodwill items and other supplies for the Sacrament day
I. Determine Sacrament Retreat FEES
Consider if this fee will be separate from or included in the registration fee?
Consider the following expenses when determining fees:
a. Retreat venue b. Food c. Paper/classroom supplies d. Crafts, activities, ice breaker/game expenditures e. Guest speaker/retreat facilitator fee
J.Consider FOP calendar meeting as a FOP in early Spring with DRE’s, principals, pastors, and ministry leads to determine which activities and liturgical events each parish will feature for the year
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
Consider identifying 1 -2 Safe Environment Coordinators (SEC) for the FOP
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
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
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
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
Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels
P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification
Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
Identify resources and develop a DRE training program
Q. OCIA
Identify the OCIA team
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)
Choose publications and resources
Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
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)
Family Faith Formation Program (K-6th Gr)
Junior high School program (7th– 8th Gr)
High school program (9th -12th Gr)
Sacramental Preparation Programs a. First Reconciliation (2nd Gr) b. First Communion (3rd Gr) c. Confirmation (9th-10th Gr)
Family Inclusive Catechesis Program (K-12th Grades)
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
Hybrid
At Home
In Community
Online
Inclusive Catechesis
Junior high school
High school
C. Quantify the number of students in Faith Formation program
Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels
P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification
Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
Identify resources and develop a DRE training program
Q. OCIA
Identify the OCIA team
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)
Choose publications and resources
Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
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
Consider identifying 1 -2 Safe Environment Coordinators (SEC) for the FOP
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
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
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
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
Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels
P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification
Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
Identify resources and develop a DRE training program
Q. OCIA
Identify the OCIA team
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)
Choose publications and resources
Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
How many Faith Formation students are enrolled in each parish? (Highly recommended to evaluate the last 5 years of enrollment trends)
How many children are registered in each grade level?
Does parish have space to accommodate large gatherings?
Consider combining grade levels depending on space and availability of classrooms, so that families can meet in community:
a. Pre K- K b. 1st-2nd c. 3rd-4th d. 5th-6th e. 7th-8th (Junior high) f. 9th -12th (High school)
D. Determine the days and times of each Faith formation program within the FOP (Both current and how to optimize for future)
Consider Mass times
Consider schedules of families/ students in your programs when determining days and times of your Faith Formation programs
Consider combining calendars from each school district to determine the FOP Faith formation schedule and liturgical events
E. Identify the resources used in Catholic school and Faith Formation (K-8th Gr)
DRE’s ensure that the Catechists are made aware of and are adhering to the new Forming Disciples standards (2022), available on the DOB website
Principals ensure that Catholic school Religion teachers are made aware of and are adhering to the new Forming Disciples standards (2022), available on the DOB website. Password: to be obtained by DRE/ Principal/ Pastor
Identify the shared resource that can be used in both Catholic school and FF programs
When determining the Faith Formation resource, consider the supported modules (on the DOB website): a. Hybrid b. At Home c. In Community d. Online e. Junior high school f. High school
When determining the resource to use in the Catholic school, consider the supported modules: a. Classroom b. Online c. Small group
Identify the resource that can assist catechists and Religion teachers with tracking students’ progress a. Assessments – comprehension b. Online homework- missed lessons
Identify additional resources that can be supplemented in cases where the selected resource is deficient in meeting the required standards in each of the grade levels. For Catholic schools, the needs may also include support for those teachers who are not Catholic
a. Saint books b. Children’s Bible (Ascension Press)
i. 1-3 yr olds
ii. 4-8 yr olds
iii. 9-12 yr olds
iv. St. Mary’s Press
c. Glossary of Terms- manual (K-8th Gr) d. Family Prayer books (K-8th Gr)
F. Identify ways to consolidate Administrative tasks
1. Consider sharing Google document to share forms
a. Registration forms and paperwork b. FOP Faith Formation records c. FOP shared family data base (I.e., PDS) d. Parent Permission slips and medical forms e. Photo Release forms f. Attendance forms/ records g. Missed homework records h. Permanent Records i. Sacrament record forms j. Church of Baptism forms k. Baptism Certificates l. Sponsor in Good Standing certificates m. Catholic school student sacrament records
G. Assess Faith Formation FEES ( K-12)
1. Resources/book expenditures for the year
2. Consider Active vs. Inactive Faith Formation rates
10. Goodwill supplies to families in support of the Formation program
11. Bibles
H. Determine Sacrament prep FEES
Consider if this fee will this be separate from or included in the registration fee?
Consider the following expenses when determining fees:
Food
Crafts / activities
Books /resources
Guest speaker fees
Supplies
Certificates, pins, gifts, goodwill items and other supplies for the Sacrament day
I. Determine Sacrament Retreat FEES
Consider if this fee will be separate from or included in the registration fee?
Consider the following expenses when determining fees:
a. Retreat venue b. Food c. Paper/classroom supplies d. Crafts, activities, ice breaker/game expenditures e. Guest speaker/retreat facilitator fee
J.Consider FOP calendar meeting as a FOP in early Spring with DRE’s, principals, pastors, and ministry leads to determine which activities and liturgical events each parish will feature for the year
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
Consider identifying 1 -2 Safe Environment Coordinators (SEC) for the FOP
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
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
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
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
Consider using Flocknote / PDS to identify students who need catechesis
Consider pairing with active parishioners in your FOP
Identify the grade levels who need catechesis
Utilize a resource that can be used with varying grade levels
P. Catechist Formation / DRE Certification
Identify ways that the FOP is currently training catechists
Identify resources and develop a DRE training program
Q. OCIA
Identify the OCIA team
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)
Choose publications and resources
Identify individuals who will participate in the OCIA
Plan the OCIA schedule (perhaps with input from the catechumens)
