FAMILY EVANGELIZATION & FAITH FORMATION

Family Evangelization and Faith Formation (FEFF)

Evangelization first takes place in the family. Parents, “by word and example, are the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children” (Lumen Gentium, no. 11). Also called the “domestic church,” the family is a small version of the Church. The family receives its life from the Church and in turn mirrors the life of the larger Church. In the family, children first learn about God, love, and the Church. Mothers and fathers are indispensable in sharing the faith with their children. When parents practice and live their Catholic faith, children receive a sure foundation to assist them in difficult life choices.

As parents and families learn and live their faith, they grow in confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his Church and are nourished by the sacraments and desire to share. The family has an invaluable role in passing on the faith in a joyful and bold manner. Children will learn that they are members of the Body of Christ and have a valuable role in the Church. Parents teach children to live the virtues (Gal 5:22-23) and love the Lord with their whole hearts (Mt 22: 27). When children see their parents committed to the Lord and his Church, they are much more likely to do so themselves. Families are uniquely qualified to invite their family members, friends, and neighbors to return to the Church or to consider becoming Catholic.

Excerpts from Marriage and Family: The Home of the New Evangelization https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization.

This school year (2022-23), whole families come for faith formation on Sunday mornings. We begin with family prayer and have a light breakfast at 9:00 - 9:45 AM. After announcements, children and parents go to their respective groups. Their Catechist facilitates a lesson that encompasses the "mind, heart, and hands" approach to faith formation: (a) MIND - Sunday Bible Readings and Catechism. (b) HEART - nurturing love of Jesus and one another through prayer, adoration, and sharing, and (c) HANDS - activity focused on service to God, Church, family, community, and friends.