Religious Formation
for Children and Youth
 

St Mark offers three Religious Formation options for children and youth: 

Option 1

RELIGIOUS FORMATION SUNDAY SESSIONS

(with a Catechist) CALENDAR

Preschool – Grade 8

2010 – 2011

 

Preschool & Kindergarten 8:30am & 10:30am Masses

Grades 1 – 6       Session I – 12:30 – 2:00pm &

Session II – 3:00 – 4:30pm

Grades 7 – 8       12:30 – 2:00pm only

Full Community Gatherings will be 12:30 to 3:00pm

                      

Regular Religious Formation sessions are conducted weekly on Sunday (except the 3rd Sunday of the month) by a primary catechist with the assistance of a catechist assistant and/or parent monitor.  These weekly sessions are applicable for the following age groups by grade: Pre-School (ages 4-5) and Kindergarten (ages 5-6) during 8:30 and 10:30 mass on Sunday. 1st through 6th Grade (ages 6-12) on Sunday in two sessions at the church: Session 1 is 12:30pm to 2:00pm and Session 2 is 3:00pm to 4:30pm.  There is one 7th and 8th grade session from 12:30 to 3:00pm.

Note:  All sessions are conducted at the church complex (space is limited to 15 children/youth per formation session; placement in each session is on a “first come first served” basis). All preschool through 8th grade formation sessions will normally have the 3rd Sunday of each month off.  On these Sundays families who have chosen to participate in the Family Model option of Religious Formation will gather at the church.  Parents will receive their child’s placement package and attend an Adult Formation session on Catechetical Sunday, September 19th at 1pm.  This formally begins the Formation year. We will have follow up parent meetings on January 30 and May 22, where we will update what we have accomplished, put out important information and ask for your feedback.  Two Full Community Gatherings are an integral part of the Formation year and an opportunity for the entire family to grow in their faith.  We will conduct these Gatherings to reflect on Advent on December 5 and Lent on April 3.  At these sessions we join as a community to reflect on our faith journeys; note the different time (12:30 to 3:00pm).  These gatherings will include a meal.  We also ask you to participate in the annual Parish Lenten Retreat, Mar 13 to 14, at 7pm.

 

September 19, 10       – Adult Formation Session, including parents to begin the RF Year, 1pm

September 26, 10         – Formation Session (parents stay for 1st 15 minutes of the session to meet their child’s catechist)

October 3, 10               – Formation Session

October 10, 10             – Formation Session (Adult Formation for parents with children in 8th through 12th grade with Margie Russell presenting “Parenting Teens” at 6pm)

October 17, 10            – NO Formation Session (Family Model)

October 24, 10             – Formation Session

October 31, 10             – Formation Session

November 7, 10           – Formation Session                       

November 14, 10         – Formation Session   

November 21, 10        – No Formation Session (Family Model) and Catechist meeting at 1pm

November 28, 10        – No Formation (Thanksgiving)

December 5, 10           – Advent Full Community Gathering

December 12, 10          – Formation Session   

December 19, 10          – Formation Session

December 26, 10        – NO Formation Session (Christmas)

January 2, 10                – NO Formation Session (New Year’s Day)

January 9, 11                – Formation Session                      

January 16, 11            – NO Formation Session (Family Model)    

January 23. 11              – Formation Session

January 30, 11              – Formation session, plus Parent meeting at 12:30pm and 3:00pm)

February 6, 11              – Formation Session (except for 9th grade)               

February 13, 11            – Formation Session

February 20, 11          – NO Formation Sessions (Family Model) and Catechist Meeting at 1pm

February 27, 11            – Formation Session

March 6, 11                  – Formation Session

March 13, 11                – Formation Session (1st Sunday of Lent)

March 13-14, 11         – Parish Lenten Retreat (7:00 to 9:00pm)

March 20, 11               – NO Formation Session (Family Model)

March 27, 11                – Formation Session

April 3, 11          – Lenten Full Community Gathering

April 10, 10                  – Formation Session

April 17, 10                  – NO Formation Session (Family Model)

April 24, 10                  – No Formation Session (Easter)

May 1, 10                      – Formation Session

May 8, 11                      – NO Formation Session (Mother’s Day)

May 15, 11                   – NO Formation Session (Family Model) (First Eucharist weekend)

May 22, 11                   – Last Formation Session, plus Parent meeting at 12:30pm and 3:00pm

 


Option 2

 

RELIGIOUS FORMATION HOME-STUDY CALENDAR 2010-2011

&

FORMATION PLAN FOR GRADES 1-8

 

Home Study – parents are the primary teachers of their children in handing on our faith.  In this option you directly form your children in the language and practices of the Catholic faith and associated way of life.  In this option you can choose when to sit down together with your children to learn about our faith.  This option of religious formation is open to all ages (6-13), grades 1-8. Those entering the 9th grade are to enter our Regular Sunday option as they begin community building as part of the High School formation process to include the sacramental preparation for Confirmation. Preparation for First Reconciliation and Communion is accomplished at the parish with special formation sessions involving both parent and child (along with the other formation options).  During the course of the year, our primary resource for Grades 1-6 is the Faith First Legacy religious formation books along with the Home Family Guide.  The Faith First website is an excellent resource and is recommended for your use.  Pflaum Gospel Weeklies are also available at the Religious Formation table for your use. Grades 7-8 use the Sadlier “We Live our Faith.” Home Study is a contract-based partnership between the parent and parish community. The parish provides the resources necessary to conduct the program and along with the scheduled Full Community gatherings each year which are integral to the formation process. Parents are encouraged to attend the scheduled catechist meetings to assist you in your formation, as well as the 3 scheduled parent meetings listed below.  In return you agree to make your way through the formation material, bring in the books to be checked for progress twice during the year and attend the events and share in the work of this community.

The Home-Study calendar below is designed to keep your child on pace with a weekly schedule in association with the other Religious Formation options.  For grades (1 to 6) we use the Faith First “At Home Family Guide” Legacy edition, along with the children’s grade book, you will work on a chapter each week as indicated below, that is closely related to the associated Gospel passage for that Sunday.  The list of grades (grade 1 to 8) with associated chapters is listed below.  The Faith First website - http://www.faithfirst.com/ for grades 1 to 6 and the Sadlier website - http://www.sadlierreligion.com/liveourfaith/ for grades 7 to 8 are excellent resources for use by both you and your child(ren) during the course of the year.  Books and resources will be made available for Parents at the Adult Formation session which begins the year on September 19th.  We will have follow-on parent gatherings on January 30th and then on May 22nd both will have sessions at 12:30 and 3:00pm. We also ask your family to participate in the 2 Full Community Gatherings (a reflection on Advent on December 5th and the Lenten gathering on April 3rd) as we join as a community to reflect on our faith journeys; note the time (12:30 to 3:00pm).  These gatherings will include a meal.   We also encourage your participation in the Lenten Parish Retreat (March 13th and 14th at 7pm).

 

Book checks: To ensure our all home-study children are progressing in their formation and receive credit for their efforts, we ask parents to attend the parent gatherings on January 30th and May 22nd, where you will turn in their formation books.  Their books will be reviewed for progress made and returned to the table for pick-up the following weekend.  

 

September 12, 10   – Parish Picnic (2pm to 5pm)

 

September 19, 10          – Adult Formation, including parents, opening the RF Year at 1pm

                             Note: parents receive their registration packets this Sunday

 

September 26, 10   – Gospel Passage Luke 16:19-31 (Parable of Lazarus and Rich man)

Grades-Chapter 1-22, 2-13, 3-22, 4-22, 5-23, 6-22, 7-20, 8-1

 

October 3, 10        – Gospel Passage Luke 17:5-10 (Faith and being servants)

Grades-Chapter 1-12, 2-1, 3-4, 4-1, 5-17, 6-1, 7-1, 8-7

 

October 10, 10      – Gospel Passage Luke 17:11-19 (Jesus cures the lepers)

Grades-Chapter 1-14, 2-21, 3-20, 4-15, 5-4, 6-19, 7-10, 8-8

Note: Adult Formation for parents with children in 8th through 12th grade with Margie Russell presenting “Parenting Teens” at 6pm

 

October 24, 10      – Gospel Passage Luke 18:9-14 (Parable of tax collector and Pharisee)

Grades-Chapter 1-20, 2-14, 3-14, 4-23, 5-18, 6-20, 7-24, 8-9

 

October 31, 10      – Gospel Passage Luke 19:1-10 (Story of Zaccheus)

Grades-Chapter 1-21, 2-22, 3-15, 4-14, 5-16, 6-17, 7-16, 8-10

 

November 7, 10     – Gospel Passage Luke 20:27-38 (Question about Resurrection of the dead)

Grades-Chapter 1-15, 2-12, 3-10, 4-17, 5-10, 6-10, 7-23, 8-11

 

November 14, 10   – Gospel Passage Luke 21:5-19 (End Times prophesy)

Grades-Chapter 1-10, 2-10, 3-1, 4-10, 5-8, 6-8, 7-3, 8-12

 

November 21, 10   – Catechist Meeting (1pm) a chance to learn techniques to assist your child

 

December 5, 10   – Advent Full Community Gathering (12:30 to 3:00pm)

 

December 12, 10   – Gospel Passage Matthew 11:2-11 (Who was John the Baptist)

All Grades - Advent 1, 2, 3 & 4; 2-6, 7-7, 8-13

 

December 19, 10   – Gospel Passage Matthew 1:18-24 (Angel appears to Joseph concerning the birth of Jesus) Grades-Chapter 1-4, 2-5, 3-3, 4-5, 5-6, 6-5, 7-8, 8-14

 

January 9, 11         – Gospel Passage Matthew 3:13-17 (Baptism of Jesus)

Grades-Chapter 1-3, 2-6, 3-5, 4-6, 5-12, 6-13, 7-14, 8-15

 

January 23, 11       – Gospel Passage Matthew 4:12-23 (Calling of the Disciples)

Grades-Chapter 1-9, 2-12, 3-9, 4-12, 5-13, 6-7, 7-19, 8-16

 

January 30, 11       – Gospel Passage Matthew 5:1-12 (Beatitudes)

Grades-Chapter 1-13, 2-19, 3-18, 4-18, 5-19, 6-2, 7-21, 8-3

Note: Adult Formation and Parent meeting (you can attend either the 12:30 and 3:00pm session)

 

February 6, 11       – Gospel Passage Matthew 5:13-16 (Sermon on the Mount – salt of the earth and light of the world)

Grades-Chapter 1-17, 2-18, 3-12, 4-9, 5-20, 6-16, 7-9, 8-4

 

February 13, 11     – Gospel Passage Matthew 5:17-37 (Sermon on the Mount – commandments)

Grades-Chapter 1-19, 2-20, 3-19, 4-20, 5-22, 6-21, 7-22, 8-5

 

February 20, 11     – Catechist Meeting (1pm) a chance to learn techniques to assist your child

 

February 27, 11     – Gospel Passage Matthew 6:24-34 (Father takes care of us)

Grades-Chapter 1-1, 2-3, 3-2, 4-26, 5-5, 6-26, 7-4, 8-6

 

March 6, 11           – Gospel Passage Matthew 7:21-27 (Listen to the Words of Jesus)

Grades-Chapter 1-6, 2-25, 3-7, 4-3, 5-1, 6-4, 7-5, 8-20

 

March 13, 11         – Gospel Passage Matthew 4:1-11 (Temptation of Jesus)

All Grades – Lent 1 & 2, 7-17, 8-2

 

March 13-14, 11 – Parish Lenten Retreat at 7pm for both dates

 

March 27, 11         – Gospel Passage John 4:5-42 (The Samaritan Woman at the Well)

All Grades – Lent 3 & 4, 7-2, 8-18

 

April 3, 11            – Lenten Full Community Gathering (12:30 to 3:00pm)

 

April 10, 11           – Gospel Passage John 11:1-45 (The Raising of Lazarus)

all grades – Lent 5 & Holy week; 7-13, 8-17

 

April 24, 11                   – Easter (NO FORMATION)

 

May 1, 11              – Gospel Passage John 20:19-31 (Jesus post Resurrection Appearance)

Grades-Chapter 1-5, 2-7, 3-6, 4-7, 5-7, 6-6, 7-12, 8-19

 

May 8, 11            – Mother’s Day (NO FORMATION)

 

May 15, 11            – First Eucharist weekend at all masses

 

May 22, 11            – Gospel Passage John 14:1-12 (Last Supper discourse – Jesus is the way, truth and life)

Grades-Chapters – 1-24, 2-16 (Reflection on 1st Communion), 3-8, 4-11, 5-14, 6-15, 7-11, 8-23

Note: End of the year Parent Meeting (you can attend either the 12:30pm or 3:00pm session)

 


Option 3

RELIGIOUS FORMATION CALENDAR
FAMILY MODEL 2010 – 2011

Family Model – is an intergenerational (family oriented) religious formation option.  It is normally conducted once a month on the 3rd Sunday of the month for 3 hours from 12:30 to 3:30pm.   It is an option that is popular with larger families that allows you to be formed as a family in the Catholic faith.  It is open to all families, no matter what the age of your children or what sacraments they have received (except those preparing for Confirmation).  It requires at least one adult from each family.  This model uses the Kathleen O’Connell Chesto program, Family-Centered Intergenerational Religious Education (F.I.R.E.).  This year our focus is “The Believing Community”, where we will look at the Creed and how it seeks to develop in us a strong Catholic identity.  In our sessions we need to have all adults help facilitate along with the formation team and/or assist in other ways.  Lessons are planned and conducted by the Religious Formation staff along with the participating families.  This option is limited to 30 families. Most formation sessions meet on the 3rd Sunday of each month (exception December due to late Thanksgiving it will be incorporated in Full Community Gatherings).  The first session will begin in September and conclude in June.  Sessions meet for 3 hours at each gathering with the exception of the Full Community Gatherings.  Parents are asked to attend the Adult Formation session that begins the year on September 19th.  Integral to our formation program is family participation in the Full Community Gatherings (a reflection on Advent on December 5th and the Lenten gathering on April 3rd) as we join as a community to reflect on our faith journeys; note the similar time of 12:30 to 3:00pm.  These gatherings will include a meal.  We also ask for adult participation in the annual Parish Lenten Retreat, March 13th and 14th both at 7pm.

Note: Family Model families are invited to bring their lunches to mass with them, and eat prior to the beginning of the formation session (12:30pm).  The refrigerator in the kitchen is available for families to place their lunches.

Since we meet only once a month, we ask families to do their very best to attend each gathering. 

September 12, 10         –       Parish Picnic at 2pm

 

September 19, 10         –       12:30 to 3:30pm

 

September 19, 10       –       1pm Adult Formation Gathering –

Opening RF year

 

October 17, 10             –       12:30 – 3:30pm

 

November 21, 10         –       12:30 to 3:30pm

 

December 05, 10        –       12:30 – 3:00pm (Advent Full Community

Gathering)        

 

January 16, 11              –       12:30 to 3:30pm

 

February 20, 11            –       12:30 to 3:30pm

 

March 20, 11                –       12:30 – 3:30pm

 

April 3, 11                    –       12:30 – 3:00pm (Lent Full Community

Gathering)

 

April 17, 11                  –       12:30 – 3:30pm

 

May 15, 11                   –       12:30 – 3:30pm

 

June 12, 10                   –       12:30 – 3:30pm

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