As we approach the end of our first theme of the year for G.I.F.T., we are getting ready to launch into our second in which we'll spend time learning about Advent, Incarnation and Revelation. If you haven't received them already, faith formation families with children enrolled in GIFT will be receiving their next set of at-home rituals and lesson material in the next week. This theme will run from November 29 through the beginning of February. Once again, you'll be able to find corresponding videos for each child's lesson on our website: www.GrowingInFaithTogether.org Adults can also find resources at the same website.
Contact Dawn with any questions: dawn.burdick@dor.org or at 607-288-2476.
As we prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 Faith Formation year, we are aware of the many changes that are needed to ensure everyone is safe amidst COVID-19. However, we are still committed in providing quality Faith Formation to all our families. While things will look much different than they have in the past, we will do everything we can to help ensure we all continue to grow in faith.
We know parents are burdened with having to make difficult decisions for their children’s education plans, and everyone is trying to imagine what an average school day will be like. For these reasons, we have decided to postpone the beginning of our faith formation year to October, allowing us all to get into a new rhythm of life.
When our 2020-2021 faith formation year does begin, we will offer a hybrid program, with the option of being totally online, if our state or local government requires it. In the next few weeks a detailed mailing and registration information will be sent to all our registered families, but at this time we wanted to provide you with an outline of our plan for the coming year:
The year will be gear around four themes. For each theme we will provide an “at-home ritual” for each family. These simple resources will help families continue their growth at home with small actions, prayers, rituals, etc.
· We will offer four gatherings for Mass and family faith formation for groups of five to ten families (perhaps those already in learning pods). These small groups of families would gather once in October, December, February and April for Mass (Mass would be open to just the families in that group) and then move to the parish hall for a time of family faith formation. To keep everyone safe, each family will sit at their own table and will use material and supplies for their family only.
Each of the four themes will be supported by videos and other material (worksheets, crafts, etc) for each grade-level to be done at home. We recognize that parents may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of additional teaching, so we are trying to make this part of life a little more manageable by providing everything that will be needed.
In the late-winter or early spring, provided we are allowed to gather, we will offer a half-day retreat for each grade-level. With proper social-distancing, we’ll pray and play together at an age-appropriate level.
We will also offer additional optional gatherings via Zoom, for social interaction throughout the school year. These will not be teaching, but opportunities to be together virtually for some fun.
Growing In Faith Together It is time to start working on the third part of our at-home ritual which will help us focus on how God reveals God's-self in nature, in others, in us, and in Scripture. This time of year it's hard to find much of interest in nature, so we will bring some of nature into our home and allow ourselves to marvel in the miracle of life contained in a small seed by planting and caring for some beans. As we care for our plants we will also be invited to be attentive to the ongoing work of creation of God in us and others. Just like the beans, growth in us happens slowly and almost imperceptibly, yet God is always at work transforming us into God’s likeness. So pull out the soil and beans we provided and plant them in the glass containers that were formerly used for the Advent Wreath. If you haven't had a chance to pick up the at home ritual at church, contact Dawn and we'll get one to you .
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Preparation to receive the First Reconciliation (Penance) and First Holy Communion will soon begin. If you have not already signed up, please contact Dawn as soon as possible..(dawn.burdick@dor.org or 607-288-2476) Preparation for each Sacrament will primarily be via videos, Zoom and handouts with a gathered session before each of the Sacraments. Preparation for First Reconciliation will be during Lent, and preparation for Eucharist will be during the Easter season, with First Communion occurring in mid to late May.
© 2021 The Good Shepherd Catholic Community. All rights reserved.
