Faith Formation
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Registration
To register for classes click here
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Welcome Back!
Faith Formation 2022-23Welcome Faith Formation Families Grades K-8!
We are so excited to journey with you and your children this next year as a brand-new parish, Divine Grace! What an interesting time we have had! I am so appreciative to all the Catechists and the many families who welcomed me with open arms as we began our transition of our program last fall. Know that you have been in our prayers throughout the process of dealing with the pandemic and schedule transitions. We thank those families and students that have stuck with us as we moved from the Zoom platform back to in-person sessions. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back for the 2022-2023 program year.
What is New for Divine Grace in 2022-2023
- All sessions are now open to all the families/students on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Sessions are available at both the Holy Redeemer site and the St. Ferdinand site.
- Time changes for older students will encourage regular weekly Mass attendance. (7th and 8th Grades)
- Additional availability for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Youth involvement in Masses geared for students
On Site and In-Person K-6
New programming by Loyola Press, Finding God 2021 is for Grades K-6, covering the teachings of the Catholic church and is rooted in Scripture, Church Tradition, and Ignatian spirituality. Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts starts children out on a life of intentional discipleship and fosters a lived, personal relationship with God through Jesus. Spiral curriculum integrates the fundamental themes of the Catechism with scripture and Catholic teachings. Children are introduced to and revisit concepts and vocabulary from one year to the next, as their knowledge and experience both broadens and deepens. The program features: multi-media content -animations, narrated videos, interactive activities, and audio clips and abundant Scripture. Special sections on the foundations of the Catholic faith, reflection and prayer, multimodal learning; and family resources.
By using a media-enhanced, active-learning approach that guides young people to encounter the Gospel and through age-appropriate lessons, experimental activities, Scripture stories, prayer and multimedia, young people are inspired to live as missionary disciples of Christ. The format follows the traditional model of classroom instruction with the added benefit of engaging media. Students access multimedia by scanning the QR codes on their unit bookmarks or through the Finding God app. Finding God 2021-2022 is in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
On Site and In-Person Grade 2
Reconciliation & First Communion
In-Person classes are offered for those second graders who wish to make the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Dynamic Catholic’s Blessed for Reconciliation and Blessed for First Communion are the materials used for preparation.
On Site and In-Person 7-8
Classes are offered in this two-year program to prepare the students for reception of the sacrament of Confirmation. Dynamic Catholic’s Decision Point and Our Sunday Visitor, Alive in Christ are the materials utilized. Eighth grade students must attend On-Site In-Person sessions. This year we have adjusted our schedules to encourage Mass attendance either before or after sessions.
Home Study: Option for the Home Taught
Loyola Press, Finding God 2021, are the materials used for this program. An instructional sheet will be provided to sign-on to the websites with the textbook. The Home Taught option is offered for families that cannot attend classes during the times that we offer. Parents work with their children at home each week and complete their lessons on our curriculum portal. This information will be given to you when you register for Home Taught classes.
May God Bless Divine Grace Parish! -
Divine Grace Parish Faith Formation
Explanation of Class Options
2022 – 2023Onsite Classes:
Classes are held in our Faith Formation Building located behind St. Ferdinand Church, or at the Holy Redeemer Center.
Grade-level classes are held in a traditional classroom setting. The days and times are listed below.
Classes for Kindergarten – Grade 8 will begin the week of September 18, 2022 for both sites.
However, Holy Redeemer – 7th and 8th Sunday classes begins October 2nd at 9:30 am.Home Taught:
The Home Taught option is offered for families that cannot attend classes during the times that we offer. Parents work with their children at home each week and complete their lessons on our curriculum portal. This information will be given to you when you register for Home Taught classes. Loyola Press “Finding God 2021” are the materials used. An instruction sheet will be provided to sign-on to the website with the text book.
This option is not available for Grade 2 or Grade 8; it is important for children to attend in person for their Sacramental years.Onsite Class Schedules
All sessions are open to everyone on a first come, first served basis.
St. Ferdinand Site
Monday 4:30 – 5:45 pm (Grades 1 – 5) Monday 6:00 – 7:15 pm (Grades 1 – 5)
Tuesday 4:30 – 5:45 pm (Grades K – 5) Tuesday 6:00 – 7:15 pm (Grades 1 – 6)
Sunday 3:30 – 4:45 pm -or- 6:15 – 7:30 pm (Grades 7 & 8)
Sunday 9:30 am - 10:45 am (Grades K-8)
Holy Redeemer Site
Monday 4:45 – 6:00 pm (Grades 1 – 6)
Sunday 9:30 am – 10:45 am (Grades 7 & 8) -
Volunteers
Each year, many people just like you and I volunteer to do something amazing- they take time out from their busy lives to serve their parish as Catechist (Reigious Education Teachers), classroom aides, hall monitors, and office helpers. When the year comes to an end, they often find that through their experience, they too, were spiritually enriched. These caring people, by their word and example, help our children see the goodness in his creation.
Our faith formation program could not run without volunteers. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, but are concerned that you may not be qualified, please do not let this discourage you. The requirements for this position are “people” of faith who have the desire to help others grow in their faith. We will provide you with all the support you need, including excellent teaching materials. Please call us at the Faith Formation Office at 724-667-2888, ext 307.
Faith Formation Staff
Dr. Thom Brozich, Director of Faith Formation, [email protected]
724-776-9177 ext. 302
Darlene Marks, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
724-776-9177 ext. 307
Denise Knauff, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
724-776-9177 ext. 301
Justin D’Antonio, Youth and Young Adult Minister, jd'[email protected]
724-776-9177 ext. 314
Kay Bellissimo, Pastoral Minister for Faith Formation, k[email protected]
724-758-4411 ext. 222
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Summary of Faith Formation Survey 2021-2022
