Faith Formation

Live It: End of the Year Celebration
•When: Wednesday May 12, 6:00 - 7:30pm
•Cost: free
•Where: Red River Bowl, 208 2nd St. So., Sartell
•Service Project: Bring a donation for the Catholic Charities Food Shelf
"Live It" is an additional faith formation opportunity for students is grades 5-8. See the attachment for details.
Call Robin Thorson, 255-5406, for more information

Vacation Bible School is August 16-20, 9am-noon, at Sacred Heart School. Children age 4 through those finishing grade 4 are encouraged to attend. This year's African theme is "Baobab Blast." Join in a week of high-action games, awesome music, yummy snacks, Bible stories, and cool crafts. It's guaranteed to be a Blast! Registration forms are available in the Gathering Space beginning May 15th. The forms for registration of children and for volunteers can also be found as attachments below.

Service Reports
Students in grades 6-9 are expected to complete short reports on the service they have done this year. Completed report forms are due May 23, 2010. Forms can be found in an attachment below or in the Gathering Space at the church.

According to the U.S. Catholic Bishops, “ongoing catechesis is a lifelong process.” All Catholics are encouraged to participate in opportunities to nourish and grow in faith throughout their lives. One primary way faith is nurtured is through participation in the weekend Eucharistic liturgy. In addition to regular participation in the Eucharist, the following are expectations regarding faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish.

For adults without children in the parish programs, participation in Journey In Faith monthly gatherings is encouraged. In addition, there are small groups in the parish that meet seasonally and there are numerous offerings in the St. Cloud metro area for adults. Reflection on the scripture, bible study, prayer, and individual reading on topics of spirituality are other ways to continue to grow in faith.

For families with children in grades 1-12 the expectations are as follows:
• all children along with parents (or an adult mentor) participate in Journey In Faith
monthly gatherings
• materials from “take home kits” are used to reinforce the Journey In Faith learning
• all participate in the events of church life
• participation by children in grades 6-9 in one additional faith-forming activity each month is highly encouraged (i.e. youth group, retreats, Diocesan or St. Cloud area youth events)
• service to others is practiced (see the "Service" attachment for expectations)

The attachment "Faith Formation Is More Than Once A Month" contains information about additional opportunities for faith formation and service.

For families with children in a Catholic School, participation in Journey In Faith monthly gatherings by all members of the family is encouraged. The experience and learning at these sessions complements, but does not duplicate, what the children are learning in school. If you decide not to have the children in your family who attend Catholic School participate in the JIF sessions, adults are still highly encouraged to participate as a means to continue their own faith formation. Children preparing to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation are expected to complete the additional requirements for these programs.

To find out more about Journey in Faith see that page on this web site.

Contact Joan Krause at 251-8115 (ext. *818) or jkrause@sacredheartsaukrapids.org for more information.