Faith Formation Programs

Change in schedule for Home Study Option
The May session for families participating in the Home Study Option has been changed. Instead of May 16th, families are asked to attend one of the JIF Gatherings on either Sunday, May 6 with a meal from 11:10 to 11:55 and session noon - 1:50pm or Wednesday, May 9 with a meal from 5:10 to 5:55 and session 6:00-7:50pm. Both gatherings are at the church. These gatherings will summarize the learning of the past year and provide the opportunity to evaluate the faith formation process used with your children.

All participants in Journey In Faith as well as those preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation need to complete a registration form and a Stewardship Commitment Form.
Registration forms are available in the kiosk at church and as an attachment below.
All registration forms are due by Sept. 25. Both sides of the form need to be completed.

We believe faith formation is a lifelong process.
Opportunities and expectations for faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish are as follows:

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 participate in weekend liturgies
• all children along with parents (or an adult mentor) participate in Journey In Faith monthly gatherings or use a home study program (see attachment below)
• 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 6-12 in one additional faith-forming activity each month is highly encouraged (i.e. retreats, reading or online learning, prayer experiences such as vespers or stations of the cross, Youth Group, Diocesan or St. Cloud area youth events)

Children preparing to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation are expected to complete the additional requirements for these programs. See the sacramental preparation page on this website.

Service to others is practiced by all according to their ability.

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 highly encouraged to participate as a means to continue their own faith formation.

See the attachments below for a letter that was sent on Sept. 1, 2011 to all households registered in the parish with information about the 2011-12 program.

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.