Journey In Faith FAQ May 2011

Journey in Faith
Lifelong, Intergenerational Faith Formation at Sacred Heart Parish

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How much does this program cost?

As part of our parish goal to practice full and active stewardship, we as each household to strive to tithe 4% of their gross annual houshold income to Sacred Heart Parish. For those unable to commit to tithing 4% or more, the faith formation registration cost is $300. If presents a hardship for your household contact us. It is our intent that all, regardless of income,can participate in our programs.

2. We are so busy and can’t imagine another weekly event. What is the time commitment?

Family obligations, school, work; today’s life is full of good and important opportunities and choices. Making good, spiritually healthy decisions is challenging. Time is precious; however, community is integral to parish life. Let us do the cooking! Each gathering begins with a meal where the mealtime is an opportunity to connect with other parishioners. The gathering is about 3 hours in length (including the mealtime). Continued conversations in the car and at home vary based on your commitment to learning, teaching and mentoring the faith.

3. Why the inter-generational model of faith formation instead of a traditional classroom (CCD) model?

We have found the previous classroom model of faith formation to be inadequate for the needs of our total parish. That model rarely involved parents or other adults and relied mostly on textbooks, memorization, and testing; it sometimes lacked a broader formation which is based upon fostering a relationship with Jesus Christ. Challenged by the U.S. Bishops’ directive to place the emphasis of parish faith formation on adults, and inspired by the goal of catechesis: “to foster communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ” (GDC #80), we have designed a faith formation process that supports the goal of life-long growth in faith for all ages.

The Church has always taught that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. We believe that parents are best equipped to fulfill this important role when they themselves are being continually formed. Because the home—the domestic church—is where the Gospel is transmitted, parents have an obligation to set an example, teach, and live Christian values. They are better prepared to do this when they journey in faith with other adults who are also serving as role models in faith. We will continue to provide resources to guide and support parents in this duty.

4. What about sacramental preparation?

Preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation will continue to be a family-based formation program with an integral part being Journey in Faith. Immediate preparation for Confirmation is a process for youth in addition to their participation in Journey In Faith Gatherings. A new format for the confirmation preparation process is being introduced in September of 2011. Details about all sacramental preparation can be found on the Parish web site.

5. My spouse does not worship or regularly attend our parish events with me. I want to be included and want my spouse to feel welcome as well. Are we able to participate as a couple?

Yes! All are welcome to participate and become fully involved in Journey in Faith. Building community is foundational to being a Catholic Christian. We are serious about being inclusive and treating others as we would Christ. Your spouse, other family members, and friends are all welcome to join and engage in the program and all events of parish life! This program is about praying and learning together in community and sharing our experiences of faith in their many forms. Please know that we invite, welcome and expect all diverse peoples to be in conversations of faith.

6. Is it necessary for parents to attend with their children?

In a word…Yes! We believe the presence of parents/guardians at JIF sessions models to our youth the importance of life-long learning. Through shared learning not only do youth witness the faith of adults, but adults also gain insight from the wisdom of our youth. While learning facts about our faith is important, the most significant aspect of faith formation is the sharing of our experiences of God with one another.

It is our expectation that a parent or adult mentor attend on a consistent basis. We are confident you will find the events helpful, inspiring and a necessary part of family, faith and parish life.

7. Journey in Faith sounds like a large, fun, gathering of people in faith. How can this be? Can learning about God or religion really be fun? Will we really learn anything?

Yes, you will learn much about the Catholic Christian Tradition. You will learn what it means to give glory and praise to God. You will learn to minister to others, share faith stories, listen and experience the Risen Christ in and through a variety of learning moments, activities, rituals and discussions. Information is important and is included in the sessions but it is only part of faith formation. Experiential learning and shared-praxis is the best way to inform, form, and transform the people of God. The structure is something like this:
A Prepared and Shared Meal - Relax, gather and enjoy conversation around a meal.
Opening Experience - Everyone gathers for prayer, music, and an activity.
Learning Sessions – Sessions vary in format and include smaller age-specific groups, inter-generational groups, sessions for youth/young adults and a speaker or presentations for adults to explore topics in-depth. Sometimes parents are with their children and sometimes they have the opportunity to participate in the adult learning session. Individuals have different learning styles so using a variety of methods helps all to have experiences that speak to them.
Large Group Reflection – Everyone gathers for reflection, take-home materials, and closing prayer.
(The JIF Design Team develops the above format for each gathering which varies depending on the topic, theme and resources.)

8. I am uncomfortable having to share my response to questions. Why are we always asked to share?

No one is required to share if they are uncomfortable doing so. We do encourage some sharing because we believe this fosters growth in our faith. When we verbalize our thoughts, beliefs, and even questions it helps clarify our beliefs and we are able to encourage and support one another.

9. Our children attend our Catholic schools and get religion there. Why should we attend the Journey in Faith program?

We understand that teaching our religious tradition takes place in the parochial schools, and this is good. However, to fully understand the meaning of the Gospel and live out a life of Christian discipleship, we believe that full participation in the on-going life of the faith community and wider Church is essential to being Catholic. Journey in Faith is not just for students in the public schools but for all students as well as adults, all people of God. As parents of children enrolled in a Catholic school it is also important for you to continue to grow in faith. We strongly encourage you as a family to become involved in our life-long process of learning. You will find this environment much more than classroom and books, but an inspiring way to make connections with God, self and others.

10. Why are the youth sometimes bussed to other locations? Why do we not always meet at the church building?

Our current church building has limited space and is designed for gathering and worship. Until we build a fellowship hall that includes larger and flexible spaces for assemblies and other gatherings, we use what we have. Our current space does not allow for physical activities conducive to teen/young adult learning and community building. There will also be times when JIF will meet at another location because additional space is needed for the learning experience that is planned.

11. Is our Journey in Faith program really enough?

In reality, how do we know we have learned enough or have enough of God or enough faith? We believe like other relationships, we are always gaining new insights into God’s love for us. Is there ever a time when you can say you know all there is to know about a spouse or a friend? The same is true of our relationship with God.

Journey in Faith moves us to desire a deeper relationship with God. The weekly celebration of the Eucharist is a vital aspect of Journey in Faith. Enhancing our Journey in Faith Gatherings are: opportunities for small groups on specific topics, Lectio Divina, our Catholic Schools: St. Katharine Drexel and Cathedral High School, Youth Group, young adult opportunities, and service projects.

Journey in Faith includes 8 super-charged, monthly, event-centered gatherings. This is a 3-hour packed session that will inspire you to continue the conversation with the aid of take-home materials. Even this is not enough but it will lead to more…more conversation, more awareness, more prayer, more learning, more gathering…more Jesus Christ.

For more information on these or other questions, contact:
Joan Krause, Faith Formation Director, 251-8115 (ext.*818) or jkrause@sacredheartsaukrapids.org
Fr. Ron, Pastor, 251-8115 or frron@sacredheartsaukrapids.org