Generations Of Faith   GENERATIONS OF FAITH is an approach to faith formation (“religious education or CCD”) that helps the parish to become a community of learning by creating lifelong faith formation.  GOF is open to all members of the parish who wish to continue growing in their understanding of the beliefs, traditions and rituals of the Catholic faith. This is done through parish preparation programs and, most importantly, through participation in Church life. It promotes faith growth in our homes (domestic church) and will not only enrich us but will also enrich our children and grandchildren for generations to come.   THIS IS HOW GENERATIONS OF FAITH WORKS Generations of Faith is an event-centered experience that brings the community together to eat, learn and share faith as a community!  Each year will have it's own main topic, and each month we will be looking at a sub-topic or a liturgical event such as Lent or Advent, etc. 1. We Gather, Say Grace and Eat Together Come, eat and enjoy!  When you arrive you will be asked how many are in your party and then you'll be seated.  Once your table is filled, someone will stop by and lead you in a prayer of Grace.  At each GOF you'll find placemats at your table that introduce the theme for the gathering.  These placemats are fun to work on while you are waiting to be called up to get your meal or while you are waiting for others to finish their meals.  The placemats have something for participants of all ages - feel free to ask for help from others at your table - this helps with the inter-generational mingling.  2. Whole Group Opening Experience Once we are nearly finished with our meals, we'll go over some of the games and puzzles found on the placemats.  The theme will then be introduced in a lively and informative manner.  In the past, we've listened to brilliant songs written by Fr. Kris and Kathleen set to the Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island theme songs!  We've played Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and watched videos.  We strive to have each gathering be a completely new learning experience, so you will never know what to expect and thus, will never be bored! 3. Split Into Age-Related Activities Next we separate in various groupings: Young Children (age 2 - Grade 2), Elementary (Grades 3-5), Jr. High (Grades 6-8), and Adults (Confirmation Candidates are considered adults).  Parents are always welcome to go with their children to the children's groups.  All ages will learn about the same topic according to their stage in life! 4. Intergenerational Integration/Prayer Age groups come back together to integrate what they have learned, pray together and incorporate what we have learned into our everyday life. 5. GOF Continues at Home Generations of Faith connects home and parish.  We will be empowering and equipping individuals and families to live their faith at home and in the world. You will get a HOME KIT about the topic at each gathering to use with your household and you may be directed to more activities on our website!  6. Back at the Parish once again We invite you to participate in the life of our parish.  We believe that through a deeper understanding of what we do and why we do it, you will then have a deeper appreciation for the scriptures, for the Mass and for other parish celebrations.  And perhaps you may even begin to think of the Community of St. Francis de Sales as part of your family!   GOALS AND MISSION OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION The Faith Formation programs of St. Francis de Sales Parish offers a complete and comprehensive basic religious education program for students in grades K through 10. The program services over 1300 students which reflects the involvement of nearly 800 families. The goals of the program are four-fold: to teach the message of Jesus to build up the community of Catholic believers to develop authentic lives of prayer and worship to foster a spirit of service to others within the Christian community and beyond   WHAT CHANGES ARE WE MAKING? from a focus on children to focus on lifelong faith formation for all ages from 'graduation' from religion class to lifelong and continuous formation go beyond 'participating in the program' to learning for a lifetime through involvement in church life and events move beyond separation by grade or groups to intergenerational - making connections among the generations in learning and parish involvement from focus on the individual to a focus on the community from 'textbook' as curriculum to Church events as curriculum from 'drop off and pick up' to active participation of the whole family in faith learning from the child learning in isolation from the family to nurturing the family faith at home move beyond faith formation as a separate program to a holistic and integrated approach that involves all the Parish in faith formation