The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.Isaiah 9:2
Advent and Christmas are very special times for Christians. These liturigical seasons are also extraordinary times of learning in faith formation programs at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Indeed, the Great Light of Jesus is our guide in our journey always.
In the atrium Catechist and Child Listen to the Words of the Prophets Together
In the atrium, children ages 3 – 12 have been learning about the Land of Israel, the parts of our altar and Mass. In community with each other, with the catechists and through individual reflections with the works, the children ponder the words of the prophets, particularly Isaiah, looking forward to realizing more fully the mystery of the Incarnation.
During the Christmas season, the children will celebrate with great joy the Feasts of the Holy Family, Epiphany, and the Baptism of our Lord.
In Family Based Catechesis Families Learn, Laugh and Pray Together
The Family Based Catechesis community has had an exciting six week start, delving into many topics— among them prayer, including a presentation on how to bless children. They have considered the significance of Advent as a group and in grade level classrooms, looking forward to Christmas and to knowing Jesus more deeply as each does his or her part to make His Kingdom come. The families have laughed, prayed, learned and enjoyed the feeling of communiyt learning.
Family Based Catechesis was primarily formed to serve the religious education needs of public school, private school, and home schooling families, though everyone is welcome. The program meets 9:15-10:20 A.M. on Sundays in the Parish Center, enabling all to attend the 10:30 A.M. Mass as a community.
The program is on hiatus for the Christmas season. From Christmas to the beginning of Lent parents home school their children using age appropriate texts. Classes will resume on January 31, 2016.
Gratitude from the Heart
We are always grateful for the gifts of faith and community and most especially at this time of the year as our hearts are filled with the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ. We are thankful for the volunteer catechists who so faithfully serve the children and families each week. It is a gift to serve the children through their faith journey; in many ways serving to catechesis the adult volunteer too.
The Support of the Faith Community is Vital
Thank you to the St. Patrick faith community, for their continued support of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Family Based Catechesis and all faith formation programs including the volunteer catechists who share their talents in the ministry of faith formation and the children who come to us with an open heart to God and his Word.
Interested in Learning More about Faith Formation Programs?
Would Family Based Catechesis or the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd be a good fit for your child? Interested in serving in either program and helping children journey through thier faith? Email or call Kim Ward, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation at 253- 383-2783 for more information on registering or volunteering or to arrange a tour of the atrium.
