Family Faith Formation
Faith Formation at the Church of St. William provides opportunities for the
whole family to be involved in experiences of prayer, personal growth,
education, service and fun as together we learn how we can become greater
witnesses of God’s presence in the world.
Parents are involved in both faith formation and sacramental preparation
programs in order to carry out the message of faith taught both at home and at
church. Through our sharing of faith experiences, we support each other
and encourage one another as we strive to develop a stronger more faith-filled
domestic church in our home.
“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their
children.” (2223 Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Through a combination of lessons taught at home and at church our programs
strive to support parents in their role of helping their children to live a
meaningful and lifelong journey in the Catholic faith.
We hope you join us as together we strive to be excellent examples of God’s
vision for us!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Preschool - Kindergarten)
The preschool and kindergarten children will meet from 8:40 – 9:40 a.m. in
rooms 7-8 in the Education Building. (Follow the signs in Keefe Hall.)
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium) curriculum has a three-fold
approach: 1.) teaching gospel stories, 2.) Kingdom parables, and 3.) elements of
the Mass. Each lesson has materials that isolate a particular concept. The
children are then invited to reflect on the different concepts as they are
allowed time to work with the materials.
Parents are invited to observe or assist with one or more Sundays during the
year as well as with materials as we continue to expand the program.
Program calendars and registration forms.
If you have any questions about the program or materials, please email
Colette Kruc at
ckruc@stwilliams.com.
Faith Formation (1st - 6th grade)
Parents will meet with their children weekly. Families will meet at the
parish approximately twice a month to supplement the faith sessions at home. On
the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the children
will meet at the church with their peers, while parents gather in Keefe Hall at
the same time for prayer, sharing, and faith formation.
The curriculum, Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts, by Loyola Press
will be used at all levels. Parents will need a Family Learning Guide which
helps in planning lessons that all their children may participate in when
studying at home. Parents only need to buy this once and may use it each year.
Each student also will need a student book.
Program calendars and registration forms.
For more detailed information regarding the curriculum and to sign up for
e-newsletters online go to
www.FindingGod.org.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Children's Liturgy of the Word is held during the school year at the Sunday
8:45 a.m. Mass. Children from 1st through 6th grade are invited to leave Mass
during the readings to hear and discuss the Bible passages for the day in age
appropriate formats. They then return to the Mass for the blessing of the
Eucharist. No registration is necessary.
Summer Programs
Look for information in the bulletin in May for the Summer Stretch Program
for teens in June and Vacation Bible School held the first week of August for 3
year olds and up through current 4th graders (going to be in 5th grade).
Program calendars and registration forms.
Support for Families
St. William's provides a support ministry for couples who are experiencing
problems within their marriage and for families experiencing relationship issues
between family members. If you are looking for guidance and support in working on conflict
resolution, please contact Jim Wagner at 763-571-5600 or email
jwagner@stwilliams.com.
Also See
For more information about Faith Formation programs at St. William's, contact
Cindy Mauch-Morff at 763-571-5600 or email
cmauchmorff@stwilliams.com. |
Family Ministry