Dear Faith Formation Families: As you are well aware, the corona virus has temporarily changed our way of life and how we interact with each other. Our work, schooling and worshipping have all had to be reimagined. We are glad that the church has been allowed to resume the celebration of Mass once again. At Good Shepherd, we have opened our doors for the celebration of the Eucharist, and we continue to livestream the Mass for those who feel more comfortable minimizing interaction with others, all while following the CDC guidelines and diocesan policies.
As partners in your child’s religious education, we feel it is important to offer our families the uninterrupted opportunity for spiritual growth, as well as the continuing deepening of faith through materials that may be used at home for the 2020/2021 faith formation year. Therefore, after prayerful consideration, discussion, as well as information from the various school boards, we have decided not to hold in-house faith formation classes this year. We will revisit participation for in-house classes in 2021 based on local Board of Education directives and diocesan guidelines.
GRADE 1: First graders will be using the Faith First series from RCL Benziger. Parents will pick up workbook packets and return completed packets monthly on scheduled dates. Your child’s catechist (teacher) will email you throughout the year any updates.
GRADES 2 -7: The curriculum will focus on the Gospel this year for grades 2 through 7 using the Pflaum series. Families will be offered either the print and/or digital form. If print is selected, you be able to pick up your packet on a designated day. If you prefer digital, you will be emailed the access code (available to families that select print as well.) The Pflaum Gospel packets which consists of a six-page pamphlet featuring an age appropriate interpretation of the Gospel, show the connection between Gospel and doctrine along with “Think” questions and Faith Words. Students will be asked to email their catechists the answers to assigned questions every week.
First Reconciliation/First Eucharist For children entering second grade in the fall, who have already completed first grade faith formation, in addition to the Gospel program, sacramental prep classes will be required. Both First Reconciliation and First Eucharist classes will take place in 2021. The schedule and information will be emailed after Christmas.
GRADE 8: In addition to using the Pflaum Gospel series, our 8th grade students will participate in the online ALTARATION five lesson study program by Ascension Press. All materials are online, and you will be given the access code.
CONFIRMATION Grades 9 and 10 Grade: This year Confirmation students will be using the online CHOSEN program by Ascension Press. Students in grade 9 will focus on chapters 1-12 and students in grade 10 will focus on chapters 13-24. An online access code will be given to each student for the program. A syllabus and requirements will be emailed and posted on our website. Students in 9th and 10th grade will participate in weekly Mass either by attending here at Good Shepherd with their families or viewing livestream. Students will be notified about their service hour requirements and interview sign-up in 2021. In addition, class attendance will be evaluated based on the submission of all assignments.
FOR ALL GRADES: Catechist information, class expectations, online access codes and a syllabus will be included in pick up packets and/or emailed to families. Your child’s/teen’s participation in the Good Shepherd Faith Formation program requires a completion and submission of all assignments by the due dates emailed to their catechists. Please visit the parish website under the Faith Formation tab for all updates and information.
Additionally, we are so grateful to those volunteers who have agreed to return in their role as catechist and welcome our new catechists. It is these individuals who make our program successful by their sharing and living their faith and by their willingness to give of their time.
Lastly, we thank you for your patience and the commitment to partner with us in your child’s faith formation. We will continue to email you with any updates as needed. Kindly contact us with any questions or concerns and visit the FAITH FORMATION page for all forms, etc.
God bless, Phyllis Haarmann Fr. Michal Szwarc Allison Holdt Grades 1-7 Grade 8 and Confirmation Asst for Grade 8 and Confirmation