GENERATIONS OF FAITH
Let's dream...
What if all ages and generations could be brought together as a whole parish community? What if by bringing generations together through learning and participation in church life we could overcome generational isolation? What if children, teens, young adults, families, single men and women or grandparents could all find ways to be more meaningfully engaged in their faith and active in the life and events of the parish community? What if we could be provided with ways to nurture our faith and that of our family? What if this could be done without having to make hours of additional time or adding things to our already hectic life
It's a reality...
+ Generations of Faith is an innovative approach to parish faith formation that involves all generations in learning and growing together through their experience and participation in church life.
+ The Generations of Faith Project is helping our parish develop lifelong, intergenerational, Church-based faith formation that is focused on the educative power of the church community: the feasts and seasons of the Church Year, sacraments and liturgy, prayer and spirituality, justice and service, proclamation of the Word, and community life.
+ The Generations of Faith approach promotes participation of all ages and generations in the shared experiences of church life as a focus for learning.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH
Frequently Asked Questions:
What other parishes are participating?
We are one of over 1094 parishes in the US and Canada participating in Generations of Faith. There are 41 parishes running Generations  of Faith in the Boston Archdiocese, including St. Elizabeth in Acton, Holy Family in Concord, Our Lady of Fatima in Sudbury and Incarnation in Melrose.
What about 1st Eucharist and Confirmation preparation?
We will continue to have separate 1st Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation preparation, as well as our Baptismal preparation programs but they will take a slightly different format. Learn more about the Confirmation Process here.
Will Generations of Faith cover as much material as Religious Education used to?
We believe it will cover more of, and more deeply the essentials of our faith. The main areas of the curriculum are: Knowledge of the faith, Church Year-Story of Jesus and salvation, Creed and Church Year, Liturgical Life , Church Year feasts and seasons, Sacraments, Moral Formation, Moral values and principles through the year: Church Year feasts and seasons, Lectionary, justice and service projects, sacraments, Prayer and Spirituality, Prayer, sacraments, spiritual practices, devotions through the year, etc. , Missionary Activity, Justice and Service, Belonging to Community.
When and where will it be held?
Preparation gatherings, called Faith Festivals, will take place in the Lower Church Facilities and in the Church. Exact allocation of space will depend on registration. The events we will celebrate will typically take place in the church upstairs for Sunday Liturgies or downstairs and even outside for things like The Parish Picnic.
What about Pre-school and pre-K children?
The preparation gathering session - Faith Festival - will provide child care for toddlers, while infants would easily remain with parents.
How will groups be formed?
For some preparation gatherings - Faith Festivals - people will be formed into separate age groups (See brochure diagram for example).
What about middle schoolers, high schoolers and confirmation?
When we break into age separate groups, there will be a separate middle school group and high school group that is led by a team of leaders/facilitators who have been prepared for that purpose. Learn more about the Confirmation Process here.
Are outside guests allowed?
Yes, everybody is invited. We will ask that you contact us by the cutoff date for each gathering session so we can plan accordingly for food and seating.
What training will be provided for leaders?
About two weeks before each gathering session all the leaders will meet for a training and rehearsal. Leaders do not need to plan lessons or gather materials. All the material will be supplied.
Will there be a text book?
Not as such. Our main text is the Church year so for many activities our main source will be the lectionary, the sacramentary or other rite books. The home kits will provide take home material for family use.
Who picks the events?
The Generations of Faith Core team.
How will meals happen?
You will come in, be greeted and seated, and then the meal will be served family style. You do not have to bring anything, set up, clean up or cook. Just come, eat and enjoy!
What is the frequency of gathering?
We have plan 8-9 Faith Festivals each year, along with summer events for the entire family.
What role will current catechists have?
We hope that many will sign up to assist as leaders and in other capacities. We have a specific volunteer opportunity list that is available on the Registration Form.
What will it cost?
The family registration fee for the year is $65 per person, $200 Max per household (Season Pass). There will be a single gathering fee of $10 per person, for those who come in during the year.
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