Our individual Religious Education classes are changing to Families Forming Disciples. This is a hybrid, family focused, thematic activity approach where groups of families meet together with the guidance of catechists to encounter Jesus together and to encourage each other to as the Domestic Church in and through their home and family life.

Who is the learner?

The entire family is the learner. However, catechists will teach to the average age and ability level of the children who are participating. This will help both to keep children engaged and to model for parents how

to share their faith.

Do Parents need to be experts in Catholic Theology to participate in this program?

Absolutely not! Catechists are responsible for presenting the content materials during the sessions. Parents learn alongside their children, participate in the activities, and share their faith experiences with their families, so that their children can learn from their role modeling.

Is there a lot of homework from textbooks that parents are responsible for teaching?

There is no textbook work for parents and children to sit and do. Rather, simple and meaningful faith activities are done together as a family with the goal of bringing family members closer to God and to one another. Praying and encountering Jesus together are at the center of Families Forming Disciples.

Is the role of the catechist in Families Forming Disciples different from that

of a catechist in a traditional classroom?

In Families Forming Disciples, the catechist’s role shifts from one who teaches the faith to students at individual grade levels to one who accompanies families and facilitates learning, faith sharing and prayer within the family. Though the catechist may be present virtually and will offer teaching, parents are present in-person with their children, thus in-person catechesis and evangelization is actively taking place. Parents are taking up their role as primary educators of the faith for their children with the virtual, yet vital, support and guidance of their family’s catechist.

How can I keep children on-task during the lessons? 

Families Forming Disciples is designed to engage the entire family at the same time. This includes parents,

all siblings, and any extended family members like grandparents who wish to participate. Children are not separated by grade levels; rather the whole family participates together with the same lesson. Multiple activities such as playing games, watching videos, praying, discussing faith, and sharing family stories are weaved throughout the lessons to keep participants of every age engaged, even those with short attention spans.

Families Forming Disciples at St. Clare Church

Join us for this amazing opportunity for your family to grow together on their spiritual journey. This year our religious education program for children will center on family life, the domestic church. Families with children from 4-11 years of age will gather twice a month with other families to learn, build community relationships and have fun together.

These sessions beginning on Sunday, Oct. 16

will take place from 12-1:30pm in the school library. If you have smaller children at home, we understand if the parents want to rotate which parent comes to class. Ideally, if there is a need
to provide child care for children under 4, we will.  Please consider trying this new model of religious education for your family.

For more information, please contact Kim Zea, our Pastoral Associate.