Children’s Formation
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Register Now for 2024 / 2025To enroll your child in sacramental preparation and faith formation -
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Family Faith Formation Program
We are fostering the spiritual growth of children within a community framework: as integral members of their own families, as part of the broader family of our faith, and as an important member of our parish community. For this to happen, we focus on a dynamic and experiential model of passing on the faith which involves the whole family: a family-retreat model. This program counts with the participation of the children and their family, together with the catechists and the parish community, in a day-long retreat every two months. Throughout the month, the catechetical journey continues in the homes and smaller groups, with Sunday Mass participation and many opportunities to deepen reflections and prayer life, as well as giving witness by serving the needs of the community.
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Family Retreats
The family retreats take place on the first Sunday of the month, alternating between the English and Spanish programs. Check-in begins at 8:30 am. There is a key-note speaker and intergenerational reflection for the whole family, followed by breakout sessions to further explore the topic of the month with age-appropriate activities. There are moments of prayer and adoration, arts and crafts, and family conversations.
At the center of the retreat is the celebration of the Eucharist with the parish community. After Mass, families gather for a meal, and afterwards, we initiate the faith formation projects for the upcoming weeks. This enables them to continue the conversation with their children as they understand the expectations of the work that is to be done at home in the remaining weeks. The retreat ends at 2pm with a special blessing for the family.
The Family-retreat model of Faith Formation at HNJ-SGG expects that the family: the child’s parents or guardian - accompany them to the family session on the 1st Sunday of every other month and complete the follow up activities together at home.
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Volunteering
Faith Formation is a lifelong mission, and our parish provides numerous opportunities for the community to engage in it. The Family Retreat Faith Formation Program relies on the support of volunteers. We extend a warm welcome and express deep appreciation for those interested in volunteering as catechists or assistants. Without the generosity of our volunteers, this program wouldn't be able to provide the children in our community with the faith formation they truly deserve.
If you're interested, please reach out to the Director or call the Parish Office for more details.
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Additional questions?
Check the upcoming bulletins for more information or please contact:
Ana Paula, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
(212) 749-0276 ext. 116
[email protected]
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