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What is Generations of Faith?
Generations of Faith is an innovative approach to faith formation that
equips the parish to become a community of lifelong learning. Faith formation
is centered in the events of church life, embraces all ages and generations,
and promotes faith growth at home.
The Structure of Generations of Faith
The Generations program offers three means of catechesis. Each
component is critical to the overall effectiveness of this method of faith
development.
First of all, each month's
formation theme will come from selected Sunday readings. The
scriptures will provide the foundation for liturgical catechesis around each
theme which will be developed through the music, homily, and prayers during
Mass. Experiencing church life, events, and seasons through the liturgies is
the source for the Generations formation approach. As formation sessions are
designed to prepare and reflect on the readings from Mass, it is important to
attend Sunday liturgies.
The second part of the Generations program is
attending the monthly formation session. Formation sessions will
include comprehensive faith formation including the following:
1. Knowledge of the faith
2. Liturgical life
3. Moral
formation
4. Prayer
5. Belonging to a community
6. Missionary
spirit
Formation sessions will provide activities and content consistent
with the readings and experiences in the selected Mass. Sessions will include a
meal, large group activities, reflection, prayers, and instruction, and
breakout sessions based on developmental levels. All households have been
assigned to a particular formation session.
Finally, the third component of the Generations of
Faith model is the home kit. The Catholic Church sees
the family as "the domestic church," integrating home and parish into a
comprehensive model of faith formation. The home kits are designed to help
extend and expand the learning from the formation sessions and Masses. The goal
is to create a pattern of family faith sharing that is integral to family life
and woven into the fabric of daily life. Home kits will include materials to
enable the following:
- Celebrating traditions and rituals
- Learning the Catholic faith story
- Praying together
- Serving others and working for justice
- Enriching relationships and daily life
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