·   What is Whole Community Faith Formation? Whole Community Faith Formation gathers the entire community at the same time to learn and grow in our common faith. It is a process that builds community, enlivens celebration of the mass, strengthens Catholic identity, and supports households of faith. This occurs through experiences designed to inspire lifelong, event-centered, intergenerational learning which leads people to deeper communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ. 

·   Why Whole Community Faith Formation? National studies clearly indicate a decrease in Mass attendance and church affiliation with each generation. This fact, along with our emerging understanding of lifelong faith formation, points to the need for a change in our approach to forming faith. This new process will allow us to provide faith formation for the entire community on a more regular and family friendly schedule. Adults will model continued growth in their faith. Parents will become more confident in passing on their faith. Youth & Children will continue to learn who we are as Catholics and why we do what we do!

·   Who is it for? EVERYONE - adults (seniors, empty-nesters, young adults, singles, couples, parents), youth, children, and visitors! Non-Catholic spouses and friends are encouraged to attend and learn as well. 

·   When and where does it take place? We will meet weekly on Sunday mornings, between the masses, 9:45-10:45am, beginning September 16th, starting with coffee and donuts in the gym (after 8:30am mass), dismissing by 10:45am. 

·   What happens during Whole Community Faith Formation?  All ages meet to pray, discover and celebrate our faith together!  The learning sessions focus on the Mass (scripture readings and the Eucharist), Catholic culture, traditions, history and our family of saints. The session schedule includes the following:

 9:45am - Coffee and Donuts

 9:55am - Opening Session (music, prayer, theme introduction, session instructions)

10:05am - Learning Sessions (whole group or age separated learning groups for adults, youth, and children)

10:35am - Closing Session (music, prayer, reflection and application of learning) 

·   What about adults and RCIA? We are asking parents and all adults to commit to modeling lifelong faith formation by weekly accompanying, and at times participating with, our children and those inquiring about joining our faith community.

Participants in RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will now be supported more fully by our entire community as we journey together toward a greater understanding of what it means to be a disciple a of Christ within the Catholic tradition.  

·   What about Middle School and High School Youth Group? Middle and High school youth groups will meet Sunday mornings, between the masses (9:45-10:45am) with additional spiritual, service and social events, such as lock-ins, movie nights, retreats, FLASH Café (food and fellowship at the Posedel’s), Youth Masses and lots of pizza! 

·   What about Grade School religious education?  Religious education for children Kindergarten through Grade 5 continues Sunday mornings between the masses from 9:45-10:45am with an exciting addition - parents, along with all adults, are asked to participate in Faith Formation experiences at the same time as their children and youth! Preparation for First Communion, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Children’s Choir, summer Vacation Bible School and other special events continue as usual. 

·   What about Preschool children? Childcare and religion readiness activities for preschool children (ages 2 ½ - pre-kinder) will take place on Sunday mornings in the Kindergarten classroom of the school building during, as well as between, the Masses. Trained childcare providers will engage the children in age-appropriate prayer, music, Bible stories, and free-play activities throughout the morning.  

·   What about infants/toddlers? Childcare for children ages 0-2 will take place in the nursery room, located off the gym during, as well as between, the Sunday morning Masses. Trained childcare providers will engage children in developmentally appropriate music, stories, and free-play activities. 

·   How much does it cost? Suggested Donations: Please consider making a donation to cover the cost of books and materials. Suggested donation is $25 per person and may be made at one time or over the course of the year. Please indicate “WCFF” on the memo line. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

·   Sign me up!

Answering Your Baptismal Call to Serve . . . 

Description of Ministry Service Opportunities: 

Set up/Clean up Crew - Set up facilities during 8:30am mass and/or clean up facilities during 11am mass

Registration/Greeters - Welcome and assist participants with registration process

Coffee and Donuts - Set up, serve, and/or clean up refreshments

Music - Vocal and instrumentals needed to lead music during opening and closing sessions

Session Facilitators/Catechists & Assistants - Seasonal commitment (approximately 6-8 sessions) to serve as a facilitator/catechist with adults, youth, and/or children, which includes participation in formation and training sessions

Child Care/Preschool - Serve as child care provider during 8:30am or 11am mass or preschool catechist/aide during Whole Community Faith Formation session which includes participation in formation and training sessions

Materials Prep. - Assist with advance prep of learning session and/or take-home materials

Planning Team - Assist with planning and implementation of Whole Community Faith Formation sessions

 We sing ...  We pray ...  We learn ... We share...Together!