Family/Children's Formation

• Committee chair: Eileen Schweinhart (502) 394-9745
• Staff representative: Barb Herzog (502) 245-9733, x13

Parish Family Formation is a program involving all age levels. The belief is that religious education is a life-long, on-going process. We witness to God in such a way that children as well as adults can grasp the central place of faith in their lives.

Family Formation programs teach that this faith expresses itself in worship, in loving and in living Gospel values in individual families as well as the larger parish family.

Safe Environment Workshop. Adults who will be working with children (under 18) on a regular basis (more than once), need to fill out a Volunteer Criminal Background Check Authorization AND have attended an Archdiocesan Safe Environment Workshop. Contact Barb Herzog for details.

• [Click here] to get our Formation Calendar and to find printable registration forms for children's programs.
• [Click here] to get the Family Connections Registration Form.
• [Click here] to see our online Calendar for Chiildren's Formation events. (updated regularly)

Off-Year Sacraments

Children who did not receive the sacraments at the usual age/grade level receive individual or small group preparation at times mutually agreeable to teachers and parents.

Bibletimes Marketplace

This mid-Summer week-long Bible School (mornings only) involves Epiphany, Anchorage Presbyterian, and St. Luke's Episcopal Churches. Children from Grades K-6 learn Bible stories, do crafts, sing songs, and have fun. Nursery and preschool are available for workers' children. Volunteers are needed as Tent Mothers and/or Fathers, teenage aides, craft workers, food preparers, nursery workers, drama participants, and general helpers. One planning and preparation meeting (about two hours) is held in June.

Catechists

Teachers of religion are needed in the age groups listed below. Planning sessions among teachers at each level occur at teachers' discretion. One general session for all catechists is usually scheduled prior to each semester and another at the end of the Formation year.

• Gather the Children: Grades K-4 meet every Sunday during 9:00 A.M. liturgy for their own Liturgy of the Word. Musicians are needed on a rotational basis.
• Ages preschool through 6: Meet on designated Sunday mornings after the 9:00 A.M. liturgy as part of the Parish Family Formation Program. (Grades 7 thru 12 also meet under the direction of the Youth Minister. Check the Youth Ministry Calendar for dates and times.)
• Grade 2: First Reconciliation/First Communion Preparation: Meets on designated Sunday mornings after the 9:00 A.M. liturgy. Children learn about the Rites of Penance and experience Rite 2 (Communal Reconciliation). Part of the Parish Family Formation Program; Parent Meetings will be held in three sessions; potluck supper takes place on an evening in March, with celebration of the sacrament after Easter.
• Grade 5 - Reconnecting with Reconciliation - an in depth study of the sacrament.  Meets on designated Sunday mornings after 9:00 A.M. liturgy as part of the Parish Family Formation Program (Parent Meetings and joint celebration).
• Classroom aide/nursery childcare
• Assist catechists with teaching and craft tasks during classes.
• Classroom musician -Anyone with talent in music (voice and/or instrument) works as needed with various age groups.

Planners/workers/helpers

• Artists: Create various works of art for liturgies, retreats, sacramental programs.
• Calligraphers: For First Communion certificates, signs, programs, posters.
• Craft Workers: For Bibletimes Marketplace (in July) or in conjunction with Parish Family Formation or Gather the Children.
• Drama: Work with children during Bibletimes, for liturgies, and special services.
• Hospitality: Help to organize and prepare food for potlucks, meetings, and retreats.
• Mime: Needed for some liturgies, Parish Family Formation, Bibletimes Marketplace.
• Registration: Help with Parish Family Formation or Bibletimes Marketplace registrations.
• Retreat for Catechists: Set-up and clean-up and anything in between!
• Typist: Volunteers who can work in the office for an hour or so for various typing/copying tasks.

Family / Children's Liturgy

Occasional special liturgies/reconciliation services are celebrated at various times throughout the year with emphasis on children and their families. These celebrations are in conjunction with the Family/Children's Formation process. Ministers plan these wonderful celebrations.

Times and tasks for these will vary. All kinds of talent and any amount of time commitment are welcome and much appreciated. To help with any of the above, contact Barb Herzog or Betty Conniff at 245-9733, x13 (Monday through Thursday).