“If you are struggling this year, talk with us, and let’s figure out what you can do to take a step forward. Regardless, know that we want you here, this year and next. … We want everyone to be moving toward Jesus and eternity.” – Jim Thorp
Approximately 30 parents—many of them also small-group leaders—attended the Faith Formation Parent Session on Sunday, Feb. 25, to share their feedback on this year’s program and discuss the future of faith formation at Saint Andrew with Fr. Mark and Jim Thorp, the newly hired director of evangelization and catechesis. Fr. Mark opened the session with prayer and introduced parish staff members Melissa Anderson, Randy Bayerl and Lori Iannuzzelli, before turning the floor over to Jim.
Over the past few weeks, Jim has been collecting feedback from parents, small-group leaders, catechists and other parishioners about what’s working and what isn’t with the current faith formation programs. He shared more than 20 feedback statements with the group, asking them to indicate whether the statement applied to them or their children by raising their hands. In nearly every case, multiple parents agreed with the feedback collected. Afterward, parents added their own additional comments to the record. Parents also shared several ideas on how to improve the class sessions and increase fellowship and fun this year and next.
Both Father and Jim thanked everyone for their open and honest feedback and shared their willingness to make adjustments to the current program. Certain changes—like no longer meeting in private homes—need to continue, and Father reiterated the need for students and families to learn about the faith, to know Jesus and the basic teachings and prayers of the Catholic Church, and to be accountable for studying and practicing their faith.
Jim closed the meeting by sharing the importance of families making faith a priority in the home. “The biggest indicator of whether a child will remain Catholic once they leave home is the ‘Catholicity’ of their parents,” he said. “Parents don’t have to be theological geniuses, but they do need to be witnesses. Kids need to see you making Mass and prayer a priority and sharing your faith in the home.”
“For the remainder of this year, I hope you will stay engaged and take a step forward. If you are keeping up with the program and materials, persevere! If you are doing some of lessons and reflections, try to do a little more—and if you are struggling this year, talk with us, and let’s figure out what you can do to take a step forward.”
“Regardless, know that we want you here, this year and next. If you’ve missed six classes, we want you here for the seventh. We want everyone to be moving toward Jesus and eternity.”
Comments
William Guertin
The more I think about it, the more I think we need to ask the kids whats working and what isn't.. If we can engage a few of them to be leaders and get them fired up then we would have something that could be built on. The best witnesses in the parish are those who are involved and witness to the faith with their lives.. thats what we also need for the kids. some kids to step up and take charge. Maybe even having them delivering some of the material themselves..
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