Generations of Faith - FAQ

What other parishes are participating?: We are one of over 600 parishes in the US and Canada participating in the Generations of Faith program. We are the 4th wave of parishes so some have been doing this for 4 years already. There are 35 parishes starting Generations of Faith in the Boston Archdiocese, including St. Elizabeth in Action, Our Lady Help of Christians and St. Bernard in Concord, Our Lady of Fatima in Sudbury and St. Matthias in Marlboro.
What about 1st Eucharist and Confirmation preparation?: We will continue to have separate 1st Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation preparation, as well as our Baptismal preparation programs but they will take a slightly different format.
Will Generations of Faith cover as much material as Religious Ed used to?: We believe it will cover more of, and more deeply the essentials of our faith. The main areas of the curriculum are: Knowledge of the faith, Church Year—Story of Jesus and salvation, Creed and Church Year, Liturgical Life , Church Year feasts and seasons, Sacraments, Moral Formation, Moral values and principles through the year: Church Year feasts and seasons, Lectionary, justice and service projects, sacraments, Prayer and Spirituality, Prayer, sacraments, spiritual practices, devotions through the year, etc. , Missionary Activity, Justice and Service, Belonging to Community
When and where will it be held?: Preparation gatherings will take place in the Church hall and in the Church. Exact allocation of space will depend on registration. The events we will celebrate will typically take place in the church upstairs for Sunday Liturgies or downstairs and even outside for things like The Apple Fest. As for when, see the 2004-2005 preliminary calendar.
What about Pre-school and pre-K children?: We will continue to have the pre-K and Kindergarten program during 10:30 mass during the school year. The preparation gathering session will provide child care for toddlers, while infants would easily remain with parents.
How will groups be formed?: For some preparation gatherings, people will be formed into separate age groups (See brochure diagram for example). For others, we might just split into 6 groups for rotating through all age stations.
What about middle schoolers and confirmation class children?: When we break into age separate groups, there will be a separate middle school group that is led by a team of teachers/facilitators who have been prepared for that purpose.
Are outside guests allowed?: Yes, everybody is invited. We will ask that you contact us by the cutoff date for each gathering session so we can plan accordingly for food and seating.
What training will be provided for leaders?: About two weeks before each gathering session all the leaders will meet for a rehearsal. Leaders do not need to plan lessons or gather materials. All the material will be supplied.
Will there be a text book?: Not as such. Our main text is the Church year so for many activities our main source will be the lectionary, the sacramentary or other rite books. The home kits will provide take home material for family use.
Who pickst the events?: The Generations of Faith Core team.
How will meals happen?: You will come in, be greeted and seated, and then the meal will be served family style. You do not have to bring anything, set up, clean up or cook. Just come, eat and enjoy!
What is the frequency of gathering?: The first year we have planned 8 gatherings. In subsequent years it will grow to approximately 10 a year.
Why are we doing something different?: See the information session presentation and Nancy Dome's presentation for some of the answers.
What role will current catechists have?: We hope that many will sign up to assist as leaders and in other capacities. We will have a specific volunteer opportunity list that will be available with the registration form.
What will it cost?: The family registration fee for the year is $125, single person, $75, senior $50. There will be single gathering fees as well for those who come in during the year.