Generations of Faith

[Suzanne_A]

Has anyone heard of this program? Our parish is beginning it as the new religious ed program for all parishioners. It was started by the Center for Ministry Development which has been around since 1978. The format is everyone gathers for a meal, then break out according to age or grade level and learn about a topic, then reunite for some sort of closing. I think they will send home materials for us to go over with the children, too. I’ve gone to their website, but it’s rather vague and I want to know how it squares with the Catechism and Catholic moral teaching. Thank you!

 

[cwh]

Our parish is currently looking at this program also. I know that our Bishop is endorsing it and from reading materials on this and other programs that are aimed at the whole parish, it appears to be a very positive program. If I’m not mistaken, I have read that Pope John Paul II was supporting these programs. Sorry, but I can’t remember which place that I read this. Did you go in on their website and look at the information from the parishes that are already using it? They sound very positive also. I am really excited over it and only have a few concerns about how it will function. Namely, since our CCD program is currently weekly and this will change it to a monthly meeting, I am concerned that the children may not get as much instruction as previously. I know that a lot of households do in fact instruct their children on a daily basis in the faith, but I fear that the children who don’t get this may lack some in their faith formation. Of course, one of the things that I have been reading is that each parish needs to modify how they will do things so that it will be the best for their parish. Another concern I have (even tho it has no effect on me as I have no small children) is that while I think it is great that parents will go with their children to their “class”, I would like to see some way of making time for the parents to also have “class” time with the other adults. There are ways of accomplishing this. Some parishes have the parents attend with their children the first 1/2 and then go to their own class the last 1/2. I’m not exactly sure how this will be done at our parish yet as we are still in the exploration stage of this program. I just love the idea of bringing the church community together for further learning.
CWH

 

[puzzleannie]

there is a difference between a family program for religious education, where children and parents attend together, and an intergenerational program (Like Generations of Faith, one of the best out there) which is intended for all parishioners, whether they have children or not.

The framework of the program is great. Each age group has a teaching session that is age appropriate, then come together for meal and group activity. It only works as an alternative to traditional CCD if all families participate. It does not replace sacramental preparation, which is done in a separate program. Like all catechetical programs for adults or children, the quality depends on those who are teaching, pastoral leadership and content.

If parishes adopt it because they have trouble attracting volunteers for tradional CCD they are going to be very disappointed, because the problem with attracting volunteers goes beyond the type of program offered and is a fundamental malaise of parish life.

 

[Sir_Hubert]

This is a great idea, but coming from a Parish that has this program in use I can only say … BE CAREFUL. Even the best ideas can go wrong.

Our parish started this program 2 years ago. The first thing the pastor announced was at ALL religious education was to go through Generations of Faith, and that the CCD program was no longer being used. (Many parents scrambled to get heir kids in another program at other nearby churches only to find them filled to capacity)

We have 3 “Festivals” per year. Spring, Fall, and Winter. Out of all the familys in the parish only about 15% participate, and that number has decreased each time.

The last “Festival” was 3 weeks ago and the topic was prayer. Specifically the Liturgy of the Hours. Hand outs are picked up 4 weeks prior for folks to read through.

The average “Festival” goes like this: Meet in the community room for a 20 minute talk by the pastor. Break up in to age groups for 20 minute discussion on topic. Go into Church for Mass ( Always on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon so Mass can go for the Sunday obligation) After Mass, back into the community room for Dinner or Lunch depending on the time.

It actually turns out to be more of a social event instead of a learning event. This last one skipped the group discussion so the kids could partake in an Easter Egg hunt!

It’s a great idea, If the right people are running it. Our parish/ pastor is obviously on their own agenda and the program has actually driven folks away. I personally know 10 families that have left the parish because of this.

If the program were properly followed, and used as an additional training program, it would be great.

Just be aware of the possible short comings!

In His Peace!