Family Faith Formation An Intergenerational Experience

Welcome to Sunday Sessions by the Sea! YOU (PARENTS) ARE THE FIRST AND BEST TEACHERS OF YOUR CHILDREN! Sunday Sessions has been developed to EMPOWER you to talk about, teach, and practice your faith with your children in your own words and in your own homes. Sunday Sessions are also about your on-going growth and knowledge of the Catholic faith.

Philosophy and Mission To evangelize the WHOLE FAMILY, not just the child. To inspire parents to develop a deeper personal relationship with Christ and to empower them to talk to their children about God in a way that is authentic and intentional. Parents are the most influential teachers of the faith. If families practice the faith together, there is a much higher chance that family members will continue to believe throughout adulthood. Families are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the 11:00 a.m. mass with their children AFTER the Sunday Sessions.

What Does FISH Mean? F amily I nitiation of S acraments at H ome For school age children and teens who desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) Some children need ALL THREE SACRAMENTS Some children are already BAPTIZED—some baptized Catholic; others in other Christian Churches ALL need formation in the faith! Symbol of the “ichthus” – seen in catecombs, indicated that Christians had been there!

If you child HAS been baptized Catholic or in another Christian Tradition: He or She will NOT be re-baptized We profess in the Creed: “ We believe in One Baptism” Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation Eucharist, and Confirmation will cover the Sacrament of Baptism—The materials provided will help you tell the story of their baptism and explain the signs and symbols Children baptized in other traditions will make a “Profession of Faith” as a Catholic when they are initiated with the other sacraments

Materials and Resources BAPTISM If your child has NOT been baptized, Opening God’s Door: Preparation For The Sacrament of Baptism for Children and Teens At St. Edward the Confessor Church

Resources and Materials First Reconciliation-First Eucharist-Confirmation: GROWING UP CATHOLIC (in notebooks) Work at Home Bring Every Month Stickers for completed pages First 6 Lessons = Reconciliation (Confession) Second 6 Lessons = Holy Eucharist (Communion) Third 4 Lessons = Confirmation Notebooks have BOTH parents and children’s pages Work at your own pace (or follow Guidelines)

Resources and Materials Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Lectionary-Based – FOR EVERY SUNDAY White pages (Parent Guides) Children complete and return them each month for stickers

Format for Sunday Sessions 9:00 – Everyone Together in Lunch Room Opening Prayer/Announcements 9:15 – Children - go with Group Leaders Parents remain in Lunch Room 10:15 – Snack/Hospitality; return to Lunch Room Snack: You will be assigned via to bring something We always have good coffee for the adults! 10:25 – Summary & Closing Prayer 10:30 – Session Ends

Calendar Dates for FISH CLASS DATES: September 28 October 26 November 23 December 14 January 18 February 22 March 22 DAY OF RETREAT 9 - NOON April 19 May 24

FISH RECEPTION OF SACRAMENTS EXTRA IMPORTANT DATES: March 21, 10:00 a.m. – First Reconciliation (For those who have been baptized) April 22, 7:00 p.m. – Rehearsal in Church April 25, 7:00 p.m. – Mass for ALL in FISH – Reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: NEED TO CHOOSE GODPARENTS (for children who have NOT been baptized); you can choose 1 or 2 persons; One MUST be Catholic NEED TO CHOOSE SPONSORS (for children who have been baptized); choose only ONE person Requirements: Must be over 18 Must be a practicing, fully initiated Catholic Must be able to attend the rehearsal on April 22 and Mass of Initiation on April 25 Give us the name(s) by December.

Confirmation Names Children/Teens should choose a Saint’s name May choose their given name if it is a saint Should do some research on the saint before choosing: spiritual mentor

Theme for the Year from Fr. Brendan Different Prayers for Each Month!

Children/Teens Sessions October: Storytelling; Getting to Know You “Soul Collage” I AM LIKE:GOD IS LIKE

Adult Sessions Videos: Sacraments Inspiring Songs/Images Theological Issues Fr. Robert Barron: Catholicism Series Discussions Tutorials