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Kevin Tishler is Director of our Faith Formation programs which encompass Generations of Faith, Sacramental preparation and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs.
Generations of Faith is our parish’s faith formation program. “Faith formation” isn’t just a fancy new word for “catechism” or “religious education.” By faith formation we mean that it includes all the best qualities of those earlier models and moves one step beyond them.
Faith formation means that we don’t just learn information about our faith, but that we are formed to become effective followers of Jesus—carrying out His mission in the world. And it includes EVERYONE, not just kids.
The typical religious education program is designed for a very narrow student body—children and adolescents. Books are arranged by grade or age level, and stop at 8th or 12th grade. But the idea behind Generations of Faith is that growing in faith CANNOT end at 8th or 12th grade, because we cannot possibly be finished disciples by 13 or 18 years of age.
We spend our entire LIVES learning, growing and evolving as followers of The Risen Lord, and it is the responsibility of our faith formation programs to help us in that growing, learning and evolving.
In the framework of Generations of Faith, we are ALL students of the faith. There are no graduates and there is no completion date (at least, not in this life!). Exploring the mysteries of our faith is a life-long adventure, and we take the journey together. Young people gain from the wisdom of those who have lived their faith for many years, while the simple words of children and the enthusiastic idealism of youth can re-charge the energy of those who are a little more “experienced” in life.
Sacramental Preparation: Sacrament registration is throughout the month of September. Registration forms will be available in the Gathering Space of the church. First Reconciliation (2nd grade or older) is usually during late fall; First Eucharist (2nd grade or older) is usually during the March-May timeframe; and Confirmation (8th grade or older) depends on the date approved by the Bishop but is usually during the January-March timeframe. All sacrament candidates MUST be enrolled in Generations of Faith or a Catholic School.
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