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Divine Mercy
Parish
Christian Formation Program
Welcome
to the Divine Mercy Christian Formation Program.
Our Christian Formation program is a lifelong process aimed at
personal conversion and growth in faith.
Our Christian Formation Program encompasses a process by
which people of all ages gather together to share and learn about their
faith from each other. Our program is family-based
and requires that at least one adult (mom, dad, grandparent, aunt, uncle,
etc.) attend with the enrolled child/ren. This approach engages all
generations within the parish by making participation in parish life the
center of their faith formation: Sunday mass, sacramental celebrations,
church events, etc.
Our learning approach allows us to
develop a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and to nurture a
Catholic way of life in members of the parish community. it provides an
opportunity for families and parishioners to learn, celebrate, pray and
share. Family is
the basis of learning. We learn our faith from the previous generation. If
we want our Catholic faith to continue, we need to be continually formed in
our faith so we can pass it on to the next generation.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd-
-the Atrium is a place for community and worship where the spiritual life of
the child is nurtured. It is for 4 year olds through 3rd graders. In the
Atrium, children have the opportunity to respond in their own way to the
material presented (which might be a parable, an explanation of the altar or
about a sacrament). The program uses a hands-on approach that helps center
the child for spiritual work. Eucharist is central to the life of the
Atrium. As the children experience the Atrium, they are preparing for the
Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist, which they will
receive in Atrium II. Children in Atrium I, who have already received their
sacraments, are continuing to reflect on their experience, bringing them to
a deeper relationship with Christ.
Beyond the Atrium-
-the Faith First Legacy Edition is the source used in the Christian
Formation program for grades 4 through Confirmation. The four pillars of the
Catechism of the Catholic Church- -Creed, sacraments, Morality and
Prayer, are taught and developed in every grade level each year. We have
adapted this resource to be used in a Montessori-style of learning. By using
the Faith First curriculum, the catechist is able to build upon and
reinforce what students have learned previously in other grades. The
children also come to understand what we believe as Catholics and how to
live out those beliefs.
Additional Enrichment-
-Classroom faith experience is just one component of building relationships.
The Christian Formation program believes that continued faith enrichment
should also be offered. Throughout the year, youth or family will have
opportunities to grow together in their faith. There must be a minimum of 10
participants to have the Day, so it is important to RSVP. Days of Enrichment
are: October 17-2009, December 5-2009, February 13-2010, April 24, 2010, May
8, 2010 and June 5, 2010.
Confirmation (11th & 12th
grades)- -we believe that the youth of today need
to have a deeper understanding about their faith. Faith invites youth to
enter into personal relationship with Jesus, opens their hearts and fixes
their eyes on Him, inviting them to journey through life with Him. With
our curriculum, the candidate will learn truths and doctrines that are
connected to their everyday lives. it leads them through a process of
spiritual formation that will assist them in being more open and ready for
the ways that God wishes to transform their lives. |