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Faith Formation Saint Anne Parish
Lifelong Faith Formation is one of the four cornerstones of Saint Anne’s Mission Statement. The parish provides a variety of formation opportunities that are designed to offer every parishioner options for continued formation and growth in knowledge of our faith and Church.
Child Formation Ministry
Children aged 3 through 5th Grade are welcomed to participate in parish formation programs. All Child Ministry programs are served by adults who have been trained in their materials and who have completed certification under the guidelines of Safeguarding God’s Children.
· Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – pre-school faith formation
· Child Formation Classes –classes for children in grades Kindergarten to Grade 5
· Whole Community Catechesis – monthly intergenerational lessons and activities
· Sacramental preparation programs for Reconciliation and Eucharist
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry at Saint Anne’s is available to youth in grades 6 – 12. We offer programs of formation, outreach, and fun throughout the year. Our basic Youth Ministry curriculum is established each year in consultation with youth and participating adults.
· General youth ministry – bi-monthly gatherings for all youth
· Topic specific formation – monthly classes for Junior and Senior High youth
· Whole Community Catechesis – monthly intergenerational lessons and activities
· Preparation leading to Youth Confirmation
Adult Formation Ministry
· Adult Initiation - RCIA process and Adult Confirmation program offered in a collaborative setting
· General Adult Formation Programs – varied programs, regular gatherings, and special events including theology discussions, bible study, prayer formation and practice, Senior Lunch, and Just Faith programs
· Whole Community Catechesis – monthly intergenerational lessons and activities
· Family-focuses preparation for sacraments
Saint Anne Faith Formation
Edward Duncklee – Director of Lifelong Faith Formation
262-694-0026
Child Formation Ministry
The programs offered for children in Faith Formation all require registration and commitment to participation. Each program offers unique opportunities for child growth in faith and adult ministry. Program schedules and registration forms may be found through the links located in each program area.
Catechesis of The Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a multi-disciplinary learning process developed in the Montessori Method. Children, aged 3 to 6, learn in our Atrium, or “beautiful place”, the wonder and blessings of God. Children experience the accounts of Jesus’ Incarnation, the mysteries of the Kingdom, the Liturgical Seasons, the beauty of the Mass, as well as many lessons from practical life. Due to the nature of this learning method, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all children.
Our catechists are trained in the Good Shepherd methods as well as Safeguarding God’s Children. Our lessons are three times each month from October to Pentecost.
Child Formation Classes
We provide a regular schedule of classes for children in Kindergarten to Grade 5.
We use the Called to Faith curriculum published by Harcourt {http://your.harcourtreligion.com/ctf/nsmedia/parish/parents/parents.html}
The Harcourt series employs a spiral curriculum; each year adds to the knowledge and experience of previous years in the areas of scripture, sacraments, the Kingdom, the Trinity, morality, and liturgy. Every lesson is centered upon a reading and truth found in scripture as well as prayers of the Church. Every lesson also includes an “At Home” component which brings home the weekly lesson, introduces a weekly saint, and links the home to the parish. In addition to the textbooks used in class, the Harcourt series offers a strong internet connection to parents and children.
Each grade level also advances a specific lesson:
Kindergarten
Young children have an innate sense of wonder and awe and it is in this context that our children learn about God. We provide our children with opportunities to see God in nature, see God through people, and see God through stories and celebration
First Grade
We focus on learning about God and relationships. Our lessons explore God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and how we are all united in the Church.
Grade Two
In this year, linked to separate preparations for Reconciliation and Eucharist, our children learn about the Mass and Jesus’ great gifts of peace, forgiveness, and his Body and Blood.
Grade Three
This year our focus is Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. We study faith communities in the Old Testament and in the Early Church. During this year we learn and understand the beliefs stated in the Apostles Creed.
Grade Four
Our central focus in this year is morality and life in community. The Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Works of Mercy are all part of this formation.
Grade Five
Our life in God is centered in the sacrament. During this year the children explore the signs, symbols, and richness of each sacrament.
Basic Information Related to Child Faith Formation
1. Participation in Faith Formation classes requires pre-registration. Registration materials are available on-line and within the parish beginning in May of each year. Registrations not received prior to the beginning of programs will be accepted only a space-available basis.
2. Our program contains 20-22 classes beginning in mid- September. All classes are held in Saint Anne’s church building. For the convenience of families, we offer a choice of two sessions: Sundays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
3. Our programs begin with a required orientation for parents and children. Parent Handbooks and children’s textbooks are distributed and reviewed at this orientation.
4. We request a tuition payment for each child participating in Faith Formation. Tuition subsidies are available and no child is denied participation due to financial consideration.
5. Our classes are taught by adult volunteers under the supervision of the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate as catechists or aides. We welcome children with special needs and, working with parents, strive to incorporate each child into our programs.
6. Our curriculum is enhanced with a yearly lesson on each grade level focused upon Safeguarding God’s Children.
Whole Community Catechesis
Each month families and individuals gather for an intergenerational learning experience which includes prayer, a shared meal, and lessons centered upon one central teaching of the Church. Participants leave each session with a packet of “Take Home” readings, household activities, and lesson reinforcement.
Whole Community Catechesis meets the first Wednesday of each month from 5:45 to 7:45.
Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist
Our sacramental life is rooted in the faith and practice of each family in the community. We offer family-centered preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The usual time for this preparation is Second Grade. While the immediate preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist are separate programs, Reconciliation is a prerequisite for the celebration of Eucharist. Our preparation is linked with our regular Faith Formation programs and is not intended as separate, stand-alone, preparation; parish policy is children entering sacramental preparation must be enrolled in parish Faith Formation or an alternative in the year prior to the sacrament.
Preparation for Reconciliation begins with Parent Formation in September and concludes with a communal Reconciliation Service during Advent. The process includes at-home lessons and a Saturday afternoon programs of lessons and activities.
Preparation for Eucharist begins with Parent Formation in January and concludes with the celebration of First Eucharist at parish liturgies during the Easter Season. This process also includes at-home lessons and two Saturday afternoon programs of activities and lessons.
Unless there are serious pastoral reasons, children preparing for First Eucharist must first celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Youth Ministry
We offer youth in Grades 6-12 a multi-level approach to faith formation: lessons centered upon specific teachings and practices of the Church, community involvement, and relationships. Youth may choose to participate in one or more elements of Youth Ministry each year.
Youth Ministry
Our core Youth Ministry program offers a wide range of topics over the course of each year. Meeting year-round, we deal with lessons from scripture, church life, morality, and currents issues/concerns. Lessons are interspersed with outreach opportunities, game nights, movies, and other relationship builders. Our schedule usually includes one Wednesday and one Sunday evening each month.
2010 – 2011 Youth Ministry Calendar
September 11 & 12 (Saturday & Sunday - TBA) =
September 29 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
October 10 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) =
October 20 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
November 10 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
November 21 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) =
December 11 (Saturday – TBA) = Christmas Ministry
December 15 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
December 19 (Sunday – TBA) = Senior Residence Outreach
January 12 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
January 22 & 23 (Saturday & Sunday) = Hunger Retreat
February 9 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
February 27 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) =
March 6 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) =
March 26 & 27 = Archdiocesan Youth Retreats
April 3 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) = Living Stations
April 13 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
May 11 (Wednesday – 6:30 pm) =
May 22 (Sunday – 5:30 pm) = Planning the Summer and Next Year
In addition to our wide-focus Youth Ministry sessions, we offer an in-depth course for Junior and Senior High each year. Youth entering the Confirmation process must have completed at least one in-depth course. In-depth courses are offered one Monday evening each month beginning in October.
Our focus in the 2010-2011 year will be:
Junior High – Who is Jesus?
Senior High – Christian Morality
Whole Community Catechesis
Youth are encouraged to participate in our parish intergenerational formation program which meets the first Wednesday evening of each month.
Youth Confirmation Process
Youth who have entered their Junior Year in high school and who have completed at least one year of high school level faith formation are invited to enter into the process leading to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our process is Candidate-Sponsor focused and is modeled on the RCIA process. Over the course of a year we meet monthly for lessons, reflections, outreach and ministry, and a Confirmation-centered retreat.
The Confirmation process begins in October with an orientation for Candidates and Parents and concludes the following September with the celebration of Confirmation. Candidates for Confirmation are expected to demonstrate participation in parish liturgy, on-going commitment to service, and a willingness to grow in faith and commitment to Christ.
Adult Faith Formation
On-going faith formation is one of the four pillars of Saint Anne’s mission and is a fundamental element in the life of every Christian. Our goal each year is to offer a wide variety of programs and available resources so that every adult member of our community may find opportunities for growth and enrichment that meet needs, interests, and schedules.
Each year we plan programs and events in the following areas of formation: · Adult Initiation - RCIA process and Adult Confirmation program offered in a collaborative setting
· General Adult Formation Programs – varied programs, regular gatherings, and special events including theology discussions, bible study, prayer formation and practice, Senior Lunch, and Just Faith programs
· Opportunities for prayer formation and experiences including regularly scheduled opportunities to pray the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross
· Whole Community Catechesis – monthly intergenerational lessons and activities
· Family-focuses preparation for sacraments
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
This ancient process of the Church is a journey to Baptism or Reception into Full Communion. It is intended for unbaptized adults, those baptized in other Christian traditions, and those baptized in the Catholic Church but not raised in the faith, who now wish to be received into the Catholic Church or complete their initiation within the church. The reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist is celebrated annually at the Easter Vigil. Preparation takes place throughout the year. The RCIA formation process is a collaborative effort of Kenosha parishes.
Adult Confirmation
Adults who have already been baptized but who never celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to participate in a formation process of collaboration with our neighboring parishes. Generally participants are those baptized and raised in the Catholic faith and baptized Christians with long-established ties to the Catholic Church. We offer two formation cycles each year, one in Autumn and another in Spring.
Bible Study
Saint Anne’s offers adult parishioners three different Bible Study options: two small group programs which meet in the homes of parishioners and one formal study program offered twice a month at the parish. Registration for Bible Study is announced through the bulletin.
Small Group – Formation and Faith Sharing
We offering an on-going series of Small Faith Communities in which adults study, reflect, and share experiences and faith centered on one specific topic. The Small Faith Sharing Groups meet weekly for eight-week cycles in the homes of parishioners who have been trained as small group facilitators.
2010 – 2011 Small Group Topics
Fall 2010 = TBA
Lent 2011 = TBA
Just Faith
Just Faith is an in-depth study and action group focused on the Church’s mission to the poor and disenfranchised. The program is open to any adult willing to make a commitment to study and involvement. We offer two topic-specific programs each year; each program is eight-weeks in time.
2010 – 2011 Small Group Topics
Fall 2010 = TBA
Spring 2011 = TBA
Theology Discussion
This is a monthly opportunity to engage other adults in a serious and in-depth discussion of current and critical issues facing the Church. Topics are selected by participants and may come from articles found in religious journals or current events. The Theology Discussion Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 11:30 am.
Senior Lunch
Each month we invite parish elders to join in conversation, a brief formation or reflection, and a shared meal. This is a time for sharing, hospitality, and companionship. Senior Lunch is offered the first Wednesday of each month beginning at 11:30 am.
Whole Community Catechesis
Each month families and individuals gather for an intergenerational learning experience which includes prayer, a shared meal, and lessons centered upon one central teaching of the Church. Participants leave each session with a packet of “Take Home” readings, household activities, and lesson reinforcement.
Whole Community Catechesis meets the first Wednesday of each month from 5:45 to 7:45.
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