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I pray that you're all staying cool and healthy! I hope some of you had a chance to logon to the Night of Hope program. Dr. Scott Hahn never ceases to provide excellent wisdom. I also did the Steubenville Live conference and found great inspiration there as well. One take away for me was the reminder that God does not promise a life without trials. Through this pandemic, all of us have had the opportunity stop and spend time evaluating what are our priorities in life? The big question is - we will return to the over scheduled life of the past or realize the opportunity God has presented to step back and spend more time with him?
We have been looking at many options for Faith Formation and TYM for the upcoming school year. Obviously we cannot conduct business as usual and maintain social distancing. Our vision for this year is to provide parents with the materials to work with their children at home for grades K-1, 3, 4 and 5. At the baptism of our children, we as parents are called to be the first teachers of the faith. You are not alone though. We will provide you with curriculum to help you, including hard copy materials and access to online resources and assessments. There will be two orientation sessions for parents where materials will be distributed and tips shared about how to make this experience a positive one for everyone. Those sessions will be August 30 and September 13 from 11:30am - 12:30pm in the Social Hall. You only need to attend one session. Please complete registration for this event by going to this link.
Finally, the only regular in-person sessions will be for First Communion and Confirmation prep classes. These groups are much smaller and they can be scheduled in the main hall on different weekends. If you have a child in these sacramental years, you will receive a separate email with a schedule.
For TYM, we will be using ALPHA which is a small group based online program. Using ZOOM, the entire group would meet on Sunday evenings from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. We would start off with a game then introduce the topic for the evening before moving into small groups. The goal is to have small groups made up by peer group and where each youth is in their faith journey. To facilitate this program effectively, we need adults willing to be online and guide the small groups. If you feel called by the Holy Spirit, please contact me. Throughout the fall, we will have a few in person sessions that would focus on service projects and community building.
Once COVID becomes manageable or a vaccine is found, we will go back to the Sunday morning model. Your help is greatly needed to sustain this new reality of faith education. Our mission is to provide each person, young and old, with an opportunity to encounter Jesus. You, as parents, may question if you have the extensive knowledge of the faith to guide your children. Have no fear! God will provide all that you need. Just trust in Him!
Finally, please remember that St. Matthew does not charge for Faith Formation or TYM. This being said, our offertory has taken a big hit since most people have not returned to Mass. The cost of materials run approximately $35 per student for the year. Please consider setting up a weekly online donations of even a $1 as it will help cover our costs. Thank you to all those who have been contributing on a regular basis.
I have missed seeing everyone and know that you have been and will continue to remain in my prayers.
Many blessings - Susan Clifton
Have not yet registered for classes? Please do it TODAY - https://www.stmatthewcc.org/faith-formation-and-tym-registration