New, free initiative guides parishes in helping families pass on the faith

(En Espanol)
 

Criterion staff report

A 2018 General Social Survey showed that only 14% of children raised as Catholics remained Catholic as adults and attended weekly Mass. Results from the same study indicate the imperative role of parents in passing on the faith.

But even with a desire to do so, parents might find the task daunting or be uncertain how to best form their children as Catholics. And parishes might struggle with how to help parents pass on the faith.

An opportunity called SacredTable is launching in the archdiocese to help parishes and parents work together to find the best solution for sharing the faith within families—all at no charge.

The initiative begins with a three-hour Deep Dive session for all parish leaders who minister with parents and families—priests, deacons, staff, volunteers, youth ministers, parish life coordinators, Order of Christian Initiation of Adults leaders, marriage ministries, family apostolates and more. The session prepares these leaders to engage parents in their parish in dialogue about partnering in children’s faith development.

During the session, participants will reflect on ministry experiences, explore Church documents and research on family ministry, and practice productive listening. Participants will walk away equipped to engage parents in conversations about the faith formation of their children.

Following the session, parish leaders will have the opportunity to receive two years of coaching in a monthly online cohort meeting that accompanies them in identifying the needs of families and developing a plan of action, offering support and feedback.

The Deep Dive session will be held on Dec. 13 at St. Jude Parish in Indianapolis. It will be offered in English from 9 a.m.-noon and in Spanish from 1:30-4:30 p.m., with both communities having an opportunity to join for Mass at noon and lunch from 12:45-1:30 p.m.

The initiative is sponsored by the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).

Thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., that NFCYM received in 2023 to establish a renewed national effort in partnering with families to strengthen faith at home, both the Deep Dive session (including lunch) and the two years of coaching are free of charge.

For the most effective and impactful experience, it is recommended that parish leaders gather other key leaders at their parish to create a team to journey through SacredTable together.

Registration is required for each participant and must be completed by Dec. 5.

To register, go to tinyurl.com/ArchIndySacredTable.

For questions or more information, contact Rachel Gilman, director of the archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry, at rgilman@archindy.org or 317-456-7076. †