Grade 7 and 8 Program Overview
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Introducing our Faith Formation Staff...
(978) 251-8571/ 256-2374Heather Hannaway, MA, Director of Faith Formation, ext 226
Courtney A. Callanan, MA, Asst. Dir. of Faith Formation & Youth Minister, ext 227
Elaine Kindler, Faith Formation Coordinator, ext 216
Lynn Anne LaDuke, Faith Formation Coordinator, ext 240 -
Curriculum...
Grades 7 & 8 use Encounter and Altaration, both by Ascension Press, alternating from year to year. Altaration will be used for the 2020-2021 Faith Formation year.
Both Altaration and Encounter are video and dicussion based programs geared towards not only helping young people learn more about the faith but also grow in their ability to have helpful converstations with mentors and peers about how to live out that faith.
Altaration: The Mystery of God Revealed seeks to help youth appreciate the awesome beauty and mystery of the Mass so they will look forward to attending and participating. Through a unique learning experience, including powerful cinematography and workbook resources, teens will come to see the Mass and the priesthood in a dramatically new way. Altaration is designed to stir thought, create conversation, dispel myths, and inspire young souls to a deep and lasting love for the Mass.
Encounter: Experiencing God in the Everyday is a Catholic Bible Study designed specifically for middle schoolers that guides them toward a powerful encounter with God. As they are drawn into this story they will come to a new and profound understanding of who God is. Most importantly they will see God not as a distant doctrinal concept, but as a loving Father who desires a meaningful and lasting encounter with them.
More information on both programs can be found to the left.
Components...
Mass Engagement:
As Catholics, we believe that the Holy Mass is the source and summit of our faith. Regular Mass attendance (i.e. at least every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation) is an expectation of our faith formation families. The Grade 7 & 8 class timing is designed to be in conjunction (either before or after) with a Mass. However, families are welcome to attend any Mass that works for them and their schedule. Mass participation is encouraged via Mass tickets each week.
Class:
Grades 7 & 8 meet approximately once a month during the faith formation year for a total of 8 classes. Classes are held in the Parish Hall with both grades together. Youth are split into grade specific small groups that sit together at tables with adult facilitators. A lead teacher presents material to the large group which is reinforced and explored further in activities and discussion conducted in the small groups.
Deep Dives:
A common component to all grade levels in family faith formation, Deep Dives are a chance for families to experience faith together through prayer, service, etc. A wide variety of Deep Dives will be offered throughout the year, allowing families to pick ones that fit with their schedules and interests. Deep Dive descriptions, Deep Dive sign-ups, etc. can be found on the Deep Dive page by clicking here. Grades 7 & 8 are asked to complete AT LEAST 4 Deep Dives each year that meet the following requirements:
- of the 4, 1 must be an Adoration Evening
- of the 4, 2 must attended as a family
- for each Deep Dive completed, youth are asked to complete a reflection of their own
More information such as class schedules, make-up work directions, etc. can be found on the Family Resources page...
Parent Participation:As we know, parent engagement is crucial when it comes to passing on the faith to young people. It is important that parents model faith practices, including study for the children. Additionally, our faith formation program is blessed by many dedicated parent and non-parent volunteers, but we often find ourselves short of the ideal number of adults needed to make a class successful. Therefore, we are asking parents to attend ONE session with their child over the course of the year. At this session, parents may be asked to step in and help lead a group of young people or they may be with a group of other parents. To sign-up for a session please use the following links found in the left-hand sidebar.