Dear Parent/Guardian,
On behalf of Father Jason and the Catechists at SDTK, we are happy to open registration and welcome you to the 2023-24 Lifelong Faith Formation Religious Education school year.
We look forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our learners grow in their relationship with Jesus. We recognize that to connect to their faith, the learners need support from the home and the parish. As partners, we are responsible for passing on the Catholic faith and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities. Our Family Gatherings will help support you in your efforts to pass on your faith.
As mentioned last year in our registration letter, there is a shift from Religious Education to Lifelong Faith Formation in the American Catholic Church. Several key Church documents have recently changed to include a new language focusing on the importance of a Family-focused Catechesis model. This family model is taking hold as a partnership between Catechists (Teachers) and Parents/Guardians (Witnesses of the faith) to make our learner’s experience of Jesus come alive.
Thanks to your tremendous support for last year’s Family Catechesis program component, we are continuing with a new series of Family Activity events in 2023/2024. Family Activities will begin this summer to help you get a jump start on your Family Gathering Passport. Then in November 2023 and each month through March 2024. Your participation in six of these dates will strengthen our efforts in the classroom.
The Family Activity sessions are:
2023: July 19, 29, August 2, 16, November 5, December 7, and 15.
2024: January 20 and February 10, March 2 (FORMED – Home Program)
2024: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Grades 1 to 4 will attend Tuesday sessions from 4:30 PM to 5:50 PM, which will begin on October 3, 2023, and will be held until March 12, 2024.
Grades 5 to 7 will attend Wednesday sessions from 4:30 PM to 5:50 PM, which will begin on October 4, 2023, and will be held until March 13, 2024.
Confirmation learners will attend Sunday sessions from 2:30 to 3:45 PM, which will be held on October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, December 3, 10, 2023, January 7, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, and March 3, 10, and September 16, 2024.
Registration will begin on Monday, July 10, 2023, until August 31, which qualifies for a pre-pay discount of $50 per family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Michele or me at 609-275-7111 x314.
Father Jason, the catechists, and I feel privileged to be part of your learner’s faith journey this year. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you around the parish. May God richly bless you and your family.
Nanci Bachman
Director of Lifelong Faith Formation