Saint Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church Frederick Maryland

Faith Formation for Everyone:

Thank you for your interest in Faith Formation for the 2008-2009 academic year. It is of great importance for both children and adults alike to continue to grow in the faith that we share. With this understanding in mind we invite all parishioners, both children and adults throughout the life cycle, to commit to ongoing faith formation. You will find in this brochure a description of the programs that will be offered by Saint Katharine Drexel Parish this year. Please take some time to read through the information here and choose the Faith Formation option that best fits with your individual or household needs. You will notice that we are offering new supplemental formation options, and we hope that you will take advantage of these in addition to our core formation programs.

Please contact the parish office to enroll in any of these programs or download the enrollment form here!
(Remember, there is a substantial discount if you register before July 15!)

Together Growing In Faith (T.G.I.F.)

This whole community approach to religious education is available to every household in the parish. Together Growing In Faith (T.G.I.F.) meets on Sunday evenings at 5:00 PM with an optional shared meal and fellowship, followed by prayer and faith sharing at 6:00pm, and faith formation sessions for all ages. Adults attend large group presentations on various faith topics or participate in small groups (described in more detail inside this brochure), while children & youth attend their grade-respective classes (pre-K through grade 12). Nursery care is available for infants & toddlers. Each evening concludes at 7:30 PM. A parent/ guardian must accompany children to this program.

Dates: 9/28,10/5,10/19,11/2,11/9,11/23, 12/7, 12/14, 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/26

Family Intergenerational Religious Education (F.I.R.E.)

This program offers a unique opportunity to grow in faith as a community. F.I.R.E. is open to every household in the parish community. A typical F.I.R.E. group consists of five to seven households with adult participants taking turns leading sessions. Typical sessions run from 1- 1/2 to 2 hours in length. The curriculum is grounded in scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The curriculum is intergenerational; younger and older participants learn from one another. This program addresses the Faith Formation needs of both adults and children. Requests for groups based on language and/or ethnicity are happily accommodated.

Home Study

This option supports the belief that parents/guardians are the primary formers in faith of their children. The home study option allows parents/guardians to work at their own pace with their child throughout the year. An age appropriate textbook will be provided for each child, along with the At Home Family Guide that helps parent/guardians in teaching multiple children of different ages within the same household. Households will be provided with a brief training session and ongoing support which includes three scheduled Home Study Gatherings—a parent/guardian meeting in the fall for material distribution and training, as well as mid-year and year-end meetings for parents/guardians and students which provide opportunities for community connection and student accountability.

Additional Faith Formation Options

Life in the Spirit

Life in the Spirit is offered as an adult small group option within T.G.I.F. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithful ness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22). Life in the Spirit is designed to be an introduction into a life lived in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as we grow in our relationship with Jesus and come to a fuller understanding of our Baptism. This option is an opportunity to spend time in prayer and faith sharing within a small group set ting.

Why Catholic?

Why Catholic? is offered as a small group breakout option within the T.G.I.F. program for adults desiring to connect with their Catholic beliefs in a more systematic way than is possible through large group T.G.I.F. presentations. It provides basic theological grounding in the core beliefs of our faith as expressed in the Apostles' Creed. This option provides adults an opportunity to renew or strengthen their identity as Catholics, to feel more secure articulating their faith when people question them about their Catholic beliefs and teachings, and to feel more prepared in passing along their faith to children.

Contemplative Prayer Group

The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Chapel. This group provides an opportunity for people to slow down and make room in their busy lives for contemplative prayer. Thomas Keating, a Trappist teacher, wrote that contemplative prayer is the development of your relationship with Christ to the point of communing beyond words, thoughts, or feelings. During the hour long meeting we have two periods of quiet, as well as a brief sharing about the experience. All contemplatives at all times are beginners, so if you are new to contemplation you are most welcome.

Little Rock Scripture Study

This program is offered as a small group option within the T.G.I.F. program and is designed for adults desiring to make time for scripture study in their busy lives. Participants are encouraged to spend twenty minutes per day in personal study utilizing a provided Study Guide and Commentary. The small group gathering during T.G.I.F. is an opportunity to pray, share responses to the study questions, and reflect communally on the assigned readings. A trained facilitator supports the process in an atmosphere of openness and trust. Following the small group discussion, a brief lecture is offered that sets the stage for the next week of personal study.

Theology on Tap / Cafe Catholic

Designed specifically for our young adults in their 20s and 30s, Theology on Tap and Cafe Catholic are opportunities to learn about and discuss our faith in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Held at a coffee shop or local bar, you are invited to sip your beverage of choice while listening to a brief presentation on the topic for the evening before being invited to throw in your own two cents. This is a great way to meet other young adults in the parish and to continue your journey of faith. We plan to offer a series of these evenings in both the fall and the spring.

Bensalem Small Faith Community

This option, for adults, is a regular gathering of groups of six to ten people enabling participants to reflect on the Word of God, on their faith, and on their call to holiness and Christian discipleship in their daily lives. This is a great way to connect on a more personal level with parishioners. Groups typically meet in homes twice a month. These small faith communities are named "Bensalem" for the town in Pennsylvania where Saint Katharine Drexel's convent was founded and remains today.

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