Generations of Faith
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vision of Generations of Faith?
We are a community of disciples who follow the risen Christ. Faith formation is a life-long process. Participation in the worship and life of the church is essential. Faith is to be integrated into our lives and to inform and guide our actions.
Who participates in Generations of Faith?
EVERYONE, EVERYONE and EVERYONE! All ages, individuals, families, visitors, teenagers, couples, people from other parishes, friends, neighbors, EVERYONE!
When do we participate in Generations of Faith?
"Festivals of Faith" will be held on a designated Wednesday each month, September through April (see Curriculum Calendar for 2008—2011). The Festivals will prepare us to more fully celebrate the events of the Church calendar.
Do we attend with the whole family?
Generations of Faith is intended to be shared by an entire household. We use the term “family” loosely. We know that families are sometimes one person or even 20 people, but the idea is for everyone in each household to learn and share together.
What about single parent families?
This is a great program for single parents. To name but a few benefits: a meal with no cooking or cleaning, all the children together in one place, the opportunity for the parent to speak with other adults, ready to use ideas of meaningful activities to do at home when boredom strikes or the TV-watching quota has been reached.
What happens if one of the parents is not Catholic?
Non-Catholic parents are equally welcome to participate in the “Festivals of Faith” if they are interested in being involved in this manner. If, however, a non-Catholic parent is not interested in participating, this does not prevent the rest of the family from doing so.
How will the monthly “Festivals of Faith” be structured?
Each gathering will have a similar format:
- Simple, shared meal.
- Shared prayer, song, activity to introduce the theme of the month
- Break into age-specific groups (elementary & parents, middle school, high school, singles, seniors) for age-appropriate discussion and activities.
- Reconvene to share with each other what we have learned, receive home kit, and join in closing prayer.
What about content? Will we learn about our Catholic faith, prayers, traditions, practices?
Through a six year cycle (see Six Year Curriculum Calendar) we will cover the full content of our Catholic Faith. The curriculum is based on the teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and correlates with the Six Dimensions of Catechesis from the General Directory of Catechesis: knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, and missionary spirit.
How will the Community of Carmel Mission benefit from Generations of Faith?
Our best measure of success will be an increase in the number of families and community members who more fully understand and value their Catholic faith. Our hope in shifting to this intergenerational model is that we will know participants are learning and growing in their faith when:
- More families and community members are praying together.
- More families and community members actually understand the value of our Sunday Mass and the Sacraments and Rites of the Catholic Church.
- More families and community members are actively participating in parish life.
- More families and community members are reading and sharing Scripture.
- More families and community members can speak of a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith.
- More families and community members are forming real Christian community and supporting one another in living a Christ-filled life.
What is the cost to families and individuals?
The charge for the entire year of nine Festivals is $50.00 per family and per individual. If you choose to attend a single Festival, the cost is $10.00. Scholarships are available.
How much will the meal cost?
Because the meal is an essential part of the Festivals, they are FREE. However, there will be an opportunity to make a free will offering.
How do I register?
Download and fill out a Registration Form and mail to The Office of Faith Formation located at 3080 Rio Rd. Carmel, CA 93923 or place in the collection basket at Sunday Mass. In addition you may Fax to 831-624-6840.
