Family faith formation is an educational method that focuses on engaging families in the process of learning and growing in their Catholic faith together, rather than just focusing on children’s religious education. The emphasis recognizes that parents are the among the most influential teachers of their children’s faith. But, as is common with most everything with parenting, just because parents bare the responsibility of being their children’s leading influencer doesn’t mean that teaching our love for God and Christ are easy concepts to instruct.
“Most adults might be a little uncomfortable doing that (talking about our faith),” exclaims Cynthia Maloney, a catechist and faith formation volunteer. “But I’ve discovered how lovely it is to talk with children about God. Children have a natural affinity for and interest in the spiritual, and with so much curiosity! They really only need encouragement, to be reminded of God’s love for them, and exposure to the Word.”
That is the goal for our Faith Formation here at Sacred Heart, creating the connection and providing the pathway to Christ for parents, kids, catechumens, and candidates alike. That task is an operation that requires a small army of catechists and volunteers, especially as we have seen our parish family growing over these last few years. “We’ve got more than 30 volunteers and catechists assisting us this year across all of our formation ministries,” says Maria Giral, the parish’s Associate Director of Faith Formation. “And that doesn’t include the parents or sacramental sponsors who are echoing that instruction.”
“I wanted to find a way to connect with other parishioners to make our church feel more like a home,” says Carly Hogsed, when asked what led her to assist the parish as a catechist. “The best way to do so I have always found is to get involved! I think having both the parents and the children sitting together for faith formation lessons will have long lasting positive impacts for their child’s faith journey.”
Switching from the nuclear definition of family and looking at our larger parish family, Sacred Heart, like many Catholic parishes, is seeing an influx of reverts and converts, a trend resulting in many seeking to begin or continue their faith journeys. “It’s life giving to see all of these seekers coming to us and to the Church,” says Barbara Ferreris, Director of Faith Formation. “They are coming to grow in faith and their relationship with God.” Ferreris also says more than 20 inquirers are set to take part in the O.C.I.A. process this year (2025-26), seeking Full Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) while more than 30 are seeking Full Communion (Eucharist, Confirmation).
Trey Gould, received into the Church at the Easter Vigil through O.C.I.A. in 2024, says volunteering in faith formation has been a great way for him to stay involved at the parish. “I see a reflection of myself in everyone (in O.C.I.A.) and it brings me closer to the faith. I always find I learn something new even if the lessons and faith sharing isn’t directed to me specifically.”
You can learn more about Faith Formation, including registration and volunteer opportunities, by clicking here.
Family Faith Formation Registration: Sacred Heart offers a non-traditional approach to assist parents in forming the faith of their children. “Family Faith Formation” is exactly what it says – families sharing and growing in faith.
Registration for Family Faith Formation is now live, and open to all families who have children ages four (4) through high school.
Sessions are scheduled to begin on both Sunday, September 7, and Wednesday, September 10. Registration forms and additional information are available here.
Are You Looking to Become Catholic? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) is the process by which unbaptized and baptized Christians of other faith traditions are especially invited to explore Catholic spirituality in community in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Each faith journey is personal, and often is characterized by an awakening or conversion of the heart, that leads one to desire an authentic life of Christian discipleship. Through the sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist — we encounter and participate fully in the mystery of Jesus Christ’s life, saving death and Resurrection.
Weekly inquiry sessions for those interested in becoming Catholic begin on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Campus O.C.I.A. Room. We welcome all inquiries and look forward to accompanying you soon. Contact Barbara Ferreris via email or at 813-229-1595, ext. 204 for more information.
