-
for pre-k - sixth grade families
-
-
What is Emmaus Family Formation?
(Formerly Religious Education/CCD)
Here's some great news: helping our kids to grow in faith doesn't have to be complicated or boring. In fact, it can be a real adventure!
The truth is, nobody on earth has more influence on a kid's faith than his or her own parents. Faith is supported and strengthened at Church (and most deeply in the Sacraments!), but it needs to be nourished at home too in order for faith to grow and flourish! Parents are the primary teachers and supporters of a child's faith - they are the first messengers of the Gospel to their children. And parents need support - we're not meant to embark on the journey alone!
That's why we've formed the Emmaus Family Faith Formation initiative. Through Emmaus, we seek to foster an encounter with God, learn and grow together in our Catholic faith, connect families, and empower parents with skills and support in strengthening family life and faith at home. Let us walk with you on the journey!
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Emmaus Family Formation is for families with children in PreK through 6th grade. Our 1st-6th Graders will participate in age-appropriate small groups while Pre-K and Kindergarten children can play in our craft room. We require at least one parent to attend, but both parents' attendance is encouraged. Grandparents are also welcome.HOW OFTEN WILL WE ATTEND?
Families will attend one session per month on a Sunday and complete a take-home family activity once a month.
WHAT WILL EACH SESSION ENTAIL?
Sessions include an exploration of different aspects of our Catholic faith, classes and activities for kids in 1st-6th grade, sacrament preparation for 2nd grade, crafts and games for little ones (PreK), interactive parent sessions, and a family activity to wrap up each gathering.
ARE FIRST COMMUNION AND FIRST RECONCILIATION COVERED AT EMMAUS SESSIONS?
Yes, Emmaus Family Formation constitutes our parish's sacramental preparation for children. The classes for second grade are specifically designed to prepare children for their sacraments.
ARE THERE INCLUSIVE OPTIONS?
Yes! Our inclusive and adaptive family faith formation program walks with families that have a child with behavioral, learning or physical difficulties. We will work with your family to create an alternative solution that works for your family's unique situation. Visit this link for more information or reach out to Mark with any questions.
2024-2025 SCHEDULE
Schedule A - Sunday Sessions:
October 6, November 3
January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6Schedule B - Sunday Sessions:
October 20, November 17
January 12, February 23, March 23, April 27
Both schedule tracks offer a 9:00-11:30AM option and a 4:00-6:30PM option.
-
-
-
-
Information & Details:
-
Each family will one Sunday per month over the course of October-May. Please choose either Schedule A or Schedule B during one of two time slots:
9:00am - 11:30AM in the Gym
4:00pm - 6:30PM in the ChurchThe time slot chosen by each family will remain their designated time to attend all monthly sessions. Schedule A and Schedule B are the same program and cover the exact same content. Sessions A and B are simply two attendance options. We have a capacity limit of 300 people, including parents, per time slot. If that session is at capacity please choose a different session.
Please note that at least one parent must attend with their child.
2024-2025 SCHEDULESchedule A - Sunday Sessions:
October 6, November 3
January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6Schedule B - Sunday Sessions:
October 20, November 17
January 12, February 23, March 23, April 27
Both schedule tracks offer a 9:00-11:30AM option and a 4:00-6:30PM option. The Pre-k and K Craft Room only takes place during the morning session.
-
Every family will register for only one session per month and will maintain that timeslot for the year, following the dates for either Schedule A or Schedule B. At least one parent must attend with their children. Please include in your registration the total number of persons attending, including parents.
First Communion families may register for any time.
-
If you have an interest in working with families and kids or a desire to help pass on the faith to our youngest Catholics, volunteering with Family Faith Formation is a great opportunity for you!
Many volunteers are needed to make our Emmaus Family Formation a success for our families in PreK through 6th grade. Most volunteers serve one Sunday a month for under an hour! Opportunities include small group leaders, teacher aides, hall monitors, Pre-K craft room volunteers, and welcome team.
No experience or expertise is required, just a willingness to be a witness of God's love and an encouraging presence in the lives of our kids! Group leaders will have all activities and materials provided ahead of time - each volunteer will have everything provided for them that is needed for their role.
Click the link below to sign up!
Click Here To Volunteer
All volunteers will be asked to undergo a background check and complete a Protecting God's Children training course.
Volunteer Role Opportunities:- Welcome Team: We are starting a welcoming team that can help on board new families to the family faith program. A family who volunteers for this role would be assigned no more then 4-5 families to reach out to welcome them to the parish/program, explain the program, and answer any questions.
- Family Faith Formation Small Group Leader: Facilitates the small group discussion around our theme and directs the small group activity. Everything is provided in a one-two page discussion guide. All supplies are also provided.
- Family Faith Formation Small Group Aide: Helps with classroom management, bathroom breaks, and passing out resources/materials.
- Hall Monitor: Station in the hallways helps direct families the correct families and assists with student travel back and forth from the bathroom.
- Pre-K and Kindergarten Craft Room: Assist with implementing the craft or activity for the day. All activities and supplies are provided
- Confirmation Small Group Facilitator: Help lead a conversation based off the teachings the Director offers. Help and oversee group during activity portion.
-
-
Inclusive Family Faith Formation
-
ABOUT OUR INCLUSIVE PROGRAM:
At St. Bartholomew Church, we seek to walk with all of our parishioners in the lifelong journey of faith. Our inclusive and adaptive family faith formation program walks with families that have a child with behavioral, learning or physical difficulties. We will work with your family to create an alternative solution that works for your family's unique situation.
The sessions will be held once a month, starting around 10:00am on Sunday and will run for 1 hour. It will begin with an opening talk and video, then we will have 25-30 mins of discussion/activity. During that time, our Associate Director of Faith Formation, Juan Carlos Gonzalez, will have a separate discussion with the parents, then we will wrap up with a family activity. There will also be a take-home family activity assigned each month.
SCHEDULE:
We are looking to hold our Inclusive program on Sundays after the 9am Mass in the Cafeteria on the following dates in 2024-2025:
October 27, 2024
November 10, 2024
January 26, 2025
February 9, 2025
March 9, 2025
April 13, 2025 -
Contact Us
-
Mark Del Colformationstbnj.orgDirector of Faith Formation -
Juan Carlos Gonzalezjgonzalezstbnj.orgAssociate Director of Faith Formation -
adminffstbnj.orgAdministrative Assistant for Faith Formation
-
-
