Family of Faith (Ages 3-13 and Parents)

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A Family of Faith

Family Catechesis for our Family of Parishes
Starting September 14, 2025
2025/2026 Calendar

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- Faith formation for the domestic church
  
  The family is the first place that the Gospel is shared and lived.  You, as parents, have the unique privilege and honor of being the primary catechist of your child. The Catholic Church considers the home to be the domestic Church because what you do in your home and as a family is holy.
  
  Our hope is that our new religious education format will allow for the incredibly busy schedules your families have, for intentional time spent in conversation about faith with your child, and for the opportunity to build Catholic community connections with other families. All aspects of Family of Faith are 100% FREE to any St. Mary or St. Cecilia family who wishes to participate.
- structure for the 2025/2026 year
  
  As we are now one family of parishes through Beacons of Light, we also offer one, combined Family of Faith program. Due to the larger facilities available to accommodate the over 50 families that participate, our location for our combined Family of Faith is at St. Mary in Hyde Park.
  
  Families will be encouraged to attend Mass at their home parish. After Mass, families will meet in Robisch Hall at St. Mary in Hyde Park where refreshments will be provided from 11:30 AM - 12 PM. All classes will start at 12 PM and conclude by 1 PM. Upon arrival at St. Mary in Robisch Hall, families are encouraged to partake in the refreshments until classes begin at 12 PM. Shortly before classes are to begin, an announcement will be made for each grade level to follow their respective catechist to their classroom in St. Mary School. After which, parents will participate in the Parent Session in Robisch Hall. At the conclusion of the parent session, catechists will bring their students from St. Mary School back to Robisch Hall.
structure of the program
- Family of Faith is comprised of both Instructional Sessions (classes) and Community meetings. Please see the calendar for the specific dates and times of each session
  
  Instructional Sessions (Classes)
  Families from each of our parishes will gather together at St. Mary in Hyde Park on the 2nd Sunday of each month from September-April. After attending Mass at their home parishes, families will meet at St. Mary in Robisch hall for light refreshments between 11:30 AM and 12 PM. Shortly before 12 PM, catechists will take their PreK-8 grade children to their designated classrooms for a lesson taught by a parish catechist.
  
  While the children are with the catechists in the classrooms, the parents will be in Robisch Hall (directly below St. Mary Church) for the parent lesson. During the parent lesson, parents are given the resources, knowledge, and understanding of the lessons/activities that they will be teaching their families at home for the rest of the Month.
  
  Community Meetings
  In addition to the monthly instructional sessions (classes), most months have a Community Meeting as well. These meetings often correspond with the topics discussed in the classes. These community meetings are designed to put into practice what we have learned in the classroom and grow together in fellowship and community as a parish. See the calendar for dates and times of each community meeting.
The Curriculum
- A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle: one pillar of the Catechism is covered per year from September-April. Parents are given a detailed picture of authentic and vibrant Catholic family life, the tools to implement this life in their home, and age-appropriate readings, games, crafts, and other activities to help them deepen among their children a love for Christ and His Church.
  
  After four years, families will have been guided through the entirety of the Catechism and will have developed a broad understanding of the Church's teachings. Families then cycle through the program again in order to deepen their knowledge and develop the habits needed for life-long spiritual growth.
  
  You can learn more about the Family of Faith Curriculum at our publisher's website here.
The Parent Guide
- The Parent Guide includes:
  
  Background essays covering each month's content
  
  Notes for conveying this content to children in age-appropriate ways
  
  Instructions for activities and craft projects
  
  Stories of the saints and other notable Catholics
  
  Suggestions for living the faith at home, such as…
  
  Guidance for creating and decorating a prayer space
  
  Prayers for special occasions
  
  Tips for talking about tough subjects
  
  Ways to bring the liturgical year to life in the home
The Children's Activity Book
- The Children's Activity Book is designed to help children come to know the Catholic Faith through fun games and activities. The Parent's Guide offers talking points for how to use each activity in the children's book as a teachable moment, leading the child to a deeper relationship with Christ.
  
  Activities in the Children's Activity Book include…
  
  Age-appropriate readings and activities
  
  Scripture memorization and copy work
  
  Prayer memorization
  
  Saints biographies
  
  Games and crafts
  
  Drawings and coloring pages
  
  Journal pages
  
  Prompts for original prayers and reflections
  
  Student Family of Faith materials
Sacramental Formation
- Any family who wishes their children to receive either the sacrament of 1st Reconciliation, 1st Communion, and/or Confirmation will need to register for Family of Faith OR be enrolled in either St. Cecilia School or St. Mary School. For those not enrolled in one of our parish schools, all preparation for these sacraments take place within the monthly Family of Faith sessions. Please click the buttons below to access the calendars and other documents pertaining to these sacraments.
- 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion
- Confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Family of Faith for?
  Family of Faith is created for ALL Catholic families with children up to the 8th grade. It is not limited to only those families who are seeking sacramental preparation or for families who attend public school. All families, including those who send to Catholic Grade School are encouraged to participate in this family-based faith formation. The goal is to equip the parents to be successful in their roles as primary catechists of their children. This goal reaches all Catholic families, not just those who attend public school.
- What if I as a parent do not know the Faith well, or know how to teach?
  Family of Faith is completely turn-key for parents, giving you the easy-to-understand content and step-by-step instructions for each activity, helping you to gain knowledge of the Faith and confidence as you teach it. Various tools are also available to help parents turn potentially problematic situations into successes, such as what to do when a child asks a question you do not know.
- Is there a lot of work involved? How much time will this program take?
  No. There are two lessons to teach each month, one of which is taught by a certified catechist at the monthly meeting. The second lesson is taught by the parent at home. In addition, there is a variety of family and child activities. Each lesson should take no more than 30-45 minutes to complete, and requires minimal preparation on the part of the parent.
- For what age children has this program been developed?
  We have classes for 3 year olds up to 8th grade. Because this program focuses on teaching the faith to parents and helping them make it an organic part of family life, it is perfect for parents with children of all ages. For example, a monthly feature called “Your Catholic Home” gives specific advice for ways to make the Faith a regular part of each day. The Children’s Activity Books are recommended for children in grades K-8, and features engaging activities at various grade levels. Parents can skip the activities they believe are too elementary or too advanced for their child.
- What does a monthly meeting look like?
  Firstly, we encourage all families to attend Mass together at their home parishes. After Mass, all of the families will gather together at the St. Mary-Hyde Park campus in Robisch Hall. Upon arrival, families are encouraged to enjoy light refreshments from 11:30 AM - 12 PM. Shortly before 12 PM, parents will escort their children to their designated classrooms in St. Mary School. Afterwhich, the parents meet in Robisch Hall (directly below the church) for the parent session. Both the student and parent sessions begin at 12 PM and end at 1 PM.
  
  During the parent session, parents are given the resources, knowledge, and understanding of the lessons/activities that they will be teaching their families at home for the rest of the Month.
- Register Here!
  
  The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
  
  To register for Family of Faith, please submit the digital registration form below by September 30th.
  
  For any questions regarding the registration process, please contact Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org or 513-321-1207 (ext. 413).
  
  What parish is your family registered at? REQUIRED St. Cecilia (including the Oratory of St. John Vianney) St. Mary-Hyde Park Other Please fill out this field.
  
  If other, what is your parish? Please enter valid data.
  
  Parent / Guardian Information
  
  Father
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Email REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
  
  Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Religion REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Email REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
  
  Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Religion REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child(ren) Information: REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Child 1
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 2
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 3
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 4
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 5
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 6
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 7
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  Child 8
  
  First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Grade Level for the 2025/2026 academic year REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Is this child participating in a Catholic homeschool option or attending Catholic school outside of the parishes? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  If attending Catholic grade school, please share the name of the institution: Please enter valid data.
  
  Upon your registration, our team will request that you send your Letter of Intent to Haley Metzger at hmetzger@eastsideregion.org.
  
  Does your child need to prepare for a sacrament? If so, which sacrament would you like preparation for? Baptism First Reconciliation & First Communion Confirmation
  
  Any medical conditions we should know about? Please enter valid data.
  
  I give permission for my child(ren)'s picture to be taken as part of religious education and for such pictures to be used in any promotional materials, in the parish bulletin, on the parish website, or in newspaper articles in relation to events that happen in the parish.
  
  Permission? REQUIRED Yes No Please fill out this field.
  
  Please checkmark items that your family already owns. If you do not own one of these items, the parish will provide one for you at the first session in September. Catholic Bible Catechism of the Catholic Church
  
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- Documents
  
  Family of Faith - Calendar (2025/2026)
  
  Family of Faith - Handbook (2025/2026)
- Contact Us
  
  Laura Spaugh
  
  Coordinator of Children's Faith Formation
  
  513-321-1207 (ext. 415)
  lspaugheastsideregion.org
- family expectations
  
  Your family commits to attending monthly meetings throughout the year (September- April, dates in calendar).
  
  Parents will teach their child(ren) the appropriate lessons at home using knowledge from the meetings and following the given syllabus.
  
  Families will attend Saturday/Sunday Mass weekly.
  
  Parents communicate to the director regarding absences from the monthly sessions.