Helping Parents and Children Grow in Faith and Holiness
At Saint Ambrose Catholic Community, Family Formation is centered on nurturing the faith of the entire family together. Rooted in the belief that parents are the primary educators of faith for their children, our approach seeks to support, equip, and accompany families as they grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and live out the Catholic faith in everyday life.
Through Family Formation, children prepare for the sacraments within the context of family life while parents are invited into ongoing formation, prayer, and community alongside other families walking the same journey. Together, families encounter opportunities to grow in faith, strengthen relationships, and build lasting habits centered on Christ.
More than a program, Family Formation is an invitation to create momentum in the life of faith — within the home, alongside other families, and throughout the broader parish community — as together we seek to know, love, and follow Christ more deeply.
Family Formation – Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
This year families will journey through Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible — a study designed to help both adults and children better understand the story of salvation history and grow more confident in engaging with Sacred Scripture.
Building upon the foundation established during our first year of Family Formation, this year’s focus invites families to encounter God more deeply through His Word and discover how the people, events, and promises throughout Scripture are all connected within God’s plan of salvation.
Known for its color-coded Bible Timeline Chart, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible presents the key people, places, and events of Scripture in chronological order, helping families see the “big picture” of the Bible in a clear, accessible, and engaging way.
Through prayer, discussion, and continued formation together, our hope is that Scripture becomes more approachable, meaningful, and rooted within family life — helping parents and children recognize their place within God’s unfolding story and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ together.
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Program Offerings and Schedule
Registration & Volunteers
Registration is now open for Family Formation at Saint Ambrose. We look forward to walking alongside families as together we grow in faith, deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ, and build community rooted in prayer and discipleship.
Use the links below to register your family or sign up to serve as a volunteer in Family Formation.
Family Momentum Retreats
Momentum Retreats are designed to bring families closer to one another and to the Lord. These special weekends are filled with opportunities for prayer, worship, and connection, helping each family member grow in their relationship with Christ. Through meaningful shared experiences, you’ll return home with renewed faith and stronger family unity that continues well beyond the retreat.
Retreat FAQs
While your children are in their formation years, we require a minimum of at least 1 family retreat. Generally speaking, this will be up to each family’s discretion with some boundaries. This means that if you have 1 child, the family retreat should be done sometime before he/she receives their Sacrament of Confirmation. If you have a large family with a 10+ year span, this means your family should plan on at least 2 retreats.
All retreats will take place at Trinity Woods Retreat Center in Trego, Wisconsin, set on 700 acres of beautiful woods, lakes, and rivers. A highlight of Trinity Woods is that families can stay together in resort-style rooms!
Our Family Retreats will be called Momentum Retreats and will be designed to help families support one another in their journey toward the Lord. These retreats will focus on building spiritual momentum, encouraging each family member to grow closer in their relationship with the Lord. Through shared experiences, prayers, and activities, families will strengthen their bonds and deepen their faith, creating a positive impact that carries on long after the retreat. Registration for all Momentum Retreats are now available by clicking here.
If your only or youngest child is in 8th or 9th grade, they are invited to take part in our final retreat designed specifically for these grades. Your family could however do a Family Momentum Retreat if you want. Beginning next year, all Confirmation students will join the Family Momentum Retreats as the standard option.
Evangelization Team
If you have questions or would like to schedule a meeting with a member of our Evangelization Team, please reach out to the following individuals:
Family Formation
Gretchen Englebretson, Family Formation Coordinator
[email protected]
651-768-3017
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd & First Sacraments
Kathleen Dierberger, Catechetical and Sacramental Coordinator for Children
[email protected]
651-768-3065
Middle School & High School
Bri Barbeln, Youth Ministry & Middle School Formation
[email protected]
651-768-3021
Maria Grismer, Youth Ministry
[email protected]
651-768-3018
Confirmation & Small Groups
Justin Kortuem, Director of Evangelization and Discipleship
[email protected]
651-768-3020