Family Formation

Helping Parents and Children Grow in Faith and Holiness

Saint Ambrose is excited for the pivot from a traditional faith formation program to a family formation approach, where families are nurtured together in faith. We want to support parents in their role as the primary educators of faith for their children. This change will help foster a deeper connection within families and be a great opportunity to walk with other families on this same mission to help our children get to heaven. Our approach will not only prepare children for the sacraments but will also strengthen the entire parish community by reinforcing the importance of momentum in our faith throughout our life.

Parents and children attend monthly sessions: children are in class while parents receive formation, then they enjoy faith lessons and activities at home for the rest of the month.

Families Nurtured Together in Faith

A message from Father Peter on the updates to Faith Formation and the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Family Formation

Family Formation – FOUNDATIONS

Saint Ambrose is excited for the pivot from a traditional faith formation program to a family formation approach, where families are nurtured together in faith. we want to support parents in reclaiming their role as the primary educators of faith for their children. This change will help foster a deeper connection between families and faith, encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s spiritual growth. This approach will not only prepare children for the sacraments but will also strengthen the entire parish community by reinforcing the importance of faith in everyday life.

Encounter with Jesus and Each Other: Through retreats we are able to get away and enter in on a new level. When we get away on retreat we give the freedom to Jesus to encounter us and we have the space to encounter Him and hear His voice. We will offer retreat experiences for the whole family.

Individual Family Mentoring: In order to personally guide any individual or family we need to meet. We want to hear your struggles and successes and give you personal guidance to continue to journey.

Culture/Community Creating Experiences: Culture is created within the family unit. We want to help families change and enhance their families culture through daily and weekly habits. We also want to help families encounter other families doing the same thing to help build each other up.

Back to the Basics: We want to get back to the basics of our faith. The truths that connect our head knowledge and our hearts.

Family Formation FOUNDATIONS is a set of lessons designed as an entry point to family catechesis, which focuses on introducing families to a living encounter with Christ. We invite you to explore the Family Formation website for more information and to watch the video featuring Bishop Cozzen, by clicking here.

Program Offerings and Schedule

Monthly All-Parish Formation Sessions

  • Sunday Morning Option (between Masses)
  • Sunday Evening Option
  • Wednesday Evening Option

Calendar and Topics

  • September – Kickoff Meeting
  • October – The Mission of Family
  • November – Jesus
  • December – Domestic Church (service project)
  • January – The Bible
  • February – Holy Spirit
  • March – Church & Way to Heaven (service project)
  • April – Mary & Saints
  • May – Family & Faith Forever

Family Retreat

  • One per family offered annually, with 3-4 options offered
  • Additional day retreat, in the Fall and Spring, for sacramental years to complement the Family Retreat

Family-Centered and Age-Appropriate Prayer Experiences

  • Children in grades K-5 meet in class, divided by grade level with catechists presenting the lessons (25-30 minutes)
  • Parents and children in 6th grade and up gather in the Church or classroom for a talk/speaker on the monthly topic (15-20 minutes)
  • Family/Personal witness relating to the topic/speaker (5 minutes)
  • Home lesson overview provided (5 minutes)
  • Children meet parents back in the Church for closing prayer
  • Refreshments in Fellowship Hall (Optional): Families gather as a means of networking and time to work on lessons (Hospitality Sunday-style); middle school and high school students can gather in the youth room or gym, if desired

Duration of Family Formation Program

The immediate requirement for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation would be the year of receiving the sacraments. Typically, students in 2nd and 5th grades. Families could still opt to delay or wait for Confirmation, but would still be encouraged to be part of Family Formation.

Registration

We’re excited to welcome your family to grow in faith together! Registration is now open for all of our Family Formation programs for children, youth, and adults.

Complete the online registration forms using the buttons below.

Family Formation Service Event

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

The Parish Office will be closed for Memorial Day. Daily Mass will be @ 8 am and the building will close following Mass. Vacation Bible School Volunteer Training - Monday, June 2nd from 6-7:30 pm
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