Skip to main content

Faith Formation

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

The Plan

Schedule
Registration Form
Service Hour Form

September 12, 2022

Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary

After much consultation, many stressful hours of prayer, and many sleepless nights, I am writing to you to inform you of our final change to our Faith Formation plan for the 2022-23 school year. This plan will only be valid for the 2022-23 school year. In January of 2023, we, as a parish family, need to address the issue of life-long faith formation for our parish community together. We must plan for our future, understanding the need continual formation and daily conversion of heart in our community.

An important fact to remember is that faith formation does NOT end with confirmation! If anything, that is the beginning. The idea that confirmation is equivalent in any way to graduation is a misconception that has perpetuated for too long. Our faith journey only ends with the end of our life here on earth. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to continue to grow and develop in our faith life. NO ONE is TOO OLD to grow and learn about their faith.

Classroom experience and education is important, but faith is truly learned by experience, and the family is the location where true faith is learned and experienced. A parent’s role in the faith education of their child is key, and important in the growth of your child. No classroom education can take the place of the family.

With all of this being said:

  1. Faith formation classes will be held twice a month at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
  2. Classes will be held on Sundays from 9:20 AM until 10:40 AM
  3. As shown in the schedule, a family day will be held for all members of our parish family. This is not optional, as again, we are all members of the community of faith who need to grow together. Parents have a key role in the formation of their children. You CANNOT let someone else try to take your place. You are important in the development of your child’s faith!
  4. On any weeks that there are “at home” classes, materials will be provided to you to begin the conversation of faith at home. The home is the domestic church. We all have a responsibility to grow in our faith and our understanding of our church throughout our entire lives.
  5. Other optional gatherings will be provided for fun as well. Growing in our faith isn’t solely a classroom activity. In fact, we learn the most by experience.
  6. The mass schedule change that was made will not be reversed. The Mass Schedule for Sundays will remain 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM during the school year. We will re-evaluate in March/April if we wish to keep this schedule year round, or if we want a summer/school year schedule.

This is a drastic change from what was originally planned for this school year. As stated before, this plan is for this school year. We will need to re-evaluate beginning in January 2023 to plan for the permanent future.

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call the parish office or email us at FaithFormation [at] ihmercer.org.

We look forward to working with all of you in the faith formation of our community as we grow closer to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pax et Bonum,

Fr. Andrew M. Boyd
Pastor