The Word “Catholic” Comes from the

Ancient Greek Meaning

“Universal”

Our faith is just that, it is for all, and it is meant to be practiced in a community. We are not meant to practice our faith in silos, disconnected from those around us. We are meant to grow together, challenge, and support one another in a lifelong attempt to grow closer to our Living God. Family Formation is centered on this precept: to cultivate a stronger sense of community through a lifelong process of learning about our faith together. With this principal in mind, here is a list of some of the finer details of the program. 

*As with anything in life, these details are subject to adjustment. Nothing in life is ever perfect, this program is no exception. It is to be expected that improvements will be made along the way.

Wait, so when do I send my child to the Devine Center?

-In an effort to remove the burden of weekly sessions and the scheduling problem it poses, families only have to attend 1 session per month(6:00-7:30PM).

-Families will be able to choose which session they attend together. The two options will be the 1st Monday of each month or the 1st Wednesday of each month. A family only needs to attend one session. (Ex. If you attend the session on the 1st Monday you do not have to attend the Wednesday session.)

Do I have to attend formation too?

–at least one parent will need to be present at the 9 sessions(1 session per month, on the first Monday or Wednesday of the month). If at all possible both parents should be present.

-Whenever possible it is highly encouraged that both parents attend the nine sessions. Please remember that you are your child’s first teacher. If this is an impossibility, one parent may attend with their child. If it is deemed impossible for either parent to attend a session with their children, parents may fill out a form for a substitute guardian. The substitute guardian must be one of the following (grandparent, aunt/uncle, godparent).

What if I have children that are not in grades K-8?

-Family formation is for children from Baptism until the year of Confirmation.(children who have already received their Confirmation are still encouraged to attend.)

-For families with young ones that have not yet entered Kindergarten there will be a FREE childcare service. While parents are participating in the program their young children will be one room away. This service incorporates catechesis, games, crafts and fun for your young children. If you would like to be considered as a childcare volunteer please email nathan@stjulie.org for more information.

How does family formation affect receiving the Sacraments of First Eucharist & Confirmation?

-Families will be able to choose the Mass that their child receives their First Communion. The dates available to select will be sent to families. 

-The date for Confirmation is a Saturday in April.

What if no-one from my family can make either session in a given month?

-Of course, life does happen and unforeseen circumstances may prohibit families from attending on a given week(families illness or similar event). Makeup for those families will be determined with the Director based on specific family circumstances in order to best accommodate families. It is important to note that our faith is built on relationships and all good relationships have great communication, trust, and compromise. 

My child has sports practice so how do I attend sessions?

-Athletics are a large part of many of our lives. This program is intended to alleviate the scheduling stress created by weekly meetings. With one session in a month(Either Monday or Wednesday- typically not large game days) families will be able to better balance sports and their faith.

Many sports practices end close to our start time. It is always better to show up late than to not show up at all. 

-If your child is concerned about their sports coach, please have the coach contact me directly. I know many coaches in the area and have coached football, basketball, baseball, and soccer for many years, in addition to my playing career. I would be happy to help in anyway I can. In my experience most coaches are understanding.

Are there any other obligations to the program?

–families are expected to attend one Mass at St. Julie per month. This mass day and time is at the family’s choosing. The mass is at the core of Catholicism and receiving the Eucharist is essential to sustain our souls throughout the week.

-A retreat is required by the Archdiocese of Chicago for Confirmation year. There are currently 2 retreat options for your child.

Totus Tuus: We are accepting registrations for the camp in July. The camp has two sessions. 

Grades 1-6 go in the morning(8:40AM-2:30PM). 

Grades 7-12 go in the evening(6:45PM-9:00PM). 

Ruah (Breath of God): Registration has not yet begun for this retreat. This retreat will be held on a Saturday in April.

*More information such as registration can be found under Retreats on the Lifelong Faith Formation Menu Tab above.