Our goal with this project is to equip parents and children with the tools they need to understand our Catholic faith and to support them in the teaching and learning process.  Our tradition tells us that "Parents have the first responsiblity for the education of their children." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2223)

      Our Faith Formation sections for students in kindergarten, elementary and middle school begins on October 4 following 9 a.m. Mass.  Sessions generally take place three Sundays of each month for about 90 minutes.  Sessions for teens and for any interested adults also take place in that same time frame.   

        Key to our Faith Formation process is the Lectionary, using our weekly readings as a beginning point, the Gospel and readings proclaimed that same Sunday at Mass.  As a result of this ‘across the board’ Lectionary approach, students and adults can continue conversations about the Scriptures in the car on the way home from church, and at other times throughout the week.

      Our sessions for both students and any interested adult are expected to be "in person" this year with a complementary online component.  Generally our classes and groups are of a size that social distancing is possible. Current facial covering guidelines will also be followed.  In addition to age appropriate materials for each section of students, a variety of other resources, especially those online, will be made available to families for their use, study and growth in faith between the formal sessions.  Our goal is to equip parents and students with the tools needed to understand our Catholic faith and to give support in the teaching and learning process.

      Topics, in addition to the Sunday Scriptures being explored by adults, include a deeper dive into what we believe (considering the various elements of the Creed),  and a deeper look into Archbishop Vigneron’s Pastoral Letter, Unleash the Gospel, a further look at Catholic social teaching, and the recent U. S. Bishops Pastoral document on Forming Conscience. Seasonal sessions focusing on Halloween/All Saints/All Souls will also take place as well as preparations for the Advent/Christmas season.  Our goal is always to nurture an ongoing and ever deepening personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ so that we all may grow as joyful missionary discliples proclaiming the Good News in our families, our neighborhoods, our workplaces and in our world.

      St. Lucy’s efforts in Christian Service are also a hallmark of our Faith Formation curriculum.  Various opportunities to reach out in service to others are taking place almost all the time.  Notices for various upcoming opportunities will be posted on the bulletin boards in the Faith Formation and Office corridor, highlighted in the LucyLight, and mentioned in Sunday’s pulpit announcements.  Service is not limited to those in Faith Formation alone.  We have tried to make all of our service opportunities  family friendly, so that any member of the parish or any friend or neighbor can participate, and further build relationships within our own parish family and our community as we serve others in some way.

        Our retooling of our Faith Formation processes is all part of our broader mission:  to encourage lifelong learning and growth in faith.  As such, living and growing in our faith is a baptism through death experience, and not a "pay to play" option.  We do not charge tuition for our weekly sessions, but rely on the good stewardship of all entire parish family to provide the resources needed for this portion of our mission.  Please take advantage of all that’s being offered, and engage in our mission to Share a Little Light and become a joyful band of missionary disciples with everyone in our parish family. 

      Watch for some of the Mass+Plus events that are being planned throughout this unique  program year, and plan to enrich your faith in some way.

      Thank you, Catholic Foundation of Michigan, for awarding an Impact Grant to St. Lucy's for our Fanning the Flame digital Faith Formation, R.C.I.A and Sacramental Prep outreach program! We are blessed by your support!