Evaluations of the 2006-2007 year

Tell the rest of us about this year:
1) Some things about the time, space, schedule.
Perfect fit for our family - great location- beautiful mass afterwards (SD)

all good. (MKB)

Time and place are great. I do wish there was more time together but I'm not sure we could get there any earlier. Possible idea: would it be possible to come back for a post-mass wrap-up? (KB)

Time was fine, space adequate though when there were messier items, made the end a bigger scramble as to not leave a mess for the Sisters. Schedule worked fine as well (teacher RE)

I like the time, space and schedule. If I could change one thing -- and I'm not sure about this, because I don't know if my family could handle it, I'd add more time -- maybe brunch after worship? I'm not sure actually, whether my kids could hold it together that long, but I guess what I'm really saying is that I find our time together nourishing and would love more of it. The space at St. Cate's is very pleasant, and it feels good to be connected to a worshipping community. (MH)

The time is fine, the schedule fine, and the space in the administration center is fine. I did enjoy meeting in the coffee shop. (EF)

2) What you got out of and what your children got out of faith formation
Our children understand much more of the 'why' of the church rituals and teachings. This method of 'educating' the family allows us to learn and apply concepts in a way that allows us to appreciate the heritage of this faith. Exploring the history of teachings connects all of us to a significant process - of THE CHURCH in a way that hasn't been done in our experience. Although I still find 'belonging to THE CHURCH & the catholic faith a daily challenge, this faith formation process has provided a tenuous cord that has kept me/us connected. It has also engaged the children in a creative and excited way - and allows them to see ideas and concepts they discuss play out immediately in mass following their lessons. (SD)

Gives us an impetus to talk about God. Have started talking about the Gospel reading sometimes during the week before Mass. Kids love the questions. (We do too.) (MKB)

The most important things that we take away is ideas for ways to bring faith practices home and use them everyday. Since it's only me showing the kids our faith @ home I am not sure without the ideas and support from the others in the group how strong my resolve would stay or how often I would say "we'll just skip that this year." Often we use our Good News and Venture pages as a way to prepare for Sunday. We prepared for Christmas using the calendar with a daily advent prayer and song as we lit the advent wreath each morning (best time of day for us). This was a suggestion from the group. During lent the kids took turns reading a doing an activity from the booklet you gave us. I think from our Faith Formation the kids learn not only what we do but why we do it. They enjoy it and look forward to going. We love the 10 question game while brunching. A lot is learned and ice is broken. (KB)

always get a greater sense of community from the group and makes me feel part of a large and diverse extended family. I do think of things to do differently but then run out of time to do them. (teacher RE)

The most important things are probably the least tangible. It's been CRUCIAL that our kids are around other families who care about faith formation, going to church, thinking about deep questions, exploring scripture. Sharing food together, enjoying the trivia games, reading the gospel weeklies in between times -- those are all good, too, but the really key thing is sharing time with other families in this pursuit. (MH)

The best thing I get out of faith formation is being with people who want to grow in their faith and spirituality. I really like being a part of that. I also like being with young families with children. Hearing the children as they participate in the games and discussions is tremendous. I cannot say that I have changed much around home other than making sure I do not work on the first Sunday of the month. Knowing we are going to be talking about the Sunday gospel is an encouragement to read it beforehand. (EF)

3) Do you want to continue our meetings next year? Anything special you do or do not want included next year?
This is a very meaningful experience for us! I'd love to do Edwards first communion preparation in this 'family group' for that matter, it would be really cool to do a penance preparation for the families too. I know this may require extra 'time' and energy for our devoted leader - - but this group is our entire Catholic context beyond our practicing grandparents. Even being raised in our large suburban parish - we still made FC in our HOME with a big party and a home mass. Oh well, it was the 70's. (SD)

Yes please let's continue! We need some new games/questions/people. (MKB)

Yes, we would like to continue going. As far as what to add; this may be on a more personal level but I learned the most when I was responsible for some portion of the information. (advent) I think maybe that's something I need to commit to. Having an overview of monthly topics might help. I always seem to be under the gun a little bit, and if I had all month I would have more time. Possibly a question to answer or a direction to head or a resource to find as we leave to get us going for the next month.(KB)

I enjoy it, I will be around though in the fall I don't know how things will go for me so I'll need to be flexible. (teacher RE)

Yes, of course! The time, place, content are all good. I'd like to figure out a way -- as a group -- to give you at least some stipend for the work you do with us. I'll try and work on that when I get back to the states. (MH)

I want to continue our meetings. I also want to continue with the adult discussion. There's getting to be a good spirit among us. (EF)

4) Is there a summer pilgrimage or picnic in the future for us? Include your ideas.
I don't know that I'd recommend changing the context or process - there would never be enough time for the adult conversation... it is so rich... perhaps explore the idea of quarterly 5 pm mass followed by a pot luck at a home...would be a nice twist... (SD)

Summer picnic & pilgrimage. . .yes definitely but where? We should discuss this. I've never been to a temple but I know you went another time. The Basilica? (MKB)

Picnic great! No Ideas. I'll bring BBQ ribs and Corn. Although I can't remember how many Vegetarians we have so maybe that's not a good idea. Let me know. (KB)

Anywhere a fat pregnant person can get to without much effort :) (teacher RE)

Sure -- that would be fun! I hope you'll wait until we're back in town... Maybe a picnic in a park in late August? I like the pilgrimage, too, and miss the ones we used to do at IHM. (MH)

I think a trip to the Basilica or the Cathedral would be nice. It would give us a chance to see the "larger" church. After we see the "larger" church, perhaps St. Stephen's would be open to us visiting them. As you recall I was baptized at St. Stephen's, although it was a much different parish 60 years ago. Even attending their Eucharist would be enlightening.

OTHER
Now I have a question for you--does Nancy enjoy teaching the kids or would she rather we rotate that role? I feel guilty sometimes that she takes the brunt of that on her shoulders. She does a great job but I don't want her to feel that once started in this role that she can never be out of it. (KB)

I am also interested in financially supporting your contribution of time/talent and wondering how that fits into the whole of this work! It's something I keep bringing up but not following up on at all. (SD)