L. I. F. E.
Lifelong Intergenerational Faith-forming Experiences
What was formerly known as Religious Formation or CCD, is now called L.I.F.E. and is the way in which we provide religious education and faith formation for all the members of our parish community for those age four through adulthood.
Whatever your family and household looks like, and however it is configured, there is a place for you at L.I.F.E. While L.I.F.E. differs substantially from the religious education models that have been employed in the past, it has proven a valuable change as it connects parents and other adults in the parish to the religious formation of our children.
L.I.F.E. works to create and strengthen a sense of belonging to a community of believers who are lifelong learners, and it provides opportunities for the entire community to gather for experiences of prayer outside of the weekly Sunday liturgies.
While parental participation our monthly sessions may be considered an inconvenience by some, this kind of adult participation is a concrete means of strengthening the church in the home. L.I.F.E.’s inter-generational model of learning and formation assists families that learn and pray together to grow strong in their faith together.
View our 2011-2012 L.I.F.E. schedule
Sign Up to Be a L.I.F.E. Volunteer
Who is L.I.F.E. for?
Families with children: L.I.F.E. sessions are geared for participation by parents and children. At least one parent (or if circumstances require grandparent or other guardian) must be present to participate with children in pre-school (age four) through grade 5.
Families with children in need of preparation for sacraments: L.I.F.E. sessions are a required portion of the preparation for the celebration of sacraments for children attending non-parochial schools. Families must attend L.I.F.E. throughout the first grade year to be eligible to participate in preparation for sacraments during their child’s second grade year, which requires participation in L.I.F.E. and in parent/child Sacramental Prep Sessions. Ongoing involvement in L.I.F.E. sessions is required for those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, currently this includes children in their 3rd grade year.
Families with parochial school children: The Catholic school setting is a primary source of religious education for those who attend a parochial school in the area. While there is no requirement for families with children in parochial school to attend L.I.F.E. sessions they are welcomed to join us as a way of enriching their family faith formation experiences.
Adolescent learners: The participation of parents is not required for those in grades six through 12; however, the continued involvement of the adult members of households with adolescents is strongly encouraged.
Adult Learners: All of us, regardless of our age are encouraged by the church to renew, refresh and grow in our faith throughout the course of our lives. Every adult member of the parish is encouraged to participate in the L.I.F.E. as a way to enhance their understanding of our Catholic faith as a part of a non-threatening (no tests, no prior knowledge needed) community-based (other folks from the parish you really should get to know or get to know a little better) setting.
How can you draw together people with such diverse ages and meet the needs of all those involved?
Through a series of age appropriate learning activities which center on a yearly theme, the educational and developmental needs of the different age groups are met. These parallel learning groups are surrounded by time for a meal, group prayer and large group sharing across the generations. Middle school, high school and adult components are included in our monthly whole community times. Everyone is encouraged to join us for our meal and prayer, as well as, our learning components.
When does L.I.F.E. happen?
L.I.F.E. Sessions occur monthly from September to April on Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m.
What is the current theme?
The primary theme for this year’s sessions — PRAYER. We will be learning what prayer is, why prayer is important to the life and growth of all believers, and the ways we pray as individuals, families and as a Catholic community. As a result of the revision to the Roman Missal during the Fall we will be looking at the upcoming changes in the Mass - the central prayer for Catholics. We will look at ways that we pray during different Seasons of the Church Year, our devotional prayers as Catholics and in our April Session, which will occur on Palm Sunday, will focus on preparing ourselves to pray during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.
A primary goal is for participants to know why God is at work in our lives , to assist them in developing an understanding of what we, as Catholics, believe, and to clarify how we respond to God’s presence by our actions.