Last updated: July 2010
On this page:
Adult Faith Formation
· Church History (NEW)
· A Quick Journey through the Bible
· Wednesday Bible Study
· The Labyrinth Project
· Men’s Discussion Group
· Lenten Small Discussion Groups
· Echoes of Faith
· Archdiocesan Faith Formation Offerings
Whole Community Catechesis
· Advent Whole Community Catechesis Event
· Teaching Mass
· Lenten Parish Mission
· Question of the Week
Marriage Enrichment
Adult Education
Holy Family strives to offer a variety of quality adult faith formation opportunities to fit the diverse demographics of the parish. These opportunities are to help adults grow spiritually, intellectually, and faithfully.
If you would like to help organize an event, or participate in any of the following programs, contact Ricardo Valdez at the parish office or via email.
Church History (NEW) – Fall 2010:
Do you know your family history? The history of the Church is the story of our family. It is the epic story of our ancestors in the Faith – the heroic men and women who shaped civilization and spread the Gospel throughout the world. Knowing this story is crucial to our identity as Catholics. Knowledge of our Catholic story helps provide meaning to the present, and the present determines the future. Learning 2,000 years of history can be a daunting task – but with Epic: A Journey through Church History, you can easily learn the amazing story of the Church in twenty short sessions. Click here to learn more about the Epic program.
(http://www.catholictimeline.com/AboutEpic/TheStudy/tabid/62/Default.aspx)
The cost of the materials is $25 (couples are aloud to share materials). To register online click here or stop by the parish information center to sign up. The deadline for registration is September 20, 2010. Contact Ricardo Valdez with any questions.
The 2010/2011 series will be held on Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
| Date | Session | Date | Session |
| Sept 30th | Introduction & Mustard Seed | Dec 16th | Weak Leaders & Schism – Part I |
| Oct 7th | Persecution – Part I | Jan 6th | Weak Leaders & Schism – Part II |
| Oct 14th | Persecution – Part II | Jan 13th | Protestors & Defenders – Part I |
| Oct 21st | Conversion & Councils – Part I | Jan 20th | Protestors & Defenders – Part II |
| Octo 28th | Conversion & Councils – Part II | Jan 27th | The Catholic Reformation – Part I |
| Nov 4th | Missionaries & the Emperor – Part I | Feb 3rd | The Catholic Reformation – Part II |
| Nov 11th | Missionaries & the Emperor – Part II | Feb 10th | Revolutions & Modernism |
| Nov 18th | Crusaders & Scholars – Part I | Feb 17th | A World at War |
| Dec 2nd | Crusaders & Scholars – Part II | Feb 24th | The New Springtime |
| Dec 9th | Crusaders & Scholars – Part III | Mar 3rd | The Threshold of Hope & Conclusion |
A Quick Journey through the Bible – Fall 2010:
This Bible Timeline study is basic enough to suit those who haven’t studied the Bible before while at the same time offering ways to go deeper that will challenge the Bible study veteran. In this 8-part DVD series presented by Jeff Cavins, salvation history is covered from its beginning in Genesis through the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church. Group discussion questions, maps and charts, and brief assignments for home study will help you better understand the bible. This is a great way to “get your feet wet” and learn how to begin authentic Catholic Bible study.
The cost of the materials is $25 (couples are aloud to share materials). To register online click here or stop by the parish information center to sign up. The deadline for registration is September 20, 2010. Contact Ricardo Valdez with any questions.
The Fall 2010 series will be held on Tuesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in parish library.
| Date | Title | Date | Title |
| Sept 28th | Introduction | Oct 26th | Conquest and Judges |
| Oct 5th | Early World | Nov 2nd | Divided Kingdom, Exile |
| Oct 12th | Patriarchs | Nov 9th | Return, Maccabean Revolt |
| Oct 19th | Egypt and Exodus | Nov 16th | Messianic Fulfillment, The Church |
Wednesday Bible Study – Fall, Winter, Spring:
This bible study is open to all interested persons. There are three series this year each lasting six weeks. The group uses a chosen book which helps them read scripture and create discussion points. The only cost is for the book (approximately $15 depending on book selection).
The sessions are Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
Fall 2010 Series—Book to be determined
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
Winter 2010 Series—Book to be determined
November 10, 17, 24
December 1, 8, 15
Lenten 2011 Series—Book to be determined
March 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13
The Labyrinth Project – March 2010:
The labyrinth offered at Holy Family is unlike the traditional meditative labyrinth. On this prayer path, a narration guides participants to reflect and pray as they journey through eleven progressive stations designed to aid in identifying and removing the barriers that encumber one’s relationship with God and others, reflect on God’s goodness and love, and renew one’s commitment to God and to bringing His love to our world in our own unique way. (This is consistent with the inward journey, center, outward journey design of labyrinths in general.) Finally, participants have an opportunity to write a response to God (the true host of their journey) based on all that has happened in the labyrinth. The concept of journeying, both as individuals and in relationship with others, is emphasized throughout the meditation.
There will be day and evening opportunities (dates subject to change):
February 10/11/12
Men’s Discussion Group – all year round:
This group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 in the Conference Room. Various topics are discussed in this group.
Lenten Small Discussion Groups:
These groups are formed by the commonality of available times and range in size of 7 to 10 making them an intimate group. Parishioners are also welcome to form their own groups. These discussion groups meet once a week through Lent (6 weeks) using a book specially designed for small groups (or adapted). While there is no cost to join the group, each participant is responsible for the cost of the book which usually ranges from $10 to $15 (contact the Faith Formation office if cost is an issue).
The facilitator takes the responsibility of contacting the other group members and helping the discussion move along. If you would be interested in facilitating a small group, contact Ricardo Valdez at the parish office or via email to make arrangements to participate in a brief training.
Refer to this site or the parish bulletin in mid February 11’ to see how you can sign up to participate in a Lenten Small Group.
Echoes of Faith:
Echoes of Faith is a basic-level, video-assisted resource for the formation, training, and enrichment of adults who have taken responsibility for handing on the Catholic faith, especially catechists in parish, and for any adult seeking to better understand his/her faith. Participants would receive a workbook and participate in led discussions surrounding the theme of the particular session.
There is $15 fee for each offering to cover the cost of the student text. People interested in attending must register by calling the faith formation office at least a week before a desired class is to begin.
Liturgy and the Sacraments - 2010
Saturday, November 6—9:00 am—2:00 pm—Parish Library
(Please register by October 25th 2010 to Ricardo Valdez)
Getting Started as a Catechist
TBA (if you’d like to do this on your own, contact Ricardo Valdez for more information)
Roles of the Catechist
TBA (if you’d like to do this on your own, contact Ricardo Valdez for more information)
CLI Courses:
The Church Leadership Institute is the vehicle for enabling individuals to prepare for leadership (ex. Catechists, assistants, adult faith formation leaders, etc.) in the Church through developing their theological understanding, personal and spiritual formation and ministerial leadership skills. It offers each participant the following:
- Deepening of personal faith in Jesus and commitment to the Church
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of Scripture and Catholic teaching
- Development of sound pastoral judgment and sensitivity in relating with people
- Fostering a spirit and outlook that enables people to collaborate effectively with clergy, religious and laity in carrying out the Mission of the Church
- Enhancement of skills in a particular area of ministry
For more information on the program go to www.archbalt.org and click on the Church Leadership Institute link under Ministry Formation or click here. (http://www.archbalt.org/ministries-offices/minform/CLI/index.cfm)
Central Maryland Formation Day – March 2011:
This year’s Formation Day will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011. Due to increased fees at Mount St. Mary University, there will be a new location (TBA). Adult and teen parishioners are encouraged to attend. More details to come closer to the event.
Baltimore’s Archdiocesan Institute – October 2010:
This year’s institute will be held Saturday, October 9th 2010 at Archbishop Spalding High School Severn, MD. Adult and teen parishioners are encouraged to attend. More details to come closer to the event.
Adult Faith Formation Committee:
We encourage any adult to join the Adult Faith Formation Committee. The committee meets throughout the year to organize and evaluate adult faith formation events. Contact Ricardo Valdez in the parish office for more information.
Whole Community Catechesis
A phrase that is being used in the Catholic Church is “life long faith formation.” This is referring to the fact that even after you have received the sacraments of initiation, you are still called to serve and grow in the mission of our Baptism. This applies to teens who have just been confirmed, those raising children, those adoring grandchildren, and more. Because of this, all Christians should continually seek to grow their faith; this is why Holy Family has chosen to present whole community catechesis (WCC) events to our community. The WCC Events offer social, educational, and spiritual experiences for all ages to grow in their faith.
Advent Whole Community Catechesis Event – December 2010:
This Whole Community Catechesis offers a potluck meal, group prayer, age appropriate activities relating to the liturgical season and catechetical theme, and time for group discussion and reflection between peers and families.
With the help of the “whole community” this event is planned and carried out. Parishioners and ministries are asked to assume responsibility for various aspects of the event. Anyone interested can contact Ricardo Valdez or the Faith Formation Office.
Sunday, December 5 5:00 pm (date and time are subject to change)
Registration normally starts a month before the scheduled WCC event. Watch the bulletin for more information.
Teaching Mass – February 2011:
The teaching mass is an opportunity for anyone who has wondered “why we do that” during a Catholic mass. While celebrating mass the priest will take the congregation step by step explaining what is being done and the significance of the actions and words. Afterwards, there will be a question and answer session to address questions that may not have been covered during Mass.
February 11 6:30pm Church
Lenten Parish Mission – March 2011:
Details of the mission will be published on this page as soon as details become available. The mission will reach out to the various age levels of the parish. It will take place sometime mid March 2011.
Stations of the Cross – March-April 2011:
During Lent, the Stations of the Cross are prayed in the church each Friday at 7:30 pm. Parishioners can sign up to participate in the reading parts of each station. There will be one night that Stations will be led by High School and Middle School youth and another night led by children K-5 and their parents.
Question of the Week:
The question of the week is provided on the home page of the parish website and the weekly bulletin. There is a question for adults and a question for children that relates to the Sunday’s readings’ theme. Each Parishioner is invited to reflect on the question of the week, and then engage in conversation with family, friends, and community members about their thoughts both on the Sunday reading and the question of the week.
Marriage Enrichment
Links:
