Sample Some Resources!

As promised – we have tried to make this seamless and continuous from what we have already been doing as well as anticipatory and flexible.

There will be more content added from time to time -- so read -- pray -- and ask God to help you decide what your family needs this year.

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Why School of Sainthood?

Because our job as your local church is to support your church of the home. We call this the domestic church. We strive for holiness as individuals – but in and through the family we have been given by God.

We moved 6 years ago from Religious Education to Faith Formation. Then the pandemic and Renew My Church gave us an opportunity to launch some family pathway initiatives. Last year we added a new lens to that -- one of missionary discipleship and sainthood! We are bound for sainthood – so we need Schools of Sainthood. Just like international sports gather athletes who excel at that sport – we want to gather those who excel at striving for holiness. And holiness begins at home. Holy homes will bring us to and become Schools of Sainthood. And here we are!

SO – we are going to resource you (actually – we’re going to over-resource you) – and we’re going to take this in small bites. One Quarter at a time. We have no idea what your year or ours will look like – and the way to stay positive and anticipatory is to stay fluid and listen for needs. This is how your family at home works at its best. And this is how your family at Church desires to reflect and echo that.

You’ll be invited to continue to take whatever the next step is for you and your family.  And as time goes on, a disciple might accompany and walk with you. And we'll adjust according to needs and feedback. Most of you know and have affirmed this is where we were headed as a parish – even prior to our arrival. So we’re continuing on that journey – with a little more intentionality towards discipleship and evangelization.

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This experience will generally consist of:

1.) An Annual Parent/Adult Chat. Not an interview -- not a test -- not a hoop -- just a chat with Colleen for 59 minutes or less. And probably there will be snacks. We'll talk about what you'd like to see as your family's pathway to a deeper friendship with Jesus and to grow in holiness this year. We'll also talk about some in-hand resources:

• -Gospel Weeklies
• -Curriculum Guides
• -Other Pathway Resources per level
• -Most resources are bilingual and virtual this year -- per your request!

2.) Every participating family will receive a Regular Weekly Flocknote/Email which will include:

• -E-resources to help you at home
• -Online Website Access Pflaum Resources for Parents
• -52 Sundays Resources
• -Readings/Gospel for the upcoming Sunday

NOTE: We desire to honor your family schedule and rhythm. You can do all of this or very little of this. We’d encourage you to start small and build up to whatever you can.  And don't forget about Mass!

3.) An initial Family Prep Series of 4 SEEK sessions. This is the next step on your School of Sainthood pathway -- helping to model what to do at home! You'll do this once and it's for the whole family and at least 1 parent (babies, grandparents and other loving adult family members are welcome -- bring 'em all!).

All sessions take place beginning in Paluch Hall:
SEEK Option #1 -- Sundays in October 2024: 6, 13, 20, 27 (2-4pm)
SEEK Option #2 -- Thursdays in January 2025: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (6-8pm)
(We'll update-holding 1 Thursday in January in case of closure/weather)

4.) FREE Family Dinner Night (always in Paluch Hall from 5:30-7:30pm)
Pray--Eat--Talk--Family Project Together (all materials provided)
Attend at least 3 out of 6 -- but you're welcome at as many as you like! We might add a few more as the year progresses. We rotate the night of the week around so every family gets a shot at being available! You'll be asked via flocknote to officially RSVP each month for the specific date:

Tuesday November 19 OR Thursday, November 21 -- Preparing for Advent
Sunday, December 15 -- The Advent/Guadalupe/Gaudete Olympics!
Tuesday, February 25 -- Preparing for Lent
Monday, April 7 -- Mary & Continuing the Easter PARTY
Sunday, June 8* -- Pentecost/Happy 1992nd Birthday Catholic Church!
(*this one will be lunch following procession from 1:30-3pm*)

5.) Chicago Catholic Field Trip/Pilgrimage
These are always optional and on hold for 2024-25 -- but we live in a GREAT place FULL OF FREE Catholic stuff! We'll make you aware from time to time of some fun people, places, and things to visit!

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Sacraments will happen in the context of this journey – but no one needs to worry about anything during first quarter unless you hear otherwise from Colleen. We want you to ease in. We’ll be in touch with sacrament families separately after registration is complete. If your children are missing sacraments (even if they're in high school) – please email Colleen separately – we can take care of that as well. Additionally – if you are a family that has questions about an adult (over 18)  receiving sacraments, marriage, annulment, divorce, or getting your civil marriage convalidated ("blessed in the Church”), please also reach out to me privately and I will be glad connect you with the right person.

There will be optional opportunities to gather in family small groups/"apostolates" in person if desired every once in awhile. We will add very slowly and follow your family lead on this.

Lastly – a note on fees for this year – 2024-25 (Coming Soon)

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We have missed you. A lot. But we are finding more and more this is also a time that is inviting us to both return to basics and also make some things new. Including your family and our parish – so despite some of the hard things – we know God is here -- and we are ready to walk with you and your families this year as we encounter the person of Jesus together in both familiar and new ways!

Welcome to School of Sainthood! But really -- you're already here! :)

You are always welcome to share this information or to email Colleen directly with questions or concerns.

In Him Who has #Ransomed us,
colleen
[email protected]