Embedded Files
Why the Change This Year
Why the Change This Year
At the start of the year, home study sessions were not part of the plan. I recognize that these were introduced without much explanation.
This adjustment was made in response to unexpected disruptions, including inclement weather, marathon weekends that affected travel, and multiple parish events that required my presence. Rather than cancel sessions or extend the year into June, home study provided a way to maintain consistency.
Formation Hour Requirement
Formation Hour Requirement
The Diocese requires a minimum of 40 hours of formation each year.
This year, we have:
21 sessions
1.5 hours per session
Total: 31.5 hours
In previous years, we have operated with fewer total hours. While our schedule of not meeting every Sunday has worked well, it does not meet the full requirement on its own.
How We Are Meeting the Requirement
How We Are Meeting the Requirement
To address this, I introduced family-based home study sessions.
These sessions:
Make up the remaining required hours
Prevent extending the program into late June
Avoid added scheduling challenges for families
What to Expect Next Year
What to Expect Next Year
For the upcoming year, this will be a planned part of the program.
You can expect:
A combination of in-person and home study sessions
Home study scheduled for three-day weekends and school breaks
Use of home study during inclement weather or scheduling conflicts
This approach allows us to meet requirements while keeping a clear and manageable schedule that concludes in May.
What is Family Formation
What is Family Formation
The Diocese is encouraging parishes to move from a strictly classroom model to a family formation model.
Family formation means:
Parents and guardians are actively involved in teaching the faith
The parish provides structure, guidance, and resources
Learning continues in the home, not only in the classroom
Our home sessions include teaching, reflection, and activities designed to be completed together. This ensures that formation is shared between parish and family.
Alignment with Church and Diocesan Guidelines
Alignment with Church and Diocesan Guidelines
Our program, including both in-person sessions and family home study, follows the Diocese of Brooklyn curriculum guidelines and is structured around the Six tasks of catechesis identified by the Church.
These tasks include:
Knowledge of the faith
Participation in the liturgy and sacraments
Moral formation
Learning to pray
Living in Christian community
Missionary discipleship
The same way our textbook series is selected to align with these standards, the home study sessions are intentionally designed using these same principles.
This approach reflects the wider teaching of the Church. Catechesis is meant to form the whole person and to be lived in the home, with parents as the primary educators of their children.
Why Parent Participation Matters
Why Parent Participation Matters
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith.
What children learn in class is strengthened when it is:
Discussed at home
Practiced regularly
Modeled by their parents
When families are involved, children are more likely to understand, retain, and live what they are learning.
What is Expected of Families
What is Expected of Families
Each home session is designed to take approximately 45–60 minutes.
Parents or guardians are expected to:
Review the material with their child
Guide discussion using the provided questions
Complete the assigned activity together
Parents are not expected to be experts. Each session includes clear instructions and guidance.
Tracking Participation
Tracking Participation
Home study sessions count toward required formation hours.
Completion is recorded through the assigned activity or submission indicated in each session. These must be completed by the stated deadline.
Role of Catechists
Role of Catechists
Catechists continue to lead in-person sessions and remain essential to the program.
They support family formation by:
Reinforcing key teachings in class
Being available for questions and follow-up
Balanced Approach
Balanced Approach
This is a hybrid model.
In-person instruction remains essential. Home study sessions are meant to complement, not replace, what is taught in class.
Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental Preparation
This structure will remain in place during sacramental years, including preparation for First Holy Communion.
Both in-person and home sessions are part of that preparation and are necessary for readiness to receive the sacrament.
What May Be Added Next Year
What May Be Added Next Year
The general format of family sessions will remain the same.
After proper training and preparation, we may also introduce:
Brief live Google Meet check-ins with catechists
These would provide support, connection, and an opportunity for questions while maintaining flexibility.
Invitation to Collaborate
Invitation to Collaborate
I am continuing to develop and strengthen this model so that it serves our families well.
If you are a parent with experience in education and would be open to assisting or collaborating, I would welcome your insight. Your perspective can help improve how we support both children and families in their formation.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you are interested.
Report abuse