Contact:

Shawn Lucas | slucas@newmanparish.com

847-328-1430, x124

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"Raising children calls for an orderly process of handing on the faith. This is made difficult by current lifestyles, work schedules and complexity of today's world, where many people keep up a frenetic pace just to survive.

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Even so, the home must continue to be the place where we learn to appreciate the meaning and beauty of the faith, to pray and serve our neighbor. Family catechesis is of great assistance as an effective method in training young parents to be aware of their mission as the evangelizers of their own family."  - Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia #287

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What is a Family of Faith? 

 

Catechesis for the entire family! St. John Henry Newman parish utilizes A Family of Faith program by Sophia Institute to help develop strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of our Faith through the witness of Christian life given by their parents. Studies show that parental involvement in the faith-life of their child is by far the most important element in ensuring that a child develops into a practicing Christian.

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A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle: one pillar of the Catechism (The Profession of Faith, Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Prayer) is covered per year from September through May. Parents are given a detailed picture of authentic and vibrant Catholic family life, the tools to implement this life in their home, and age-appropriate readings, games, crafts, and other activities to help them instill among their children a love for Christ and His Church.

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​​Monthly Catechetical Sessions and Community Gathering

Families gather on ONE Sunday each month for an interactive and engaging catechesis session based on the month's topic.

When: One Sunday per month
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Where: St. Joan of Arc Campus

Details:

• Parents and children will begin with 60 minutes of separate catechesis.

• This will be followed by 30 minutes of family time, working together on the monthly activity.

• All will gather for our monthly Family Mass from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• From 11:30-12:30 a Parish Brunch will be offered.​

 

 

 

 

 

2025-2026 Curriculum:  The Sacraments

 
In every way, the Sacraments are about God's love, fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The seven Sacraments - the foundation of Christian living - are the focus of Volume II of Family of Faith.

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September 14 - Last Year Review

October 19 - What is a Sacrament

November 16 - The Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism

December 14 - The Sacrament of Confirmation

January 11 - The Holy Mass and the Effects of the Eucharist

February 22 - The Sacraments of Healing - Penance and Reconciliation

March 22 - Anointing of the Sick and the Triduum

April 12 - Holy Orders & Holy Matrimony

May 17 - Yearly Review

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Sacramental Preparation 

Children are required to receive two consecutive years of catechesis and sacrament preparation before receiving any sacraments. The normal course at St. John Henry Newman Parish is for children (who are baptized) to begin their preparation for First  Reconciliation & First Holy Communion in the 1st grade and receive their sacraments in the 2nd grade.  The same format follows for the sacrament of Confirmation.  Preparation typically begins during the student’s 7th grade year through their 8th grade year while receiving the sacrament in the spring of the 2nd year. 

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2nd grade students will meet for sacramental preparation classes on 12 total Sunday mornings - 6 Sundays in the Fall preparing for First Reconciliation & 6 Sundays in the Winter/Spring preparing for First Holy Communion.  Please refer here for the 2025-2026 classroom schedule.

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8th grade students in their second year of Confirmation preparation will meet for in-person preparation on Sunday Mornings once a month, the same morning as the planned Catechetical Sessions.

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Questions?  Click Below for some answers!

 

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Please contact Shawn Lucas with any questions.