Generations of Faith is a new, exciting, innovative program in faith formation for our parish. Faith Formation is a process of preparing all generations (from young children, families, teens, young adults all the way through to senior citizens and even includes the homebound parishioners) for meaningful participation in church events, engaging members in the events, reflecting on the significance and meaning of the event, and applying the learning to living as Catholics.

We feel fortunate to have been chosen as one of five parishes in the state to participate in this program.

• Create an integrated plan for lifelong faith formation utilizing the parish’s Church Year feasts and seasons, liturgical and sacramental celebrations, justice and service ministries, and community events
• Provide comprehensive faith formation for all ages – children, adolescents, young adults, and adults – and for all families through parish programs and home activities and resources
• Strategize for successful implementation of the faith formation plan and develop change strategies to introduce and sustain the innovations in the parish
• Create and conduct intergenerational and family learning programs for all ages
• Identify and utilize resources for home and parish faith formation for all generations
• Train parish staff and faith formation leaders in the knowledge and skills to create and conduct faith formation for all ages and generations

OUR HISTORY IN THE GENERATIONS OF FAITH PROJECT

• We applied to the Center for Ministry Development for acceptance into their Generations of Faith Project. We were one of five parishes in the state of New Jersey to be chosen for this five-year development program in faith formation.
• Our first meeting workshop was held in Ridgewood on April 6, 2002. At this workshop we learned more about the program and how to introduce it to our parish. Our assignment was to analyze our present programs and determine themes for the future.
• We met several times in our parish to determine how we would complete this assignment. We chose themes for the first three years and a list of tentative events that might help us to reach our goals.
• At the next workshop held on June 18, in New Vernon, we reviewed three-year curriculum plans and learned more about how to implement the theme and events chosen.
• Again we met several times in our parish to refine our project plans and determine how to incorporate more members of our community in the planning process.

An overview of the theme and events for the first three years can be found here. Please check back frequently as more information becomes available.