- I’m an adult without children. Why should I come to Generations of Faith? Generations of Faith offers adults the opportunity to delve deeply into the riches of our Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions within a dynamic community of diverse learners. In so doing, we seek to support and empower you on your lifelong faith journey. And we seek to soak up your wisdom and witness of faith!
- Why do parents have to attend with their children? At their child’s baptism, parents accept the responsibility of raising their children in the Christian faith. Generations of Faith is designed to support and empower parents in this responsibility. What’s more, our experience teaches us that children whose parents are involved in their faith education (as teachers and co-learners) are much more likely to grow into adults who embrace and actively practice their faith. We do understand that there may be situations in which parents are unable to attend with their children. In such situations, we ask that a responsible adult who is involved in the child’s life (i.e. a grandparent) attend in the parent’s place.
- At what age should my child begin participating in Generations of Faith? It is our hope that by the time your child is in kindergarten, your household is enrolled in Generations of Faith. It is our experience that the earlier children begin learning and growing in faith, the better prepared they are to understand and embrace the sacramental and developmental milestones along their faith journey.
- Are babies and very young children welcome at Generations of Faith? Absolutely! Our parish's littlest angels are always welcome at Generations of Faith. Many parents choose to take advantage of our nursery service. Others prefer to keep their small children with them during sessions.
- My child will be enrolling in First Communion prep this year. Should our household also enroll in Generations of Faith? Yes. Households with children preparing for First Communion are expected to attend GOF sessions.
- My child will be enrolling in Confirmation prep this year. Should our household also enroll in Generations of Faith? Confirmation candidates and their families are invited and encouraged to attend GOF sessions, but are not required to do so.
- How do I register for Generations of Faith? Fill out the Generations of Faith registration form and return it to the parish office with the registration fee. Visit our Generations of Faith page where you can download and print a copy or pick up a registration form in the parish office. The fee is $35.00 per person (maximum fee per household is $140.00.) Cost should never prevent participation. If cost is an issue, please contact Joy Galarneau, Pastoral Associate for Faith Development (contact information below). All conversations are treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.
- What kind of volunteer opportunities are available through Generations of Faith? Our program’s success is built on the treasures of time and talent shared by volunteers. Volunteers lead or assist with: children’s deep-learning breakout sessions; hospitality, meal prep, setup; cleanup; and on and on...If you are interested in joining the Generations of Faith volunteer team, please see our ministry page.
- Who should I contact with questions? Joy Galarneau, Pastoral Associate for Faith Development, will be very happy to answer your questions: call 518-765-2805 Ext. 19 or email stmatthewsfaithdevelopment@verizon.net.