Generations of Faith FAQs

For the safety and well-being of all, we are adapting our GOF program model for this year. Our current plans are based on governmental and diocesan regulations and they could change if these regulations change. After a ton of research, creativity and hard work, we are really excited about what we will offer this year: the opportunity to engage in a powerful learning experience, grow deeply in faith, have lots of fun, and stay safe.

We've compiled the following FAQ's to help you make the most informed decision about participating in GOF this year.

Will we be gathering monthly this year, as we usually do? When will the schedule be available? Yes, we will be gathering monthly this year. We plan to gather on Saturdays from 3:30-5:00pm and Sundays from 10:30-12:00pm. Families are invited to attend Mass either after the Saturday session or before the Sunday session. A tentative schedule is available on our GOF landing page - it lays out the week we will be gathering each month. Our first GOF gatherings will take place the weekend of October 23. Each month we will send you an email with directions for signing up for the session of your choice. At that point, you will choose the specific day/time that you will attend GOF for that month.

Will we be gathering in-person or virtually this year? As this time, we are only offering an onsite option. If you choose to participate, each month your household will register for either the Saturday or Sunday gathering. We will practice all current safety guidelines at each session.

For the onsite gatherings, what is the maximum number of households who can participate in a particular session? We will have to limit the number of households at each session per state and diocesan guidelines, but this number is yet to be determined and will be based on the number of families and the building's capacity.

For the onsite gatherings, will I be able to choose the day/time that my household will participate each month? Or will I be assigned a day/time? You will be able to choose. Once you have registered for GOF, each month you will receive an email with directions for choosing your session.

What will the check-in procedures for onsite gatherings look like this year? Each individual household will be greeted at the lobby entrance to church, signed in, and escorted to our gathering space in the Social Hall. We ask you to be patient and practice social distancing as you wait to be greeted.

Will I have to fill out some kind of screening form for my household before coming to each onsite session? This is dependent on guidelines from the state and diocese and is yet to be determined.

Will we be wearing face masks at the onsite sessions? Yes. For the safety and well-being of all, and in line with Diocesan regulations, face masks will be worn. Since we are a family-based program and children will be present, we will follow CDC, NYS, and diocesan recommendations. Face masks must be worn up over the nose. You must have your face mask on when you exit your car.

For the onsite sessions, where will we be meeting? How will the space be set up to accommodate social distancing? We will be meeting in the Social Hall, Church, and classrooms. We will maintain the recommended 3ft for social distancing.

What's the general format of each session? You can expect the best of what you are used to - beginning and ending with prayer, engaging opening activities, interactive deep learning around that month's focus, and follow-up to support your household's continued learning between sessions.

Will we be breaking out into smaller groups according to age, as we have done in past years? This is our plan! We value the small group approach and recognize the importance of meeting all of our families needs. These plans are fluid and flexible, however. We have an excellent multi-age curriculum to engage, educate and enrich learners of all ages and styles. that can be adapted as needed.

How long is each onsite gathering? Plan for 1.5 hours per onsite gathering. You're invited to attend Mass either after or before the sessions.

Will I need to bring my own Bible? If you have a favorite Bible, please bring it! We will be using our Bibles at every gathering. We will provide a Bible for each household to use throughout the year.

Will there be food at the onsite gatherings? At this time, we are not able to offer a shared meal. We are looking into alternate possibilities that include a light, healthy snack and drink.

How do I register my household for GOF this year? You'll find directions and a link to register online on our GOF landing page

What is the cost? Registration fees do not cover the cost of our program. Due to a generous donation, we are able to lower the registration fee for GOF this year to $25.00 per person, with a maximum of $75.00 per household (Children 4-years old and under are always free!) Cost should never prevent participation. If cost is an issue, please contact Anne Miller or Chrisi Young at 518-765-2805 / stmatthewsfaithdevelopment@verizon.net. All conversations are treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

I'm an adult without school-aged children. Why should I come to Generations of Faith? GOF 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 GOF with their children? At their child's baptism, parents accept the responsibility of raising their children in the Christian faith. GOF 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.

At what age should my child begin participating in GOF? It is our hope that by the time your child is in kindergarten, your household is enrolled in GOF. 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 small children welcome at GOF? Will there be a nursery this year? Our parish's littlest angels are always welcome at GOF! For the safety and well-being of all, at this time we are not be able to offer a nursery option for the coming year.

My child will be enrolling in First Communion prep this year. Should we also be enrolling in GOF? 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 we also be enrolling in GOF? Confirmation Candidates and their families are invited and encouraged to attend GOF sessions, but are not required to do so.

Who do I contact with questions? We welcome your questions! Contact us at 518-765-2805 / stmatthewsfaithdevelopment@verizon.net