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 Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) is an innovate program that provides faith formation for families at IHM. Our parish community supports our parents in their endeavors to give their faith and make it come alive in the family's everyday life.
Families with children ages 4th through 6th grade participate at one of two times Thursday or Sunday. See our Youth Ministry pages for information of our program for grades 7-12.
Our 4 x 4 + 2 program for K through 6thgrade students:
4x4= Children and parents attend Four, Four week quarters of (Sixteen) classes. Led by trained catechists, children are in age level groups of 15, while parents participate in adult faith formation offerings. They choose from a session on Sunday morning at 10:15 am or Thursday evening at 6:30 pm.
+2= Plus 2 outreach projects worked on as a family. The heart of our faith is lived in service to others. We ask families to choose at least two charitable activities to participate in together. Existing parish or community outreach activities are encouraged (i.e. clothing or food drive, the AIDs walk, Hunger Walk, Giving Tree.) This counts as class attendance.
PLUS= Attend Faith Festivals which are held throughout the year. These events are designed for an intergenerational audience. They include activities to help us understand more about our faith as well as get to know our fellow parishioners. The week before the event we provide “homework” materials to help your family prepare for the upcoming event. When the event is finished families are given a follow up “homework” assignment or project to be completed together and turned in for attendance credit.
We use lectionary-based materials (the Finding God texts) combined with home activities and Faith Festivals.
Class Times
Grades pre-K thru 6 Sunday 10:15-11:15 am
Adult Program Sunday 10:15-11:15 am
Grades 1-6 Thursday 6:30-7:30 pm
Grades 7 & 8 Thursday 6:30-7:30 pm
High School Thursday 6:30-7:30 pm
Adult Program Thursday 6:30-730 pm
Home Study
Immaculate Heart of Mary offers the Home Study Program for those who desire to teach religious education to their children, grades 1 through 6, in the home. Families desiring the Home Study program must be committed to spending weekly time in preparation along with time for discussion with their child for the “in home” sessions as well as participating in Faith Festivals and outreach projects.
Home Study Requirements:
- One or both parents must attend parent meeting in the fall
- Must turn in assignments quarterly
- Family must attend Faith Festivals
- Must turn in Faith Festival “homework.”
- Family attends Family Game Night for year-end assessment to receive credit for completing the program. Through our Catholic game, children and parents will demonstrate their faith knowledge in an exciting way.
Parent Expectations
As we partner with you these few things will ensure our success!
1. Ensure that their children attend class regularly and on time.
2. Participate as a family in Faith Festivals offered throughout the year and complete family “homework” prior to and after the event. These activities count as class attendance for your child.
3. Communicate any special needs or circumstances that may affect their child within the classroom.
4. Participate in one of the adult offerings taking place while your child is in class.
5. Be an active part of their children’s learning by reading parent handouts, newsletters and becoming familiar with online resources for your child: www.findingGod.org
6. Participate at Mass on a weekly basis.
7. Check the parish bulletin, the parish website and the e-weekly (e-mail newsletter) for updates and changes to the G.I.F.T. Calendar.
8. Pray individually and as a family for your community and the world.
Attendance at the GIFT program or home study is a prerequisite for and requirement of our sacramental preparation processes (i.e. First Reconciliation and First Communion.)
Sacramental Preparation is held separately from G.I.F.T. classes. For further information see the Sacrament Registration Packet under Frequently Used Forms.
Contacts
Miranda James
Director of Faith Formation
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404-636-1418 ext. 223
Alicia Guerrero
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404-636-1418 ext. 227
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