"The Church teaches that the primary responsibility for the spiritual growth and development of the children rests first and foremost with the parents.  Parents may share this responsibility with others, but they do not relinquish it."  CCC #2223

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We look forward to seeing you at Mass

Learning about the faith and preparing for sacraments only makes sense when we are practicing our faith:  going to Mass every Sunday, praying daily, and letting God into our everyday lives.

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All FAMILY RESOURCES FOR SUMMER

Click here for info on the weeklong summer morning camp: Vacation Bible School 

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Interested in a local, in-person women's book club? Join us once a month to discuss a variety of good literature from a Catholic point of View.  We meet on select Tuesdays, once a month, from 10am - 11:30am in the Ministry Center.  Our group is inter-generational, with some women at different stages of mothering and others without children. Visit the website to sign up with the national organization (including the membership fee), The Well Read Mom, then contact Kristi at the office for more information.  Next meeting will be in September.

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The Church celebrates a National Eucharistic Congress THIS MONTH (July 2024) in Indianapolois.   Here's a great article about ways to participate in this historic event! Here are other ways to participate from in the revival with your children: 

The Catholic Scout committee has developed a patch that can be earned by Catholics of any age:  click here

Catholic Sprouts has developed a Eucharistic challenge:  click here.

Of course, there's Mass and devotions here at the parish: bring the little or not-so-little kids and join in.  See bulletin or home page for current Mass times.

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REGISTRATION FOR 2024-2025 FAMILY FAITH

Registration begins after July 29th, with a kickoff in August and classes to start in September. 

What to expect with Family Faith Formation at St. William?

• One parent or guardian attends the parent class at the same time as your registered child(ren). 
• It is usual for Catholic families to enroll all elementary children in a grade level class, even after receiving Sacraments.
• Babies, toddlers or preschool children are welcome to stay with their parent(s).
• Volunteers are appreciated, as none of this happens without them! Consider serving as a teacher or classroom aide.  A background check and Safe Environment training is included!
• Communication is primarily through Flocknote email and this website.
• Sacramental Preparation is a separate program and registration from family faith.  If you're looking for information about First Holy Communion, click here.

Please don't hesitate to contact Kristi at the office with any questions!

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RESOURCES for CATHOLIC PARENTS

PARENTS & TECHNOLOGY: For Parent and intergenerational resources on cybersafety, please click here.

Discussion, Recipes and a Family Challenge to go with every Sunday Mass from 52 Sundays

Looking for ideas and activities for ages 2-7?  Try out Catholic Icing

Find inspiration for the "spiritual journey to motherhood and beyond" at Prayer, Wine, Chocolate

This website seeks to create a community for Catholic parents through articles and more:  Catholic Mom

Interested in gathering with other Catholic families locally? We are looking for families to pilot Trinity House Communities.

Want an online "clubhouse" for your kids to learn and connect with other Catholic kids?  Check out Catholic Sprouts.

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Looking for a local homeschool group OR want to do religious education online through an established school?   Contact Kristi at the office for suggestions.

.St. William Parish Family Faith Formation works together with families to provide faith formation for children and their parents or guardians. Catechesis enables our faith to become living, conscious, and active -- especially through God’s Word in Scripture and the Tradition of the Catholic Church.  Catechesis is a life-long process for each individual, and the work of the entire Catholic community.

For more information, please contact:

Kristine Neumayer Jenkins
Director of Family Faith Formation

239-963-4795 or  click name to email

FAMILY FAITH MISSION

Our program strives to work together with you, to become closer in Christian community to live as Jesus taught us: through love, faithfulness, scripture, faith-sharing and example.

Children are introduced to God by the knowledge that everything around them comes from God. Growing within the security of their family it is the opportunity for parents to begin introducing stories of Jesus.  When you take your children to Mass with you, they began to realize this is a special place where we gather with friends to recognize the presence of God.  They watch you approach the altar to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and they also want to receive, to deepen their relationship with God.  Faith-filled events and daily recognition can permeate all of family life. The family - YOUR family - is where you begin to live out your faith in God:  through daily prayer, through learning to see God in the way you treat each other, through learning to trust God in everything that happens.

We at St. William’s recognize that you, as parents, are blessed to foster your children’s spiritual growth. We want to be your partner in this journey with your family, helping you find resources for your parenting in the faith.  We offer opportunities for children to learn about Catholicism through classes and events.  We offer opportunities for parents to be nourished in your faith and to form relationships with other practicing Catholics through our Family Faith Formation classes.  We expect regular Mass attendance, and offer strategies and encouragment for making it a meaningful experience of God.  These combined opportunities allow each member of your family to be nourished by the Church and to be able to nourish your children in their own faith journey. 

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Click here for the Family Faith Information Booklet.

Want to volunteer as a catechist, assistant or hall monitor?  Call Kristi, we'd love to help you serve!