Children, Youth & Family Ministry
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Survey of Parentson Faith Formation at Newman
Over half of all Newman families with children in faith formation took part in a recent survey on Newman’s faith formation program, an excellent and valid response rate. Many offered valuable detailed comments about their experience, another positive sign of engagement. Click the link below to read a summary of the survey results. Some of these parents met with Friar Tim on Thursday, November 17 to discuss the findings from the recent survey.
During the meeting Jan Vallero, a parishioner and former director of catechesis for the Diocese of Raleigh and for St. Thomas More and Newman parishes, summarized the broad strokes of the survey results. The survey showed great appreciation for the community- and relationship- building aspects of faith formation at Newman; for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd particularly; and for the involvement of UNC students at all levels of the program. The survey also revealed a thirst for deeper knowledge of our faith and content-driven formation, particularly during proximate preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation, for both students and parents.
Friar Tim outlined the challenges facing Newman as it sustains a high-quality faith formation program at the heart of Newman’s parish life. Scheduling presents several pressing challenges: the length of formation sessions for elementary school children; the best times and days for middle school and high school; choosing times that support attending Mass as a family; and the real constraints of working within the framework of a campus ministry program. Other critical issues include the need for continuing faith formation for catechists; the specialized requirements of training, space, and schedule for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; and the possibility of collaboration with St. Thomas More Parish for certain aspects such as catechist formation and larger projects or events.
The next steps are for Friar Tim and the Newman staff to finalize a job description for a new full-time director of faith formation; form a search committee; and advertise the position, with the hope of a new hire by May 2023.
Read a summery of the survey responses here. . . -
Share the Joy of Growing in God
Newman offers groups for Parents and Children (ages 3-18) so that the entire family can share the joy of growing in God together!
Newman assists parents and their children of all ages to experience God together. As parents and a parish community, we are guided by the spiritual values of childhood and adolescence — the contemplation and enjoyment of God and the desire to make a complete gift of oneself in the home, in the church, and in the world.
NEWMAN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is the Montessori method applied to religious education. It is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the atrium in which the tangible materials become an aid to the child’s prayer.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY):
Level I (Age 2 through Kindergarten)
Level II (1st and 2nd Grade)CLASSROOM-STYLE CHILDREN'S GROUPS (UPPER ELEMENTARY, 3RD TO 5TH GRADE): Join our talented group of UNC Student Catechists each week for an interactive, faith-filled learning environment as we discover what it means to be a young disciple
FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION (2ND GRADE/OLDER): In addition to participating in weekly Catechesis, children and parents will share in prep sessions outside of their weekly group. This will include a Parent Orientation in January, and four weekday night sessions during Lent. Registration will take place in following Parent Orientation.
NEWMAN YOUTH MINISTRY
MIDDLE SCHOOL (6TH TO 8TH GRADE): Join our faith-filled group of UNC Student Catechists each week this fall for an interactive, supportive community of middle-school friends growing in relationship with God.
HIGH SCHOOL SMALL FAITH GROUPS (9TH TO 12TH GRADE): Join our faith-filled group of UNC Student Catechists each week this fall for our High School Small Faith Groups (SFG)! This is a group of 6-10 students who will meet together all year long with their Catechists to grow in friendship and faith together.
CONFIRMATION (10TH GRADE/OLDER): In addition to participating in a weekly group for two or more years (9th & 10th grade), High School teens participate in Confirmation prep sessions which include a Parent Orientation in Januaryl and four to five prep sessions during Lent. Registration will take place following Parent Orientation.
WEEKLY PARENT SMALL FAITH GROUPS: Join other parents who meet each week while your children are at Catechesis. It’s a laid-back time to catch up with one another over coffee, read the Sunday Gospel together, talk about life, and pray for one another. For more information, contact [email protected].