Family of Faith Ministry OverviewEncountering CHRIST as A Family![]() St. Joseph Parish/Old Mission San JoseFAMILY OF FAITH MINISTRYEncountering CHRIST as A FamilyWELCOME to St. Joseph Family of Faith Ministry. Families are the central focus of the St. Joseph Family of Faith Ministry (FFM). FFM is an effective family-based program that provides catechists, parents, and children with resources and guidance in catechesis for the whole family. This is a 4-year series that follows the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Once a family has gone through all four years, the cycle simply begins again when the children are four years older. We believe faith begins in the home and parents are the primary educators and role models of the faith for their children. Their role in the formation of Christian values in their children is irreplaceable. Parents become more confident in sharing their faith with their children, encourage their children’s emerging faith, and nourish a life of faith. We believe that the stronger the parent/child engagement is in the Faith, the more effectively children will mature into authentic and life-long disciples of Jesus Christ. Families are engaged, come together, and grow in relationship with one another. ADAPTIVE FAITH: Recognizing the beauty and presence of God in each person, our Family of Faith Ministry program welcomes children of all abilities. We are blessed to have dedicated Catechists with Special Education and inclusion experience. We work together and recognize each child’s unique talents, abilities, and special needs. EXPECTATIONS: We are here to partner with and support parents in their role. The success of the program relies on this partnership and a commitment to the following:
FAMILY OF FAITH- CHINESE COMMUNITY: This program is available, as a supplement, for families whose primary language is Chinese. Children sessions are conducted in both Mandarin and English and parent sessions are conducted in Mandarin. EXPECTATIONS: In addition to the Family of Faith expectations, described above, the FFM Chinese Community program requires the following commitment: Monthly attendance of the parent and children’s sessions with FFM Chinese Community catechists. These once-a-month sessions fall on the second Sunday of every month, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. Parents teach, share, and work with their children at home using what they have learned from the sessions, the Family of Faith books & weekly pacing guide, and other materials provided by the children’s catechists. The 2023-2024 FFM calendar can be accessed here: Family of Faith 2023-2024 Calendar FFM Parent Orientation Meeting Slides has the slides from the Parent Orientation Meeting that was held on August 27, 2023. St. Joseph Family of Faith Ministry ParticipationOur New Method: Family Catechesis
We’re getting ready for an exciting year for families to learn about our Catholic faith. Our primary resource is the ground-breaking Family of Faith program from Sophia Institute Press. As this is our third year using the program, we are continuing with the “Family of Faith Volume III: Life in Christ“. PARENT’S GUIDE:
Suggestions for living the faith at home, such as…
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY BOOK:The Children’s Activity Book is designed to help children come to know the Catholic Faith through fun games and activities. The Parent’s Guide offers talking points for how to use each activity in the children’s book as a teachable moment, leading the child to a deeper relationship with Christ. Activities in the Children’s Activity Book include…
Click here to watch this short video which describes this simple new program: Click here to view Family of Faith Year 3- Life in Christ. |
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