Growing Together in Faith (G.I.F.T.)
Growing together in Faith (G.I.F.T.) is our whole parish approach to faith formation. This is an event-centered, age appropriate, inter-generational learning process that recognizes that we can learn best when we learn together; parents learning with their young children and other adults learning together in an environment conducive to adult faith-based discussion.
GIFT Program Changes Due to the Pandemic – 2020/2021
Due to COVID-19, we are making changes to our GIFT Program for health and safety purposes for 2020/2021. We will not be gathering in the Parish Center Hall for a shared meal or the opening prayer, song, Deacon’s overview, and all ages opening activity. We plan to send a monthly video with all of our opening activities to registered GIFT families/participants, which can be viewed any time.
Our GIFT families/participants will be able to sign up for either in-person or
virtual classes this year. Adult participation is still essential to our program so at least one adult is required to attend with children and teens. There will be three options for in-person GIFT classes in 2020/2021: Friday evening (6:30 to 8 pm), Sunday afternoon (1 to 2:30 pm), or Tuesday evening (6:30 to 8 pm). Note: There will be additional classes for families in our Sacramental Program: First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. Families/participants are asked to indicate first and second choices for in-person classes on the GIFT registration form. Families will be scheduled into GIFT dates and classrooms based on these first and second choices. We will share additional details in early October after reviewing required GIFT registration forms.
Virtual classes will be scheduled for different dates – which will be after the in person class dates. Families/participants who sign up for in-person classes will have the option to participate in virtual classes, e.g., changes in CT COVID-19 status, illness, schedule conflict. Please note that the closing prayer service will be incorporated into the in-person classroom sessions and the virtual sessions.
Other health and safety accommodations include:
- Face masks/coverings required for all volunteers and participants
- Hand sanitizer used on entry to Parish Center and available in all classrooms
- Classrooms and common spaces will be sanitized after each in-person session
- Safe distancing required between families and participants from different families
- Separate materials and supplies for each family or participants from different families, e.g., crayons, markers, glue sticks, scissors, pens, learning packets. Supplies will be sanitized between sessions
Questions? Please contact Maria Tomasetti, atomasetti@snet.net or 203-988-8598 (cell phone – voice or text).
GIFT 2020-2021 – Living the Moral Life
GIFT In person Class Schedule – 2020-2021
- October 23, 25, or 27 – Respect for All Life
- November 20, 22, or 24 – Love of God and Neighbor
- December 11, 13, or 15 – Being Good Stewards
- January 22, 24, or 26 – Child/Teen Lures Safety Program (families with young people)
- February 19, 21, or 23 – Living Faithfully
- March 19, 21, 23 – Being Truthful
- April 16, 18, or 20 – Mercy and Forgiveness
We will offer family sessions, a Grade 5/6 session (if needed), teen sessions, and adult sessions on these dates based on registered families/participants.
NOTE: For our 2020/2021 Advent/Christmas Celebration, Lenten Activities, and Pentecost Celebration, we will provide a take-home and/or virtual program with at-home activities for people of all ages.
2020/2021 Sacramental Information to come
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? Do you have questions about Catholic beliefs and traditions? If so please consider joining our RCIA program. Fill out St Raphael RCIA Registration Form and return it to the church office.
Adult Confirmation
We are setting up a program for adults (age 18 or older) who have received their First Communion in the Catholic Church but have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Maria Tomasetti (203-988-8598 or atomasetti@snet.net) for more information or to register.
Catholic Biblical School
The program is intended for adults who are willing to make a commitment to complete all course requirements for at least two years. No particular educational background is required. It is recommended especially for religious education teachers, deacons, lectors, leaders of Bible study groups, and those wishing to meet the Lord in a deeper way through Scripture. Call 860-242-5573 or contact catholic.biblical.school@aohct.org or visit their website www.catholicedaohct.org
