Children’s Formation
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Evangelization & Faith Formation
2026 - 2027 -
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Family Faith Formation Program
Beginning this year, the Faith Formation programs of Holy Name of Jesus–St. Gregory the Great Parish and the Church of the Ascension are joining together as one collaborative program. Together, we are fostering the spiritual growth of children within a community framework: as integral members of their own families, as part of the broader family of our faith, and as important members of our parish communities. To support this mission, we focus on a dynamic and experiential model of passing on the faith that involves the whole family through a family-retreat model. This program includes the participation of children and their families, together with catechists and the parish community, in a day-long retreat every two months. Throughout the months between retreats, the catechetical journey continues at home and in smaller groups through Sunday Mass participation, family activities, opportunities to deepen prayer and reflection, and service to those in need within the community.
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Family Retreats
The family retreats take place on the first Sunday of the month, alternating between the English and Spanish programs. Check-in begins at 8:30 am. There is a key-note speaker and intergenerational reflection for the whole family, followed by breakout sessions to further explore the topic of the month with age-appropriate activities. There are moments of prayer and adoration, arts and crafts, and family conversations.
At the center of the retreat is the celebration of the Eucharist with the parish community. After Mass, families gather for a meal, and afterwards, we initiate the faith formation projects for the upcoming weeks. This enables them to continue the conversation with their children as they understand the expectations of the work that is to be done at home in the remaining weeks. The retreat ends at 2pm with a special blessing for the family.
The Family-retreat model of Faith Formation at HNJ-SGG expects that the family: the child’s parents or guardian - accompany them to the family session on the 1st Sunday of every other month and complete the follow up activities together at home.
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Volunteering
Faith Formation is a lifelong mission, and our parish provides numerous opportunities for the community to engage in it. The Family Retreat Faith Formation Program relies on the support of volunteers. We extend a warm welcome and express deep appreciation for those interested in volunteering as catechists or assistants. Without the generosity of our volunteers, this program wouldn't be able to provide the children in our community with the faith formation they truly deserve.
If you're interested, please reach out to the Director or call the Parish Office for more details.
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Additional questions?
Check the upcoming bulletins for more information or please contact:
Ana Paula, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
(212) 749-0276 ext. 116
[email protected]
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