GIFT FOR FAMILIES is a hands-on, active exploration of the Catholic faith. It’s designed especially for families with children in grades 1 - 10, but you don’t need to bring your own kids to join in—adults without children are welcome! Children ages 3 - 6 may participate in Jubilee Kids, with a parent or on their own, at the same time that GIFT for Families meets. Childcare will be provided for children under age 3.
GIFT for Families meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month at St. Mary's Parish, from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. The hour-long session follows the coached family catechesis method we've been using in our sacrament preparation sessions for several years now. One or both parents (or another adult mentor) accompany children to the sessions and act as the "lead teacher," assisted by two trained catechists (the "coaches"), who guide participants through each step of the session. Parent and child activity pages provide additional structure. Download sample session pages to get an idea of the session format.
GIFT for Families is offered on two tracks: Exploring the Sacraments and Liturgy and Exploring Exodus. Families may commit to one or both tracks.
GIFT for Families 1:
Exploring the Sacraments and Liturgy
The Sacraments track is an introduction to the Catholic liturgy and seven sacraments. Prepare to get your hands on some sacramental objects (oil, water, bread) and excerpts from the rites. If you are able, you may read the Liturgy and Sacraments chapters in your GIFT home study materials prior to the session.
GIFT for Families 1 is coached by Annmarie DeMarais and Laurie Watson. Annmarie DeMarais has served the Winona Catholic Community and St. Mary's Parish in a variety of roles, including as GIFT facilitator for the past two years. She holds a master's degree in pastoral ministry from Saint Mary's University. Laurie Watson serves people in need of food and shelter as a live-in volunteer at the Winona Catholic Worker community. She was formerly the pastoral associate for Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and also holds a master's degree in pastoral ministry.
Curriculum
| For students in grades 3 - 6: | For students in grades 7 - 10: |
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| DATE | TOPIC | READING (BEFORE SESSION) |
| September 7 | Liturgy & Sacraments | Read the Liturgy chapter and the Sacraments chapter in your book. |
| October 5 | Baptism | Read the Baptism chapter in your book. |
| November 2 | Confirmation | Read the Confirmation chapter in your book. |
| December 7 | Eucharist | Read the Eucharist chapter in your book. |
| January 4 | Reconciliation | Read the Reconciliation chapter in your book. |
| February 1 | Anointing of the Sick | Read the Anointing of the Sick chapter in your book. |
| March 7 | Ordination | Read the Ordination chapter in your book. |
| April 4 | Marriage | Read the Marriage chapter in your book. |
GIFT for Families 2:
Exploring Exodus
GIFT for Families 2 is coached by Steven McGlaun and Brian Singer-Towns. Brian Singer-Towns holds a master's in theological studies and had more than fifteen years' experience in youth ministry before joining the staff of Saint Mary's Press, where he was general editor for The Catholic Youth Bible, The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth and Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. Brian leads workshops for leaders around the country on biblical literacy and other youth ministry topics. Steven McGlaun has more than ten years of experience as a parish youth minister, director of religious education and high school campus minister. He holds a master's degree in pastoral ministry, and has worked as an editor and national national marketing representative for Saint Mary's Press.
Curriculum
You'll want some kind of Bible, ideally a Catholic Bible in the NRSV or NAB translations. Some good Bibles include:- Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics
- The Catholic Youth Bible
- The Catholic Family Connections Bible
- The Catholic Study Bible (Oxford University Press)
Schedule
| DATE | TOPIC | READING (BEFORE SESSION) |
| September 21 | An Introduction to Exodus | Exodus 1 - 2:10 |
| October 19 | God Guides: The Early Life of Moses and Miriam | Exodus 2 - 6 |
| November 16 | God Frees: Yahweh vs. Pharaoh | Exodus 7 - 15 |
| December 21 | God Provides: The Journey in the Wilderness | Exodus 16 - 18 |
| January 18 | God Loves: Covenant and Law | Exodus 19 - 24 |
| February 15 | The People Worship: Instructions for Worship | Exodus 25 - 31 |
| March 21 | The People Sin and Are Forgiven | Exodus 32 - 34 |
| April 18 | A Look Back: Exodus and the Sacraments | Exodus 35 - 40 |
