St. Mary’s Family Faith Formation – 2026 - 2027
What is Family Faith Formation?
The Catholic Church defines the family as the "domestic church" - a community of faith, hope, and charity, where God's love is welcomed, lived, celebrated, & passed on to the next generation. Family Faith Formation session brings lessons learned in to life at home, fostering a shared spiritual life, mutual respect, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in everyday relationships regardless of ones stage of life or belief.
Vision Statement
To be a vibrant, Christ-centered community in Franklin where the joy of the Holy Spirit unites all generations in a journey of lasting, Eucharistic faith.
Mission Statement
We, the Family Faith Formation community of St. Mary Parish, exist to nurture and strengthen the Domestic Church as a school of Christian life. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and sustained by the Eucharist and the Sacraments, we dedicate our unique gifts to the ongoing faith development of our children, youth, and adults, as well as to unchurched individuals seeking a new home.
Motivated by the Word of God, social justice, and a commitment to our Baptismal call and the mission of Christ’s Church, we pledge:
- To empower parents as the primary educators and protagonists of their family’s spiritual growth, providing the resources to make the home a vibrant Domestic Church where faith is lived, shared, and passed on.
- To foster a universal welcome that serves and unites the community regardless of background, meeting every person exactly where they are on their spiritual path.
- To cultivate a joyful environment rooted in a shared community experience, recognizing that discipleship is formed when we are on the journey together.
- To engage all generations in relational ministry and intergenerational mentorship, ensuring a lifelong and authentic encounter with Jesus Christ.
- To live as thankful, Eucharistic and evangelistic witnesses in the Town of Franklin, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and embracing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to go, make disciples of all nations, and teach the Gospel of Jesus Chris to all we meet.
Family Faith Formation includes:
- Forming Lifelong Relationship with Christ
- Sharing Catholic Truths and Traditions
- Teaching Prayer and the Sacraments
- Engagement on the Mission of the Church
- Community and Fellowship
- Strengthening Families and Domestic Churches
- Flexible Faith Living
Outline of each of the Sessions:
- Simple Meal
- Opening Prayer & Introduction to Topic
- Interactive Teaching/Experience
- Closing Prayer and Monthly Challenge
- Home Kits
We achieve these through Faith, Family, Friends, Food and Fun.
Why Family Faith Formation now?
It is not about knowing who Jesus is, it is about encountering Him.
- Strengthens Family Bonds
- Builds Parish Community
- Makes Faith Relevant & Joyful
- Enhance Catechesis
- Flexible Scheduling
- Promotes Lifelong Discipleship
- Catholic Social Teaching
Outline of the month
Week One In-Person Family Faith Formation Sessions (five sessions to choose from)
Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30pm
Saturday from 8:00-10:00am and immediately after the 4:00pm Mass
Sunday immediately after 10:30am Mass and immediately after the 5:00pm Mass
All sessions will start and end in the Sacred Heart Hall and Chapel
| Tuesday at 5:30pm | Saturday at 8:00am | Saturday at 5:00pm | Sunday at 11:30am | Sunday at 6:00pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 7 | Nov 8 | Nov 8 |
| Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 5 | Dec 6 | Dec 6 |
| Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 9 | Jan 10 | Jan 10 |
| Feb 9 | Feb 6 | Feb 6 | Feb 7 | Feb 7 |
| Mar 2 | Mar 6 | Mar 6 | Mar 7 | Mar 7 |
| Apr 3 | Apr 3 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 4 |
Week Two: Christian Service
More information on Christian Service Opportunities coming soon!
Week Three: Sacramental Preparation and Time with your Treasure Chest
Grade One and Grade Two
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Mondays from 4:00-5:15pm
Tuesday from 4:00-5:15pm
Thursday from 4:00-5:15pm
** If your child would like to receive these Sacraments and is older than second grade - please reach out to Jim Flanagan**
Grade Seven and Grade Eight
Confirmation Preparation Program
Wednesdays from 4:00-5:15pm
Thursdays from 6:30-7:45pm
** Any high school young person that would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation - please contact Jim Flanagan**
Week Four: Family Masses
Sundays at the 10:30am Mass:
Oct 25
Nov 22
Dec 20
Jan 24
Feb 28
Mar 21
Apr 25
Bible Recommendations:
We urge every family to have a bible this year. Our recommendation is the St. Mary Press Bibles which you can order through us when your family registers for Family Faith Formation.
Catholic Children’s Bible
Grades K through 5
Read It! Live It! Love it!!
Break Through Bible
Middle School Bible
Pray It! Study It! Live it!
Catholic Youth Bible
High School Bible
Pray It! Study It! Live It!
Anselm Academy Study Bible – Catholic Addition
A great bible for adult families
Volunteer Opportunities
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Family Faith Formation Office.
| Opportunity | What's involved |
|---|---|
| Coordinating Team | made up of all the chairs of the individual ministries –– meet once a month as a team, keep director updated |
| Christian Service | work monthly with other agencies in the parish, town, Archdiocese of Boston, Catholic Charities |
| Food | Shoppers, Meal Planners, Cooks, Set-up and Clean-up Crew, paper products, beverages, talk to caterers |
| Registration | Set-up Registration, Keeping Records (including hard copies), making sure all correct forms are in |
| Volunteer Coordinator | registering, CORI and VIRTUS, list of names, emails and cell phone numbers for each committee) |
| Up to Kinder | Room set-up, one activity about the topic, snacks and drinks, toys and games |
| Grades 1-4 | Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions |
| Grades 5-8 | Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions |
| High School | Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions |
| Families with Children with Disabilities | Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions |
| Adults | Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions |
| Home Kits | Meet monthly for with the Coordinating Team – Research – Outline for each kit – order supplies |
| Prayer Team | Meet weekly for prayer – in person or on Zoom – (Rosary or Adoration) – plan the large group prayer moments |
| Family Masses – 2nd Week of each month | work with the clergy – monthly give away – refreshments |
| First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Team | All records up to date (baptism) before and after |
| 7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Preparation Program | All records up to date (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist) before and after |
| High School Confirmation Preparation Program | All records up to date (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist) before and after |
| Middle School Youth Ministry | Adult/youth team – monthly gathering – Christian Service Opps – mission trips |
| High School Youth Ministry | Adult/youth team – monthly gathering – Christian Service Opps – mission trips |
| Set-up/Clean-up | work with coordinating team |
| Role of High School Young People | Small group leaders for all grades |
| Role of a Dean College Students | small group leaders for high school and middle school |
| Fundraising | Based on the theme – the main room will be decorated |
| Decoration Committee | |
| Hospitality Ministry | Welcoming – passes out home kits at the end |
| Opening Session | Outdoor Mass, Cookout, Speaker/Musician |
| Special Events | Advent, Lent, Pentecost |