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
The Formal Foundation 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)
Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Immediately after the 4:00 p.m. Mass
Sunday immediately after 10:30 a.m. Mass and immediately after the 5:00 p.m. Mass
All sessions will start and end in the Sacred Heart Hall and Chapel
| Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. | Saturday at 8:00 a.m. | Saturday a 5:00 p.m. | Sunday at 11:30 a.m | Sunday at 6:00 p.m. | |
| October | |||||
| November | 11/3 | 11/7 | 11/7 | 11/8 | 11/8 |
| December | 12/1 | 12/5 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/6 |
| January | 1/5 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| February | 2/9 | 2/6 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/7 |
| March | 3/2 | 3/6 | 3/6 | 3/7 | 3/7 |
| April | 4/6 | 4/3 | 4/3 | 4/4 | 4/4 |
Week Two: Christian Service
Week Three: Sacramental Preparation, Youth Ministry and Home Kits
Grade One and Two – Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Session Schedule – Grade 1 & 2
| Monday from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | |
| October | 10/19 | 10/20 | 10/22 |
| November | 11/16 | 11/17 | 11/19 |
| December | 12/14 | 12/15 | 12/17 |
| January | 1/25 | 1/19 | 1/21 |
| February | 2/22 | 2/23 | 2/25 |
| March | 3/15 | 3/16 | 3/18 |
| April | 4/12 | 4/13 | 4/15 |
Grade Seven and Eighth – Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Confirmation Preparation Program Schedule – Grade 7 & 8
| Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. | |
| October | 10/21 | 10/22 |
| November | 11/18 | 11/19 |
| December | 12/16 | 12/17 |
| January | 1/20 | 1/21 |
| February | 2/24 | 2/25 |
| March | 3/17 | 3/18 |
| April | 4/14 | 4/15 |
Week Four: Family Mass and Make-up Sessions
Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. Mass
10/25 – 11/22 – 12/20 – 1/24 – 2/28 – 3/21 – 4/25
What might a Session look like?
Formula for Sessions: Gather, Listen, Proclaim, Send Forth
Outline of each of the Sessions:
- Simple Meal
- Opening Prayer & Introduction to Topic
- Interactive Teaching/Experience
- Closing Prayer and Monthly Challenge
- Home Kits
Volunteer Opportunities:
Coordinating Team – made up of all the chairs of the individual ministries – meet once a month as a team – keep director updated
Christian Service – Monthly opportunity – work 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
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
Families with Children with Disabilities - Content Design and Facilitators – Small Group Leaders – order supplies for sessions
Family Masses – 2nd Week of each month – work with the clergy – monthly give away – refreshments – one
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 – Team – two days
High School Confirmation Preparation Program - All records up to date (baptism, reconciliation, eucharist) before and after – team – one day
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 -
Decoration Committee – Based on the theme – the main room will be decorated
Hospitality Ministry – Welcoming – passes out home kits at the end
Opening Session – Outdoor Mass, Cookout, Speaker/Musician,
Special Events – Advent, Lent, Pentecost,