Growing In Faith Together

“Do This in Memory of Me”, the theme our U.S. bishops have chosen for Catechetical Sunday this year, is also our theme for GIFT.  As we prepare for and implement the liturgical changes of the Revised Roman Missal, we are all called to renew our understanding of the Mass.  The translation used at Mass is changing, but not the structure, intent, flow and theology of the ritual.

            Join our GIFT gatherings this year as we look at not only the words we use, but the deeper meaning of our worship.   Gatherings will be held on the following dates, Wednesdays from 5:45-8:00PM and Sundays from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.  Mark your calendars and save the dates! 

November 2 & 6 - “Say What?”  

Benjamin Franklin once said, “When you're finished changing, you're finished“, and as a Church we’re certainly not finished!  Beginning the first week of Advent we will experience changes in some of the words we pray at Mass.  Come hear about and practice these latest changes in the Mass. 

            What is changing?  Why?  What difference will it make?

 Feb. 29 & Mar. 4 - “Listen Up!”

            Our Mass begins with gathering and storytelling.  How well do we listen to the wonderful Story that is shared with us each week? 

            The Liturgy of the Word is not just some stories before we eat - it is meant to be transformative, challenging and changing us. 

            Where do the readings come from?  Who picks them?  Why?

            How can I be a better ‘hearer of the Word?’     

 Apr. 25 & 29 - “Do What?”

            Mass continues with a shared meal and a sending forth.  We hear Jesus’ words, “Do this in memory of me”’ but what exactly are we being asked to do?

            What’s the real miracle of this “miraculous meal”?

            Why are we being fed?  Where are we being sent?

Who comes to GIFT?
Everyone - All Redeemer Parishioners...
  Singles & Couples
  Young Adults
  Empty Nesters
  Kids & Teenagers
  Mom & Dad
  Grandma & Grandpa
  Students
  Retirees
  Widows & Widowers
  Divorcees
  Family members of different faith traditions
  Visitors from out-of-town
  Friends from other parishes
...Everyone in the household

What is GIFT?
GIFT promotes lifelong faith formation that embraces all ages and generations, and promotes faith growth at home through parish preparation programs and, most importantly, through participation in church life.

When is GIFT?
Attend one session of each of the three intergenerational GIFT gatherings - Nov. 3/7, Feb. 23/27 and April 6/10.
  Use the Take Home Kits to make growing in faith a part of your everyday life.
  Celebrate the topic that has been the focus throughout the month.

Why should you come to GIFT?
Embracing the vision (as stated in the General Directory for Catechesis) of the parish as a learning community we aim to:
-Transform the focus on children-only by emphasizing lifelong faith formation for all ages and generations, including and especially adults.
-Transform “start and stop” catechesis by implementing lifelong and continuous faith formation—learning for a lifetime through involvement in the events of church life.
-Transform age segregation through intergenerational faith formation—making connections among the generations in learning programs and parish involvement.
-Transform the focus on the “textbook as the curriculum” by utilizing the events of Church life as the curriculum for all ages and generations—tapping into the power of the Church Year, sacramental celebrations, community prayer, and works of justice and service, and providing catechesis that prepares everyone to participate in the events of church life.
-Transform catechesis as a separate “program” by emphasizing a collaborative and integrated process that involves all of the parish’s ministries in faith formation. Catechesis is interconnected with liturgy, sacraments, the Church year, justice and service, and prayer.