Question: Why do we have to go to Mass instead of Faith Formation classes?
When we attend Mass, we encounter Christ in the Eucharist. We take Jesus’ body and blood within us, and Jesus transforms us. We become one with Him by receiving Him in Holy Communion. In doing so, we look to be active participants, not passive spectators or learners. We listen to His Word, share in the Offertory, join in the singing, and announce that we truly believe. Mass is what brings us to the formation of our faith. The class does not give us this intimate relationship with Jesus, the relationship that we bring to everything that we do in life.
Question: Can I just home school or do I need to go to Mass too?
Mass is the central aspect of our Catholic life and must be central to faith formation. We must remind parents that religious education is incomplete unless it includes participation at Mass. Faith is formed through any action, experience, or relationship, and education is only one part of that. Parents are the primary teachers of the faith to their children. Children are always watching their parents. Children who see that their parents go to Mass will want to imitate them. Children who join their parents in receiving the Eucharist will more readily realize that the Eucharist truly is the Body and Blood of Christ.
Question: What if I can’t make Mass every week?
We understand that families have other commitments and there are some weeks you may not be able to make the 9:00 a.m. Faith Formation Mass. That is fine. Holy Apostles Parish has other Mass times. If you are heading to a soccer game, maybe there is a church closer to your game with a Mass time that fits in your schedule. We know that our families cannot be at our Faith Formation Mass every week, but applaud your efforts to find Mass at another time throughout the weekend.
Question: How can I get help registering?
If you have not received a letter in the mail or an email, you can contact the Holy Apostles Parish Office and speak to Cheryl Hunnewell at 781.293.7971 ext. 110. If you have received the information to register, and are having difficulty, please contact Fr. Hobson at ……….
Question: My child is making Confirmation. How are you going to prepare him/her?
Each Confirmation candidate will be asked to immerse himself/herself into our parish community. They will be asked to become involved with our parish and participate or attend a variety of social and spiritual enrichment opportunities. They will also be asked to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation either privately or at an offered Night of Reconciliation. The candidate will also meet with the his/her grade coordinator to discuss his/her progress, questions, challenges, connections, etc. By doing al this, the candidate will be know if he/she is prepared enough.
Question: I am hearing we have to go to church events as part of the new program?
As part of our New Faith Formation Program, we are asking all children, with their families, to become involved in their parish family. The building of faith is not an individual journey. It is a journey that is supported by many aspects, including the individual family as well as the parish family. Each grade will be asked to participate in a certain amount of parish enrichment events. As they grow in their faith, they are asked to immerse themselves in a larger capacity to prepare for Confirmation and the renewal of their acceptance into their parish family. There will be many opportunities for all families to become very active in our parish life.
Question: What if I have a question or I need help with something?
Each grade will have a grade coordinator. Their contact information will be given to you. You can reach out to them with any questions, concerns, or need of assistance. You can also reach out to the Faith Formation Office at 781-293-7971 ext. 110 or faithformation@holyapostlescatholic.com
Question: As a parent, do I prepare my child for First Communion?
Absolutely! Parents are the first and foremost teacher of their child’s faith. How you model your faith by going to Mass, praying, receiving the sacraments, all play a role in your child’s preparation for their First Holy Communion. However, as a parish family, we will be assisting you, by offering various social and spiritual enrichment events throughout the year. You will also meet with your grade coordinator to discuss how your child’s preparations are going and what we, as a parish, can do to further support you. Finally, there will be rehearsals for First Communion to help your child with any curiosity or anxiety he/she may be experiencing leading up to First Communion.