Dear Parishioners of OLM & OLS:
Last Sunday, we had our first FAMILY FAITH FORMATION GATHERING. Over a hundred families participated, learning together about the mission of Jesus as our Messiah and Savior. It filled me with joy to see the young and the not so young engaged in the process of lifelong faith formation. Each age level contributed its own enthusiasm and energy in sharing together on our theme of “We Have Come To Worship The Lord.”
In a very special way, I thank Regina (Jeng) Matias-Villa our Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, for her tireless efforts in bringing the project to fruition. Over a year ago she journeyed to Chicago to participate in a seminar that presented the concept of an intergenerational approach to Faith Formation. Upon completion of the seminar, she enthusiastically shared her learning with our staff. During our last academic year, a representative of Center for Ministry Development conducted a training session here in Jersey City for a core team of stewards to enable us to discern embracing this methodology or not.
The core team recommended implementation of the process. Since September a broader core team shepherded by Jeng Villa planned and executed “We Have Come to Worship the Lord.”
Congratulations to all who planned, presented, and received the benefit of this Faith Formation Experience.
Once our core team engages in an evaluation process of last Sunday’s experience, we will inform you of our next opportunity for Full Faith Formation.
My love and my prayers,
Father Jack