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Emmaus Family Faith Formation
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The Holy Cross Parish faith community (i.e., the churches of St. Bernard in Middleton, St. Francis Xavier in Cross Plains, St. Martin of Tours in Martinsville, St. Mary in Pine Bluff, and St. Peter in Ashton) uses a family-based model of religious education or faith formation. The family-based model is part of our effort to better support parents as the primary educators, especially in the religious education, of their children.*
All religious education will be led by parents and supported by the parish. We will host TWO monthly "Emmaus: A Family of Faith" events in which all families (parents and children) come together to learn and pray. The first of these two meetings will give an overview of the monthly theme with parent and grade specific break-outs. The second of these two meetings will be an opportunity for parents and their child(ren) to spend time together engaging in the monthly theme. Parents will then lead one or two lessons for their children in the home during the remainder of the month.
Your children may eventually ask you some difficult questions! Even if you are unsure of everything or not confident in your knowledge of the faith, you are perfectly suited to teach your children our faith!
We will do everything possible to help you! Answering a personal or tough question with an honest, "I am not sure, but let me get back to you" is a perfect way to share with your children that we are all learning and growing in faith together! Your children do not want you to be a know-it-all. They want you to be honest and open as we allow Jesus Christ to transform our very lives!
*paraphrase of Gaudium et Spes, #48 -
2024-2025 ScheduleALL FORMATION SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT ST. BERNARD'S (SUNDAY MORNINGS AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS). When you register, you'll be able to indicate your preference. These will take place once a month from October - April. There will be an initial (September) and closing (May) session held at St. Francis Xavier.
Wednesday Evening Schedule- 6:00 p.m. - Sign in and find your seat
- 6:15 p.m. - Official start time
- 7:30 p.m. - Dismissal
Sunday Morning Schedule- 10:00 a.m. - Mass
- 11:00 a.m. - Brunch in Higgins Hall
- 11:45 a.m. - Approximate start time
- 1:00 p.m. - Approximate dismissal
Upcoming Dates- Wednesday, November 13 OR Sunday, November 17
- Wednesday, December 11 OR Sunday, December 15
- Wednesday, January 8 OR Sunday, January 12
- Wednesday, February 12 OR Sunday, February 16
We know that this is a big ask for some families. In our parish plan aligned with the Diocese of Madison's "Go Make Disciples" initiative, we are striving to Reclaim Sunday as a holy, family day. It will be up to each family to prioritize faith formation but we are hoping that extra-curricular events and sports will be understanding of a religious need to miss practice two or maybe three times over the whole season. -
Middle School & High School Emmaus:
Family at Home Pacing GuidesBelow you will find all the information you need for the Family of Faith at home piece for Middle and High School families. You can access the Google Folder by clicking the button below.
MS & HS Emmaus Pacing Guide