Contact
Joan Rischmiller
Director of Family Faith Formation
688-5760

Mission
At St. Gregory the Great's Family Faith Formation Program, we believe that religious education is a continuous, lifelong process. Students are encouraged to learn in an environment where they experience a sense of community, celebrate the Sacraments, as well as learning the truths of their Catholic faith.

Director's Message
January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
On this special day, we celebrate Mary’s motherhood.
Jesus was able to enter human history by Mary’s surrender to the Will of God. As Jesus died on the cross, He established a bond of mother and son, between Mary and His beloved disciple John. Jesus offers His mother to all of us, so that we may be drawn closer to Him, through Mary. The Memorare is a special prayer asking help from Mary, as our mother.

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never
was it known that anyone who fled to your
protection, implored your help, or sought your
intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by
this confidence I fly to you, O virgin of virgins,
my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand,
sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise
not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.”
Amen.”

January 7 - The Epiphany of The Lord
Explain to your children how the Three Kings brought gifts to Jesus on the Feast of the Epiphany. They represented people from different lands and confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. They brought special gifts to Jesus, testifying to His Royalty, His Divinity and foretelling His important Death for our sins. This would be a good time to make resolutions that will bring your family closer to Jesus and closer to others in the coming year.

Blessing of the Home - This is a special activity for the new year. Take a piece of chalk to record this message on the interior surface over the main entrance or on the most visible doorway at the entrance of your home. Write: [the first 2 numbers of the current year (20)] 20 +C+M+B+ 10 [the last 2 numbers of the current year (09)]. The numbers remind us of the current year, while the letters correspond to the 3 Kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Join hands together and say some family prayers including a request to bless the house and those who live in it. A special reading from Scripture corresponding to the visit of the 3 Kings can be found in Matthew 2:1-12.

January 8 - Baptism of the Lord - (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) Don’t forget to take the opportunity to bring some Holy Water home from Church. All our first graders each have received a holy water font for the past seven years. Holy Water fonts can be purchased at Life Resources and the Catholic Store.

Joan Rischmiller
Director of Family Faith Formation

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