In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the more vulnerable members of our community,
we have decided to cancel in-person meetings of all Faith Development programming for children and youth until Easter.
This includes: Liturgy of the Word with Children, Children's Sunday morning Faith Development sessions, First Eucharist Preparation, JYM, TYM, and Confirmation Preparation.
We recognize that the situation is rapidly changing, and we plan to evaluate whether on-site programs should resume in late April as we draw closer.
During this time, we will provide materials for at home faith development for each age group. Please expect to receive weekly emails with formation resources for families, children, and teens. We are also brainstorming other ways to continue gathering together virtually, including live-streaming and utilizing technology such as Zoom.
Children's Faith Development and JYM
In addition to the resources that will be provided electronically, we will have packets of resources for families to pick up on the table in the faith development hallway in the church. These packets will be available beginning on Monday, 3/16 and continuing through Sunday 3/22. The packets that are not picked up by 3/22 will be mailed home.
For families with children in Sacramental preparation, included in these packets will be (1) resources that would have been provided during the 3rd First Eucharist parent session originally scheduled for 3/15, and (2) blank banners to be decorated at home.
TYM
In addition to Sunday evening sessions, all scheduled social and service events between now and Easter are cancelled. Our annual Spring Retreat, scheduled for March 20-22, is postponed to a later date. We are working with Trinity Center to reschedule retreat, and a detailed email will be sent to affected families separately. As noted above, we are exploring options for virtual faith development. Teens preparing for Confirmation should continue to utilize Ascension Press
Chosen online videos to complete suggested lessons.
At Holy Infant, we recognize the immense value of gathering together as a community. For each of us, our growth in faith is nourished by the example and care of our catechists, dedicated time for conversations among peers, and the opportunity for learning and serving together that FD programming provides. However, at this time, health - particularly of our most vulnerable neighbors - must be prioritized. We will do our best to provide resources to facilitate on-going learning and faith development at home until we can gather together again!