In general, as a rule of thumb, if the Public Schools are closed, parish Faith Formation programs should be closed as well, but that has always been for weather emergencies; this is a whole new situation without precedent. In the next day or so the Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth & Family Life will be recommending some ways for parish programs to provide materials and information electronically to encourage faith discussions in the family if programs are closed or families do not want their child to attend public events at this time.

At a minimum, Faith Formation directors are asked to utilize their email contacts or Flocknote program to offer some questions that families might consider for faith sharing on the Sunday readings and or resources for “spiritual communion” as mentioned in Bishop Parkes’ letter (download suggested Spiritual Communion prayer).  Find a link to one source of lectionary reflection with questions for children, youth and adults here. 

Textbook publisher’s website might have some helpful resources to consider.  Let’s help one another with good ideas about how to help foster the faith in non-gathered ways until we have gotten past this difficult time.

– Message from Brian Lemoi,  Executive Director of the Office of Evangelization, Formation, Youth and Family Life