Family Formation originated in the Parish community of the Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake, Minnesota. The pastor and Faith Formation program directors were noticing an opportunity and need to connect with whole families for Christ, and the typical "drop-off" model on Wednesday nights for nine(9)-months during a school year was not bridging the gap. Tunring in prayer for direction from the Holy Spirit, they found themselves guided to a different approach - one that focuses on reaching the entire family and supporting parents as their children's primary Catechists, teachers, and role models in God's design of-and-for the family (+Catechsim of the Catholic Church 2223)

This program model helps Parish Faith Formation Teams to better support families in growing deeper in their Faith together; and follows the Liturgical Calendar or Cycle to help support connections as we live out our Faith each day and at Holy Mass each Sunday.

The topcis of our Faith covered in each lesson grow in depth as the child/children grows older - often looking to learn more. The meeting once a month for families can help support learning about the Faith amidst sometimes busy schedules during the week between academics and extracurricular activities, and at-home lessons covered with parents are fun, engaging, and easy to fit in at times that work best for families. Regular connection with the Pastor and program director help to provide families support and encouragement, as well.

Grades are grouped to help support the age appropriate needs of children and families, and to help further foster learning about our Faith and growing in relationship with Christ:

• Kindergarten and First (1st) Grade

• Second (2nd) and Third (3rd) Grade

• Fourth (4th) Grade and Fifth (5th) Grade