Frequently asked questions about Generations of Faith

1. Who participates in Generations of Faith?
EVERYONE, EVERYONE and EVERYONE! All ages, individuals, families, visitors, teenagers, couples, people from other parishes, friends, neighbors, EVERYONE! This is faith formation for the entire parish!

2. What are “Events” and “Gatherings”?
We are celebrating “Events” within the Church calendar, ideal or philosophy (i.e. Advent, Pentecost, morality, Confirmation, etc.). Each Generations of Faith “Gathering” is preparation for (and occurs before) the Church “Event”. We plan to have 2 identical Gatherings per Event, so that people may choose the Gathering that is most convenient for them – Sunday morning or Monday evening. After the Event, we will reflect upon it and how our participation in it enriches us.

3. Will the Gatherings and Events be the same every year?
The Event focus will change each year over a six-year cycle. In previous years, we focused on Church Feasts and Seasons and Sacraments. This year will be “Called to be CHURCH – a people of Faith”, focusing on what it means to say that we belong to the Catholic Church – far more than the building in which we gather each week. We are called to be Church in our parish, our neighborhoods, our diocese and our world as people who live, serve and worship TOGETHER!

4. Will the day school replace Religion Class with Generations of Faith?
NO. The teachers may not teach a particular subject if it will be covered at a Generations of Faith Gathering and Event (they won’t need to), but Religion is always a part of the day school curriculum. They will also use Generations of Faith prayers and reflections that will be integrated into organizations throughout the parish.

5. How does Generations of Faith replace PSR?
Generations of Faith is faith formation for the entire parish. While children may receive religious education from other sources (day school religion, home study, Vacation Bible School, etc.), it can’t replace experiences within the Church or adult examples living their faith. At Generations of Faith, families learn, pray, listen, share and grow together. Continuing reflection upon the Event and ongoing reinforcement of what was learned happens naturally and meaningfully. No more “What did you learn?...I don’t know…” as parents (other adults, grandparents, siblings) are all learning at the same time!

6. How does Generations of Faith affect sacrament preparation?
We will continue to have preparation for sacraments as always. Baptism classes will still be required for parents presenting a child for Baptism for the first time. “Children of Light” (Confirmation and Eucharist preparation), RCIA and the Children’s Catechumenate will incorporate Generations of Faith into their process. Marriage preparation will still occur.

7. Does Generations of Faith include toddlers (children ages 1-3yrs.)? What about preschoolers?
Yes! We have babysitting available at all Gatherings from the time the meal ends until the closing prayer. For safety reasons, parents MUST drop off their children and pick them back up in the babysitting room (Room 1 of the school). There will also always be a Preschool track for children age 4 to Kindergarten. It will focus on the same topic as everyone else – just at their own level. Parents are certainly welcome to bring their handheld infants and keep them with them as they desire.

8. Do we have to attend every one, or can we choose some to attend?
You may choose to sign up for each individual Gathering or for the whole year. There is a price break to register for the whole year and we think you will have so much fun you’ll want to come to all of them anyway!

9. Do we have to attend with the whole family?
Generations of Faith is intended to be shared by an entire household. We use the term “family” loosely. We know that families are sometimes 1 person or even 20 people, but the idea is for everyone in each household to learn and share together. Each household will get a Home Kit which will reinforce what was shared at the Gathering, help them experience the Event, and reflect on the Event and how it affects their life.

10. Is there a charge for the Preparation Gatherings?
There is a fee for the Preparation Gatherings. You will have 2 options: sign up for an entire year at a premium rate, or sign up for each Gathering at an individual rate.

11. Our family is on a very tight budget. What if we can’t afford to pay for Generations of Faith?
The fees will be very reasonable and money well spent. Also, Holy Cross has always had a policy of not hindering participation based solely on lack of ability to pay. If you are in a financial crisis, an arrangement can be made.

12. How much will the “meal” cost?
Because the meal is an essential part of the Gatherings, it is very reasonable (no more than McDonalds, for example). The cost of the meal is $2 per person, per Gathering (payable at the Gathering). For example, a family of four will pay $8 at each Gathering.

13. Do we need to bring anything?
Just you and those you belong to you!

14. Are any other parishes in Euclid doing Generations of Faith?
There are over 60 parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland who will be doing Generations of Faith. While none of the other parishes in Euclid will be participating, some nearby parishes such as St. Noel, St. Mary Magdalene, Divine Word, Holy Angels, St. Anselm, St. Gabriel, St. Bede, St. Joan of Arc, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare are participating in this program.

15. What if I don’t belong to Holy Cross Parish and I’d like to come to Generations of Faith?
By all means come! We’re happy to have people from all over. Just be sure to fill out a registration form and return it (with your payment) at least a week before the scheduled Gathering.

16. Who should I inform if I’m interested in helping with this?
There is a section on side 2 of the registration form. Fill it out with the rest of the form and we’ll be sure to have the chairperson contact you! **Note: You should NOT work at the same time you are participating. We want you to fully participate in the experience!

17. I lost the registration form you sent to me. Where can I get another?
There are forms available in the Kiosk in the Church East vestibule and at the rectory front desk, or print one from the web site.

18. Where can I get more information?
You can contact Danni Hubbard or Sr. Kathleen at the rectory (486-0850), talk to someone who’s already attended or check out the Generations of Faith website!