Good Shepherd Catholic Church - Alexandria, Virginia

FAITH FORMATION LINKS

(MSFF) LINKS

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAITH FORMATION (MSFF)

WELCOME, PARENTS! (Read welcome letter from MSFF staff)

Confirmation is a celebration of the ongoing power of the already-present Holy Spirit in our lives, the Spirit first received in Baptism. Confirmation deepens and intensifies the gifts of the Spirit.

‘Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence.
Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit in your hearts.’

–Saint Ambrose

The MSFF program is designed to help teens form a relationship with God and learn about the traditions of the Catholic Church. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins with a two-year Faith Formation Program, typically taking place in 7^th and 8^th grades.

1. Registration – to register for MSFF, please download the following:

2. Classes are conducted in both English and Spanish, and are scheduled Saturdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm (Noon); and Thursdays from 7:00-9:00pm. Students must be accompanied to each class by either a parent, Sponsor, or other adult (18 years or older). Classes will not be repeated. Click the Attendance Policy for more information. If for extreme circumstances a student cannot attend, contact Claudia DiRosario, dirosario@gs-cc.org as soon as possible.

2011-2012 MSFF Classes are scheduled as follows: (All classes in 2012 will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church)

1. Saturday, Sept 10, 2011		6. Thursday, Jan 5, 2012
2. Thursday, Oct 6, 2011		7. Saturday, Jan 28, 2012
3. Saturday, Oct 29, 2011		8. Thursday, Feb 16, 2012
4. Thursday, Nov 17, 2011*		9. Saturday, Mar 10, 2012
5. Saturday, Dec 10, 2011		10. Thursday, Apr 12, 2012
Formation in Christian Chastity Class – We are called to teach about moral living, and it is important that our program includes this topic. If you choose NOT* to have your child participate in the FCC Class, the Opt-Out Form must be submitted prior to Nov 17, 2011.

3. Formation in Christian Chastity Program for Grades 7-8
The Formation in Christian Chastity lessons will be presented annually in Religious Education Classes for Middle School Faith Formation Grades 7-8. If you do not wish your child to participate in the program, you must submit the Opt Out Form to the Parish Office, Attn: Claudia DiRosario, Coordinator, Middle School Faith Formation.

Opt Out Form (from Diocese of Arlington)
Lesson Plans: Formation in Christian Chastity Program (from Diocese of Arlington)
If you have any questions, please contact Claudia DiRosario at (703) 780-4055

4. Retreats – Attendance at all sessions will be limited, so sign up early.

A Retreat for ALL Confirmation candidates will occur in 8^th grade prior to receiving the Sacrament. Sign up for the only available date of:
- Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 from 12:00-6:00pm
- Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 from 12:00-6:00pm is FULL. A list of attendees is posted on the RE bulletin board.

7^th grade students may sign up for the only available date of:
- Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 2:00-6:00pm
- Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 2:00-6:00pm is FULL. A list of attendees is posted on the RE bulletin board.
(Students entering MSFF this year will be confirmed in the Fall of 2013)

5. Parents – it is crucial that we surround our young people with a supportive, vibrant faith-filled community, rooted in their home, which enables them to enthusiastically respond to God's action. A thriving faith community that prays, learns and serves together; that walks the journey of faith together as a family will, hopefully, help young people experience the constant presence and action of God in their lives.

Parent involvement is a key aspect of the MSFF program. The purpose of MSFF is to assist you (the parent) as the primary formers of your teen's faith. We look forward to collaborating with you, forming youth in their faith and preparing for Confirmation - all part of the lifelong process of growing in grace and wisdom.

View Parent Reference Sheet for 2011-2012 Class and Parent Meeting Schedules

View MSFF Volunteer Opportunities for details.

6. Journals – Students and parents will be given a Faith Journal on Saturday, Sept 10, 2011. Further details will be announced at the first class on how to use your Journal.

7. MSFF Confirmation Preparation for 2011-2012 (to view all requirements)