Catechesis Information - Kids & Adults! First class October 15.
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Glory to Jesus Christ!The good people of St. Thomas have been informally surveyed and are requesting a family catechesis model of Eastern Christian Formation this year. Recently, the publishing company "God With Us," and in conjunction with the Byzimoms of Byzikids magazine, have published a comprehensive, monthly guide to help us catechize our families in a way that will hopefully ignite the learning and spark a love of our faith for each generation of parishioners represented at our parish - young and old.Here you will find the link for the first "Dwelling Place," largely spearheaded by Phoenix's own Khouria Jocelyn Abyad - the wife of Fr. Zyad Abyad from St. John of the Desert Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church. The Abyad family been living this model for several years now and I know they are excited to offer it in a formal way to Byzantine Christians all over the United States!What will this type of catechesis look like for St. Thomas -The "Dwelling Place" will come to your inbox each month so that you can begin your learning at home and make use of the hyperlinks included in the document for further study.Then, once a month, there will be a gathering after liturgy for all parishioners to study their faith. A complete lunch will be served on these days (please sign up here for a day when your family can help host a kid friendly meal. Ideas include but are not limited to pasta, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, chicken nuggets or hot dogs and/or hamburgers. ) We understand that people (especially children!) who are fed will be more attentive to what the catechesis has to offer!It is important to note that adults are invited to this catechesis - we are lifelong learners in our faith, and no one is too old or young to learn and be inspired by what this dynamic curriculum has to offer. There will be activities set up for toddlers and preschoolers so that parents of our youngest parishioners can also participate.Dwelling Place is found here. A hard copy will also be provided to each family registered. Byzikids magazine is free as a PDF, but in case you would like a subscription to it, a hard copy in color comes in the mail monthly and can be found here. Much of "Dwelling Place" compliments Byzikids Magazine.Byzimom offers many resources for your family - including a section on fasting meals for families.Marcus Carbrera will be leading the adult section of the catechesis, and I will be working with the children ages 5-9 along with Marla Fitterer. Families with a child who is age 10-12 can decide if that child would prefer the children's section of catechesis or the adult section. Teen's age 13 and up should attend with the adults. More specific ideas by age are available in Dwelling Place for home use.Please fill out this form to indicate the ages of your children - and most importantly, to indicate the choice for safe environment training being offered at St. Thomas or in your own home. The cost for ECF this year is $25 per family - payable by check, cash, or online as soon as possible.The dates are as follows - the third Sunday of each month.October 15November 19December 17January 21February 18March 17April 21May 19 - celebration of learningGlory to God for all things and thank you for joining me on this new adventure!In Christ and the Holy Theotokos,Pani Amanda
