Whole Community Catechesis

The parish has formed a catechetical team in line with the United States Bishop's National Directory of Catechesis. The Directory presents a vision of faith formation that is dynamic, life-long and for all members of the community. This whole community catechetical model in our parish is being called: LEAF: Life Energized Around Faith. We are linked up with Generations of Faith, a service of the Center for Ministry Development. The Center for Ministry Development was founded in 1978, is a Catholic, non-profit organization whose core purpose is to bring the Good News in new ways to the people of God.

Our logo of four leaves represents not only the various natural seasons of creation but the various stages of our lives. The four leaves form a Cross; the central symbol of our Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the person around who are lives are lived out and from whom we are energized through grace.

Our logo of four leaves represents not only the various natural seasons of creation but the various stages of our lives. The four leaves form a Cross; the central symbol of our Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the person around who are lives are lived out and through whom we are energized through grace.

What is LEAF? What is Whole Community Catechesis?

LEAF - Life Energized Around Faith - is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith together through involvement in the events of the Church's life. LEAF is an EVENT-ORIENTED experience that is preceded by a PREPARATION session for the whole community. Each year a different subject area - theme will be presented, for example: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Liturgical Year, or Social Justice. The year's topic will be aligned with events in the church or civil calendar.

LEAF is faith formation for all ages together. We grow not only as a learning community, but as a community of faith as we integrate that faith into our personal lives and our faith community at St. Stanislaus. LEAF is for everyone! Everyone learns and participates.

For families with children, registrations are taken as a family. That is, families participate in LEAF as a family unit. Children and youth who are ready for sacramental preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation are part of LEAF and have immediate sacramental preparation sessions as well. Sacramental preparation requires at least one year of active participation in LEAF prior to receiving the sacrament.

The Preparation

Each PREPARATION session will be approximately 1 1/2 hours in length. The format will consist of gathering, sharing a simple meal, prayer, presentation of the day's topic, concluding with prayer. Each household will receive a "take home packet" to continue preparing for the upcoming EVENT. The materials will allow individuals and families to reflect and apply what was learned to everyday life. To accommodate all parishioners, each session will be held following the 9:30 Mass on Sunday: 10:30 - 12:00 Noon

The EVENT

The EVENT is an experience that we have prepared for. It may be a Sunday liturgy, a feast day, or other liturgical celebration. The experience is enhanced because of what we have learned together so as to celebrate, in a more meaningful way, our Catholic faith.

Schedule for 2009-2010
Prayer and Spirituality

How do I sign up for LEAF?

Complete a registration form. Forms with payment can be returned through the mail, placed in the Saturday or Sunday collection, or brought to the parish office. Registration Fee: There is no fee. Pre-registration is appreciated.

Participants are asked to bring some food or beverages to share (breakfast or brunch style foods).

For more information, please contact Mary Ann Louison at 843-5637.

46 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 U.S.A.
info@ststanislaus-ny.org

Site Management and Design Copyright 2005 - 2010 Ford Computing Services, Mayfield NY U.S.A. All other rights reserved by St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church of Amsterdam NY U.S.A. or to designated third parties. Webmaster webmaster@firstduty.com.