GIFT Information

Generations In Faith Together (GIFT) is a spirit-filled outreach, welcoming all ages and stages of people to develop a living faith through love, prayer, worship and community. With that in mind, GIFT fosters intergenerational relationships in which everyone’s spirituality can be ignited by interacting with people of all ages.

Each GIFT session addresses a topic in at least one of the six fundamental tasks of catechesis developed by the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Because faith formation is life-long, GIFT will continue over the years to revisit each task with a different focus.

GIFT Becomes A Primary Means of Faith Formation

We have a new focus to the faith formation of our parish. Outside of the liturgy, the GIFT Program (Generations in Faith Together) which was piloted last year is now the primary means to deepen the faith of our parish. Those who participated in the three GIFT sessions last year were overwhelmingly positive in their evaluations of the experience. They appreciated coming together for a meal with other parishioners, learning names, making connections, and growing in their faith.

We are one of over 70 parishes in our diocese who are adopting GIFT program. This program has the full support of Bishop Pilla. GIFT is designed for everyone: young and old, married and single. Instead of dividing our parish into smaller groups, GIFT allows us to grow in faith together. GIFT replaces the Parish School of Religion and most of the work of Adult Enrichment. Although RCIA, junior and senior high programs, preschool and children’s sacramental preparation will continue in their own right, they will draw upon the opportunities of GIFT whenever possible.

This year we offer eight GIFT sessions, roughly one every month. Each session will be offered more than once to make it easier to fit into your schedule. As Pastor, I invite you to participate in all the GIFT sessions. I believe that spending a few hours each month to grow in community and deepen our faith is time well spent. Because of the careful planning of the GIFT sessions, those who participate in all of them will receive a comprehensive review of the central tenants of our faith as we move from year to year. This is a great advantage . If, however, you cannot attend all the GIFT sessions, you are welcome to come to whatever sessions you are able.

I can assure you of this: Great things began to happen in our community as we piloted GIFT last year. I am convinced an even deeper sense of community and spiritual growth will flow from the sessions that are planned in the up-coming months. Benefit from the blessings which flow from GIFT. Become an active part of this exciting new era in the life of St. Noel.

Fr. George Smiga

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