Sample Some Resources!

As promised – we have tried to make it seamless and continuous from what we have already been doing as well as anticipatory and flexible.

There will be more content added over the next few days -- so read -- pray -- and decide what your family needs this year.

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Why Schools of Sainthood?

Because our job as your local church is to support your church of the home. We call this domestic church. We strive for holiness as individuals – but in and through the family we have been given by God. We moved 2 years ago from Religious Education to Faith Formation. Then the pandemic and Renew My Church gave us an opportunity to launch some family pathway initiatives. This year we add a new lens to that -- one of missionary discipleship and sainthood! We are bound for sainthood – so we need schools of sainthood. Just like international sports gathers athletes who excel at their sport – we want to gather those who excel at striving for holiness. And holiness begins at home. Holy homes will bring us to schools of sainthood. And here we are!

SO – we are going to resource you (actually – we’re going to over-resource you) – and we’re going to take this in small bites. One Quarter at a time. We have no idea what this year will look like – and the way to stay positive and anticipatory is to stay fluid and listen for needs. This is how your family at home works at its best. And this is how your family at Church desires to reflect and echo that.

You’ll be invited to continue the next quarter at the end of the current one.  And we’ll make changes/additions/subtractions according to your feedback. Most of you know and have affirmed this is where we were headed as a parish – even prior to our arrival. So we’re continuing on that journey – with a little more intentionality towards discipleship and evangelization.

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This Quarter (Q1) will generally consist of:

1.) A Parent/Adult Inventory. Not an interview -- not a test -- not a hoop -- just a chat with Colleen for 59 minutes or less. And probably there will be snacks. You'll also receive the following in-hand resources:

• -Gospel Weeklies
• -Curriculum Guides
• -Other Resources per level
• -Most resources are bilingual and virtual this year -- per your request!

2.) Your Regular Weekly Flocknote/Email which will include:

• -E-resources to help you at home
• -Online Website Access Pflaum Resources for Parents
• -52 Sundays Resources
• -Readings/Gospel for the upcoming Sunday

NOTE: We desire to honor your family schedule and rhythm. You can do all of this or very little (or none) of this. We’d encourage you to start small and build up to whatever you can.  Maybe we’ll add some things back as time goes on. Let’s see how this goes.

3.) An initial Parent Prep Series of 4 SEEK sessions. There will also be 4 SEEK sessions for children and young people. We will offer quarterly opportunities for these each quarter -- but parents need to complete their 4 sessions before kids complete their 4. This is the first step on your School of Sainthood pathway!

Here are those dates/times for this Quarter (not all happen this quarter):
All sessions take place from 5:30-7:30pm/Paluch Hall
Parents (and other adults) -- Tuesdays in October: 5, 12, 19, 26
Children Grades 1-5 -- Tuesdays in November: 9, 16, 23, 30
Young People Grades 6-12 (open to those already confirmed too!):
Tuesdays in January: January 4, 11, 18, 25

4.) Quarterly Family Dinner/Event Night
Pray--Eat--Talk--Family Project Together (all materials provided)
Optional -- but all invited -- we will ask you to RSVP closer to the date!
Quarter #1 Family Dinner -- Wednesday, 17 November
Prep for Advent as a Family

5.) Quarterly Chicago Catholic Field Trip/Pilgrimage
Optional -- but all invited -- we will ask you to RSVP closer to the date!
FREE -- just transportation on your own
Quarter #1 Chicago Catholic Date/Location: 27 November at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine

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Sacraments will happen in the context of this journey – but no one needs to worry about anything during first quarter unless you hear otherwise from Kevin and I. We want  you to ease in. We’ll be in touch with sacrament families separately after registration is complete. If your children are not in Grades 1, 2 , 7, or 8 and are missing sacraments (even if they're in high school) – please email Kevin or I separately – we can take care of that as well. Additionally – if you are a family that has questions about an adult (over 18)  receiving sacraments, marriage, annulment, divorce, or getting your civil marriage blessed in the Church (“convalidation”), please also reach out to Kevin or I privately and we will be glad connect you with the right person.

There will be optional opportunities to gather in family small groups/"apostolates" in person if desired every once in awhile. We will add very slowly and follow your family lead on this.

Lastly – a note on fees for this year – this is the 61st Anniversary of Our Lady of Ransom – and in joyful celebration of this year – as well as to recognize that many of our families are suffering financially – the fee this year is $61. For the whole family. Not per child. Not per quarter. $61. That’s all. Happy Anniversary!

Now – like last year -- I’d ask you to walk with us here on this one – many parishes are struggling with the fear that a reduction in fees communicates something about the quality of what’s happening here. It doesn’t. But we think in light of your electric, water, internet bills that are all going to go up – this is our small way of subsidizing that unanticipated loss for you. We have some other ideas too – but we’re going to start here. We hope it helps. If you want to give more – feel free to contribute to the parish – who is also in great need -- or at Ransom Responds – our ongoing social outreach which continues to grow in need. If you want to give more to School of Sainthood we’ll use it to help another family. If you need additional help – please PLEASE reach out to Kevin and/or I. We believe God is going to take care of us.

We have missed you. A lot. But we are finding more and more this is also a time that is inviting us to make things new. Including your family and our parish – so despite some of the hard things – we know God is here -- and we are ready to walk with you and your families this year as we encounter the person of Jesus together in both familiar and new ways!

Welcome to Schools of Sainthood!

You are always welcome to share this information or to email Kevin and/or I directly with questions or concerns.

In Him,
Kevin & colleen
kevin@olransom.org
colleen@olransom.org