Sample Some Resources!

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

There will be more content added from time to time -- so read -- pray -- and ask God to help you decide what your family needs this year.

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Why School of Sainthood?

Because our job as your local church is to support your church of the home. We call this the domestic church. We strive for holiness as individuals – but in and through the family we have been given by God.

We moved 3 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. Last year we added 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 gather athletes who excel at that sport – we want to gather those who excel at striving for holiness. And holiness begins at home. Holy homes will bring us to and become 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 your year or ours 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 to take whatever the next step is for you and your family.  And as time goes on, a disciple might accompany and walk with you. And we'll adjust according to needs and 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 experience will generally consist of:

1.) An Annual Parent/Adult Chat. 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. We'll talk about what you'd like to see as your family's pathway to a deeper friendship with Jesus and to grow in holiness this year. We'll also talk about some in-hand resources:

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

2.) Every participating family will receive a 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 of this. We’d encourage you to start small and build up to whatever you can.  And don't forget about Mass!

3.) An initial Family Prep Series of 4 SEEK sessions. This is the next step on your School of Sainthood pathway -- helping to model what to do at home! You'll do this once and it's for the whole family and at least 1 parent (babies, grandparents and other loving adult family members are welcome -- bring 'em all!).

All sessions take place beginning in Paluch Hall:
SEEK Option #1 -- Mondays in October: 3, 10, 17, 24 (6-8pm)
SEEK Option #2 -- (probably) Sundays in January: 8, 15, 22, 29 (6-8pm)

4.) FREE Family Dinner Night (always in Paluch Hall 5:30-7:30pm)
Pray--Eat--Talk--Family Project Together (all materials provided)
Attend at least 3 out of 8 -- but you're welcome at as many as you like!
You'll be asked to officially RSVP each month for the specific date:

Sunday, September 25 -- Catholic Kickoff Construction/Family Cross
Thursday, November 17 -- Preparing for Advent
Sunday, December 11 -- The Advent/Guadalupe/Gaudete Olympics!
Monday, January 9 -- Epiphany Party/Baptism Trivia
Wednesday, February 16 -- Preparing for Lent
Friday, March 3 -- Fish, Forgiveness and #FeistySaints
Thursday, April 27 -- Continuing the Easter PARTY
Sunday, May 28* -- Pentecost/Happy 1990th Birthday Catholic Church!
(yes -- we know its Memorial Day Weekend...come if you can...*this one will be lunch from 1-3pm*)

5.) Chicago Catholic Field Trip/Pilgrimage
These are always optional and on hold for 2022-23 -- but we live in a GREAT place FULL OF FREE Catholic stuff! We'll make you aware from time to time of some fun people, places, and things to visit!

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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 missing sacraments (even if they're in high school) – please email Colleen 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 convalidated ("blessed in the Church”), 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 62nd Anniversary of Our Lady of Ransom – and in joyful celebration of this year – as well as to recognize that many of our families continue to suffer financially – the fee this year is $62. For the whole family. Not per child. Not per quarter. $62. That’s all. Happy Anniversary! There is a way to pay online when you register -- but if you are inspired to make a donation now you can use pushpay directly here: Make an online donation to School of Sainthood ("Evangelization" on dropdown menu).

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 all the increasing bills – this is our small way of subsidizing -- of "ransoming back" that unanticipated loss for you. 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 both return to basics and also make some 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 School of Sainthood! But really -- you're already here! :)

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

In Him Who has #Ransomed us,
Kevin & colleen
[email protected]
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