A video series to introduce the vision and explain the essential components
of an Integrated Family Model of Faith Formation.
1. Introducing Integrated Family Faith Formation
15 minutes
In this introductory video, Dr. Kathie Amidei presents the rationale for a family model of faith formation, discusses its impact and benefits to families and parish, and outlines the basic components. The video also features testimonials from a parent, youth participant, a bishop, priests, and diocesan staff. This video may be particularly helpful to parish leaders – pastors, faith formation directors, other lay leaders – considering a change to a family approach to faith formation.
2. Introducing the Model
10 minutes
This video presents the key components of the integrated family model of formation:
- Community Fellowship – Families GATHER informally, with snacks or a meal, and build relationships with other families and with the parish.
- Intergenerational Activities – The whole family takes part in the activities and discussion together. The Parish GUIDES the parents; Parents GUIDE their children.
- Age-Specific Formation – Children and Teens take part in classes with their own age group. The age-specific formation is expanded to include Adult formation for Parents. So all ages GROW in their faith.
3. Implementing Intergenerational Faith Formation
11 ½ minutes
In this video, Dr. Kathie Amidei discusses how to make the most of the Intergenerational or Family Activity component. While a parish facilitator guides the activity time, parents are placed in the role of teacher, guiding their own families. During well-designed intergenerational sessions, family members are active; they learn, pray, discuss faith, and have fun. Ann Fons offers concrete methods that can be used for the intergenerational activities.
4. Designing Parent Faith Formation
7 ½ minutes
Parents are both teachers and learners. This video describes the Age-Specific Formation component for parents. What can be done when parents are brought together? What activities, presentations or discussions will be effective and fruitful? Dr. Kathie Amidei discusses the importance of “nurturing the nurturer” and really engaging parents. Al McCauley offers principles for working effectively with a group of adults. The goal is to form a partnership between the parish and the parents.
5. Making the Change to Integrated Faith Formation
6 minutes
Once parish leaders have determined to embrace family faith formation, they need to consider how to implement the changes. Dr. Kathie Amidei and Gary Pokorny offer pointers on preparing, communicating with, and accompanying the parish as new elements are introduced.
About the Videos
TRANSFORM videos were made possible by a grant from the Faith in Our Future Trust.
Copyright: Archdiocese of Milwaukee, 2024.
Permission is granted to use these videos in order to develop and support integrated family faith formation. The purpose of the videos is to enable parishes to replicate and adapt the model of integrated family formation in their own setting. Consequently, the videos may be used in training programs, in parish planning, by groups or individuals, without additional permission. Videos may be copied in their entirety, with the final copyright information intact.
Credits: Dr. Kathie Amidei, series conception, design team, editing. Very Rev. Ricardo Martin, Maréh Content Productions, interviews and videography, video 1. Lea Boyd, design team; videography, videos 2-5; editing, videos 1-5. Ann Fons, design team; script, videos 2-5; editing 1-5. Randy Nohl, narration, videos 2-5. Gary Pokorny, design team, project coordination.