GIFT
GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER
GIFT is a program for families with children in primary and secondary school who belong to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. It helps families to practice and learn more about their Christian faith, and it guides parents to get their children ready for the sacraments.
1. THE ROLE OF PARENTS
The Church has always maintained that You are the first and most important teachers of your children in the ways of faith. We, as your parish community, are here to help you in this lifelong journey. We do this by bringing all families together to share, learn and worship: we connect you with other families who share your faith, offer you excellent resources that will enrich your faith and your children's faith and address any questions you may have.
3. WHAT WE DO AT GIFT
We begin by celebrating Mass together. Afterwards we enjoy refreshments before receiving family friendly faith teaching and completing family faith activities. We explore a different topic each month.
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After Mass, the GIFT Youth group meet separately. We hope that this will be an opportunity for the young people of our parish to socialise and get to know each other in person; ask questions, engage with and grow in faith together; and support each other as they learn what it means to be a young Catholic in today’s world. For more information about GIFT Youth, click below.
5. WHEN DOES GIFT MEET?
Details of family sessions to be published soon. Please check here later or speak to the Parish Priest
2. GIFT: AN ON GOING JOURNEY OF FAITH
GIFT is a way for families with children aged 5-16 to grow in faith together. It is not a fixed course, but an ongoing journey of faith that adapts to the needs and circumstances of each family. GIFT offers regular opportunities for families to learn, pray and celebrate their faith. Participating in these opportunities, deepening your own faith and helping your children to develop their faith is essential for every family's faith journey and for the life of the Church
4. GIFT: GATEWAY TO THE SACRAMENTS
Preparation for the sacraments is an activity for the whole family, not just a child who is put forward by his/her parent(s). To receive Holy Communion or Confirmation is to be part of the Catholic family, therefore preparation to receive it grows out of a family’s participation in the Catholic community through celebrating Mass with us on Sundays, engaging in Growing In Faith Together (GIFT), and participating in wider life of our parish family.
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If you would like to explore preparing for First Holy Communion or Confirmation then we are delighted to support your family! As a parent, you are responsible for preparing their children to receive the sacraments. Our GIFT team of priests and lay people will support you in discerning when the time is right for you to prepare your children. Please sign up to GIFT below to begin the process.
GIFT REGISTRATION FORM
Growing in Faith Together, family catechesis. Please register you and your family here.
We are suggesting each family make a voluntary offering of £10.00 towards resources. This can be paid in cash at the first session.