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.

September 10, 2012

To the Saint Noel Family,

GIFT (Generations In Faith Together) provides all members of our community with an opportunity to come together regularly, making Jesus, the ultimate teacher, present to us in each other. Growing in faith is a life-long process, and so adults young and old, teens, and children are invited to GIFT. We learn together, as well as from one another. We grow in our relationship with God, as well as with one another. We enjoy a good meal, as well as food for thought.

GIFT, beginning its ninth season this fall, continues to be the primary opportunity of faith formation for the entire parish. In response to requests for more GIFT topics, the number of GIFT sessions this year will increase from four to five. In order to make this happen, GIFT will only be offered on Wednesday evenings. The five GIFT sessions continue to be an important part of our CALLL, PEACE and FBC faith formation programs for children and families.

Included in this mailing you will find a booklet detailing the topic, objectives, format and dinner menu for each of the five GIFT sessions. Each session addresses a relevant topic derived from the National Catholic Catechetical Directory composed by the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Each session is designed to give us knowledge directed toward developing and celebrating a deeper relationship with Jesus. Fellowship, prayer, and service are also important components of each session.  We are very excited about the topics offered this year.

Registration information is enclosed. However, if you are a family with children and have already completed a registration form for CALLL, PEACE or FBC, you do not need to fill out another registration form.   All others may just take these simple steps:

• First, take a few moments to read about each session in the booklet.
• Next, complete the enclosed gray registration form. Sign up for all five sessions and receive a price break, or just sign up for the sessions you are available to attend.  Write the number of people of each age group you are registering for each session. Please note that parents should be counted in the ADULT session, though you are most welcome to attend with your child.
• Then, mark the enclosed GIFT reminder magnet with your session choices and hang it in a prominent place.
• Finally, return your registration form with payment to the GIFT box in the Narthex or the parish office.  (Our Endowment Committee has set aside funds to assist anyone who may need help with payment at this time.) Each registered household will receive a special gift at the first GIFT session.

As you know, GIFT is a huge undertaking and could not happen without the help of many people. Please consider helping in whatever way you are able.  Fill out the enclosed white volunteer form and drop it off in the GIFT box.

Join hundreds of others for GIFT this season as we embark on a year of faith together.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

Fr. George

Pastor