Basics of GIFT…

1. The program official starts with a Mass (11:30 AM) at St. Anthony of Padua - Septenber 25, 2011 - All are welcome
2. For everyone, there will be a once-a-month GIFT session from October through May. There will be a choice of attending either the first Monday or first Wednesday of these months – from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. (second weekday of the month if there is a holiday or inclement weather)
3. If there is a day you cannot attend, you can freely switch to the other day the session is offered
4. A full schedule will be posted in our church vestibule and bulletin – when it is finalized
5. Each session will follow a predefined “theme”.
6. A set of themes is scheduled in a six year cycle, after which the set repeats with a focus on new age groups
7. All yearly themes will have their foundation based on the “Catholic Catechism”
8. “Home packets” will be handed out at each session to give provided all attendees (children & adults) with a continuation of Catechetical formation.
9. All such sessions are at St. Anthony’s – but are open to all parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!
10. The period of 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM will be a time for a small “family meal” to set the Eucharistic aspect of catechesis.
11. The remaining time will be divided into time for an overall group presentation & age appropriate sub-group activities & closing collective review with prayers.
12. Registration for this program will be at a nominal fee – comparable to the current CCD registration at OLMC; no will be denied participation for lack of ability to donate such a fee
13. Registration forms have gone out - and are expected to be returned ASAP.
14. For children (grades K-8) a parent or guardian will attend the GIFT program with their child/children.
15. A “night-care” program will be worked out for families with children younger than 5 years old – or with special needs.
16. We are always looking for individuals who can volunteer small amounts of time. We need those who can help with the setup/cleanup of the fellowship meal, aids and teachers who can help run the already prepared materials for the age specific breakout sections – if you would be willing to volunteer your time monthly (Monday and/or Wednesday evenings) - Contact Jim Herczeg 973-533-3043.

This year’s overall theme is “The Sacraments”

Those students preparing for Sacraments (Grades 2, 7 & 8) will continue to meet weekly (without parent) on Monday evenings at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Woodbridge from 6:00-7:15pm beginning on Monday, September 19th. On the first Monday or Wednesday of the month they will join the monthly G.I.F.T. session with their family on the night they have selected.