A few months ago, I received a box that looked beautiful like it came out of a pottery barn catalog, and it said "Mend" on the top. I walked it down to Jodi Phillip's office (our Catechetical Specialist) fully intending to hand it off. But when I realized that it was brimming with hands-on activities that could help me teach my son about the sacrament of reconciliation...I took it home.

Transmitting the faith to our children is so difficult with the culture actively working against us, and this box give me some tools to have intentional conversations with my family. I tell you this today because Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries provide more than boxes for the sacraments. They really understand what it means to accompany families, and they want to help parishes do this well. They are more devoted to the process of catechesis than they are to a particular program. And so, whether you work for a parish or you are parent wanting a great resource for your children/grandchildren, tune into my conversation with Fr. Tim Donovan, Founder, President, and Chaplain of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries.

[01:17] Meet Father Tim Donovan
[02:18] Discovering Pathways
[04:24] The Importance of Family in Faith Formation
[06:23] Creating Effective Sacramental Resources
[21:52] The Role of Beauty in Catechesis
[24:40] Implementing the Catechumenal Model
[33:03] Balancing Sacramental Preparation and Family Engagement
[37:00] Addressing Fear of Change in Parishes
[42:08] Building Missionary Families
[49:10] Supporting Parish Leaders and Families
[52:25] Encouragement and Resources for Change

Resources

• Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries – Look for the Pathways Formation Suite
• Leading Change without Losing by Carey Nieuwhof
• Directory for Catechesis (New Edition)

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)