Formation for the Next Generation

According to our research, many parents and caregivers desire to pass on the Catholic faith to their children, but struggle with the most effective way to do this.

The Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative puts Christian parents and caregivers in direct dialogue with catechetical and parish leaders, helping both sides move toward a plan of action in your community. These Catholic Extension Society-funded sessions will be led by a designated Facilitator, experienced leaders in ministry who work closely with parents and helping them succeed as teachers to their children. 

By hosting these convenings in your faith community, Catholic Extension Society seeks to help parish leaders engage culturally diverse parents and caregivers in the Christian formation of their children.

Selected participants will commit to a two-phase program:

  1. Catechetical and parish leaders meet with parents to engage the parish with their ideas and insights. A facilitator will help provide structure to this conversation. Convenings will be funded by Catholic Extension Society.
    • What are your challenges? What are your strengths? What are the unique cultural practices and traditions that speak to our faith?
  2. Once these sessions have occurred with strategic input from parish leaders, parents/caregivers, each faith community will design a program or project and submit that to Catholic Extension Society.  

We recommend that all program designs be submitted by a diocesan Religious Education/Formation Coordinator (or a diocesan official who can oversee the site.) This individual may also be a part of the CORE group for the site, if needed.

Select sites will be eligible for implementation funding up to $15,000 to impliment their projects.

Who is Eligible?

  • This program will be available to parishes that are home to families with children.
  • A diocese may request one or multiple parish sites in one application.
  • Before applying, each diocese must have identified site coordinators – a core group – a minimum of two lead individuals per application: 
  1. A parent-lead, specific to that parish community. The parent-lead should help confirm parents, grandparents, and caregivers, elders to attend the session and provide their input and ideas for cultural teachings unique to their community and demographics.
  2. Parish or faith leader, specific to that community. The parish leader should help confirm catechists and other faith and religious ed staff for that site.
  • We recommend identifying a diocesan-level coordinator: a diocesan Religious Education or Formation Coordinator who can oversee the site(s). This individual should work with core group, as needed.
  • Approved parishes must commit and complete phase 1 + 2 and these overall program guidelines and expectations.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application form by the deadline of Thursday, November 9.
  2. The following items must be attached to the application:
    • Official Letter of Endorsement from Bishop
    • Signed Partnership Agreement by CORE group (minimum of one parent-lead, and one parish or faith leader and a diocesan-level coordinator)

For More Information

Contact Odette Barrientos, Senior Manager of Mission Programs, at (312) 795-6082 or obarrientos@catholicextension.org