Returning to school after nearly six months out of school due to the COVD-19 pandemic looks a little different. Here's some scenes from students headed to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE — Resuming faith formation classes this fall, like everything else, will be a bit different.
Some parishes will continue with online or app-based programs that were used for instruction when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered most in-person instruction last spring. Others are returning to in-person classes with guidance and safety protocols provided by the diocese’s Faith Formation Office.
And some parishes are providing both in-person and virtual instruction, giving families the option to choose which program works best for their needs.
“I am so very impressed by how our parishes have risen to the challenges brought by this COVID-19 reality as they plan and prepare to resume safely in the coming months,” said Paul Kotlowski, diocesan director of youth ministry. “Their planning has included various contingencies and creative modalities to ensure going forward regardless of what curves the virus throws at our communities.
“Outdoor classrooms, virtual gatherings and other means of maintaining outreach and connection are being employed across the diocese. I’m particularly impressed with the sensitivity to the concerns and fears of the families being served in these challenging times.”
Over the summer, a Faith Formation Task Force compiled guidelines and protocols for assisting parishes in planning their religious education programs for this academic year. Their recommendations focused on three areas: safety protocols and guidelines for in-person faith formation classes, technology resources for remote/virtual learning and communication, and faith formation resources to assist parishes.
Each parish can consider and apply the task force’s guidance depending on their specific needs.
“We find ourselves in unique and unprecedented times, and we understand that the circumstances and the needs of the local community can vary from parish to parish,” Chris Beal, diocesan director of faith formation, noted in an email sharing the guidelines with pastors and parish catechetical program leaders. “Let us remember, ‘the primary and essential object of catechesis is, the mystery of Christ… to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.’
“As we plan to adapt our methodology to our current and ever-changing circumstances, let us remember that the core of our mission has not changed.
As we consider what our programs look like and the ‘how’ in which they will be accomplished, remember our goal remains the same.”
— Kimberly Bender, Online reporter
Faith Formation resources
At www.charlottediocese.org/ev/covid-19-faith-formation-resources: Read the diocesan Faith Formation Task Force’s safety procedures, and see a wide-ranging list of apps, websites and other resources to aid in faith formation at home.
Your DSA contributions at work
The Lay Ministry Formation Program is funded in part by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how you can contribute at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.