Share Phase

The Share phase of Springs of Faith helps parishes lay the foundation for a meaningful lifelong practice of the baptismal call. After parents have celebrated their child’s baptism, Share equips them to foster family faith in their own home and helps parishes create an atmosphere of community-building that not only draws young families in but gives them a reason to keep coming back.

This third phase of Springs of Faith takes on two forms: 1) post-baptismal Family Gatherings, and 2) Baby and Me sessions. Although Baby and Me is part of the Share phase, it utilizes a separate leader resource, whereas the Family Gatherings are located within the Encounter/Share Leader Guide.

Format for Family Gatherings

Four 60-minute optional Family Gatherings can be offered to families that have completed the Encounter sessions, or to any families interested in exploring new ways to make faith a more integral part of family life. Each of the four gatherings focuses on a specific theme that encourages parents to put faith at the center of home and family life—and to do it comfortably and confidently:

Home as a Sacred Space: The first gathering focuses on the messaging and symbolism present in a Catholic home.

Family Rituals: The second gathering presents family rituals through which we encounter mystery.

Prayer in the Home: The third gathering looks at types of prayers and ways to pray at home.

Families in Mission: The fourth gathering explores ways in which families can take the love of Christ and share it with the community and world.

Each gathering includes a short video and discussion, an engaging family activity, suggestions for ongoing faith practice in the home, and optional witness talks (where Catholic couples with baptized children come and speak as witnesses to the practices discussed in the gatherings). At the end of each session, leaders recommend resources so participants can delve deeper into the theme at home.