Welcome to the new religious education paradigm known as TLC. Total Lifelong Catechesis is not a new program that we purchased to teach our children, it is a whole new way of understanding what our role and mission is as Disciples of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, parishioners have come to believe that being a Disciple of Jesus no longer includes learning about God. What has resulted from this misunderstanding is the practice that once someone receives the Sacrament of Confirmation they no longer need to attend any teen or adult faith formation. They have also believe that our children are receiving all they need to know to experience God’s life through Catholic Schools or other programs. These ideas are not true! The truth is that we should be spending our entire lives growing in an intimate relationship with God. The reality of Christian growth is that children learn and live what they experience at home. If Jesus is not visibly present at home and in their parents, they may not learn from Catholic Schools or Parish Religious Education programs what they need to experience the life of God.

Research has proven two frightening facts about our church. First, the majority of Catholic adults have a third grade level of understanding of the faith. Secondly, there are two generations of adults now who don’t feel comfortable sharing their faith with their children. (This makes sense if they don’t really understand it or live it.)

If children live out in their lives what they experience at home and adults are not actively engaged in their own relationship with God, then our children will not easily come to know and experience life with God. Thus, it is easy to understand why we needed to move in this new direction where all generations gather together to learn about their faith. We need to provide households with the knowledge and tools they need to engage in the life of God. It is safe to say that the Church has done a good job of giving the faithful the “rules” or expectations of the faith, but not the life. That is, we have not done a good job of connecting the faithful with the Life of God.

Thus, our experience of church can often feel dry and lifeless. If we aren’t connected to the life of God, we can’t experience the life of the church’s rituals. This is similar to relationships in our lives that have lost their passion and meaning because we have lost the emotional communion that once existed.

We can only conclude that as a church, we are not giving our adults or children what they really need to engage in an active and passionate relationship with Jesus. We must begin the long climb up the mountain that leads adults into deeper communion with the Lord. In doing this, our children will receive the fruits of this communion with God because He is life giving.

This new paradigm affirms our commitment to return to one of the most fundamental roles of Discipleship. That is, to be a lifelong student of Christ. The history of the church has provided us with a rich history to saints who have disposed their souls to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. He will bring to completion the good work He began in us.

With this said, please take a few moments to examine the goals and expectations of the TLC paradigm.

Goals for TLC

1. To create an environment where Parishioners can grow in relationship with God and others;

2. To lead every member into a deeper relationship with God;

3. To instruct the faithful with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

4. To connect those teachings to every day life so we can actively participate in the Life of God and His Church;

5. To equip adults with the knowledge and tools to share their faith with others;

6. To use the events encountered at St. Luke Catholic Church as a means by which we come to understand not only the teachings of the Catholic Faith, but their application in every day life.

Expectations for Participant of TLC

1. Entire households attend once a month; (Please note that children will not be allowed to participate without their family present. If this occurs, parents will be called and asked to pick up their child.)

2. Households will participate in the “Parish Chores.” A Household “Chore Chart” is being created (see inside packet) for the benefit of the community. Each family will be assigned periodically to help clean up after the meal.

3. All households are encouraged (and needed) to serve in TLC in some capacity. Please see board located outside the Parish Office for more information.

4. All households are encouraged to use the “Take-Home” kits provided each month. Each household will be given Home Kits that contain information for further reflection. Each kit will have material for children, teens, adults, families, and (for those households with Children in their Sacrament year) sacrament information for instruction.

5. Please contact the Faith Formation office 3 weeks ahead of the TLC week if your family needs to switch nights for one month due to a conflict. Please note that this switch can not be permanent as we are already maxed for some nights.

6. Cost for TLC is $65 for the entire year or $10 per event. This does not include meals. We will be providing home cooked meals for $3 per person. (If you have ever had a meal provided by John DuBiel, you know this is a GREAT DEAL.) You will be able to pay at the door for your meals. If you would like to pay for the year, we will make that option available.