Holy Family Catholic Church
Rockford, Illinois
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Family Life
The goal of Family Life Ministry is to strengthen and support each parish family. We do this by sponsoring faith and educational experiences that help us live out more clearly the teachings of Jesus in our family lives. It is
the aim of our ministry to link families that have similar life experiences and needs so they can support each other and grow together. We seek to provide families with ideas and resources that can be used in the home
to help their faith come alive. We are here to listen to the needs of families.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Family Life Ministry of Holy Family,
please call Barb, Mari or Sue at 815-398-4284, OR just click on our name and drop us an email.
Goal:
To strengthen and support each parish family.
Methods:
- Sponsoring faith and educational experiences that help us live out more clearly the teachings of Jesus in our family lives.
- Linking families that have similar life experiences and needs so they can support each other and grow together.
- Seeking to provide families with ideas and resources that can be used in the home to help our faith come alive.
- Listening to the needs of families.
Baptism Ministry
"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." Mark 9:37
Be a part of welcoming the little ones of our parish into our faith community. A Baptism ministry volunteer greets and organizes the families on Baptism day, performs Sacristan duties, plus takes their pictures for the bulletin.
For more information on this ministry, please contact Mari at 815-398-4284 or email by clicking on name.
Creator Kids Nursery
Members of this ministry make it possible for parents to attend the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass while their children are cared for in a fun and loving environment. Moms can also take advantage of this service while attending the monthly MOMS group from 9-11 a.m. one Friday each month.
If you would be willing to help watch over our little ones at either of these times, please call Barb or Sue at 815-398-4284. The commitment is small, but the rewards from the children are great!
Elijah CupThis program fosters an awareness of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Families/households sign up to take the cup that is used for the Blood of Christ during Mass to their home for a week. The chalice is placed in the center of the dinner table and the family prays for vocations before their family dinner every evening. The chalice is returned to the Harte Center on the following Saturday.
All families/households are welcome to participate in this beautiful form of prayer for vocations. Call Barb or Sue in the Family Life Office 815-398-4284 if you have any questions or would like to participate in the program.
Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach to women in special times of motherhood. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women in response to their needs during the childbearing years.
Elizabeth Ministry follows the example of the scripture story of the Visitation by bringing women together who share a similar story. This ministry is an opportunity for like-to-like ministry through personal visits. An Elizabeth Minister will be a link with the broader Church community.
For more information on any of these areas, please contact Mari at 815-398-4284.
Family MassThis Mass is offered weekly during the school year (October-May) at 9:30 a.m. in the Meilinger Gym. It is designed for families with children.
The Family Life Office of Holy Family has partnered with Holy Family School and CCD classes to plan and implement each week's Mass theme, petitions and take home gift, which reinforces the Gospel message. The Family Mass is a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the Mass and prepare them for the full Mass in church. The readings, symbols, and dramas are focused more towards the children. The Family Mass is a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the Mass and prepare them for the full Mass in Church.
Music for Family Mass is geared towards the children with the Children's Choir singing monthly. Cantors accompanied by piano provide music the other Sundays. Please join us for Mass! All are welcome. Contact Barb or Sue at 815-398-4284 if you have any questions or if you are interested in joining the music team.
Junior High Rosary-Making ClubJunior High students are invited to learn the simple craft of making a rosary on the first Tuesday of each month. We meet during the school year from 3-4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room of the church. The rosaries we make are sent to churches, orphanages, and various areas in need. All supplies and instructions are provided. This activity will count for Christian Ministry hours. Call Barb or Sue at 815-398-4284 for more information.
Mary's Messengers/Rosary MakersThis group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. Join this fun group and create rosaries for missionaries who teach and promote this beautiful devotion to the Blessed Mother. For more information, call Mari in the Family Life Office at 815-398-4284.
MOMS GroupOur M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Moms Support) Group meets monthly one Friday mornings each month from 9 to 11 a.m. This is a support group for mothers of children from infancy through adolescence, to enhance their vision of family life through speakers, topics of interest, discussion and support. A child care ministry is provided so the children can enjoy a morning of fun and learning about our love for Jesus. Check the bulletin for more detailed information about the topics presented each month. For more information, call Mari at 815-398-4284.
Parent Life Support
Rainbows/Grief Recovery for ChildrenDo you know a child who is grieving a family loss from death, divorce, or serious illness? The Rainbow program has helped nearly one million children move from hurt to healing and hope. Small peer support groups, under the guidance of trained facilitators, meet on Monday evenings for six weeks in the fall and six weeks in the winter. Groups are open to children 5-13.
If you would be interested in becoming a facilitator for a group of up to five children, we will provide the training and all of the materials you will need. Call Mari, Barb, or Judy at 815-398-4284 to register your child or for more information about the program.
Rosebud Ministry
You will find silk rosebuds in a basket beside the statue of Our Blessed Mother in the Church lobby. These rosebuds each represent a sacred life.
Each rosebud has a tag attached. The tag has a place to write information regarding pregnancy, birth, adoption, loss, or trying to conceive or adopt. People are invited to remove a rosebud from the basket, fill in the attached tag and put the rose in the vase provided.
Prayer cards for various situations are next to the vase. Those filling out any tags are invited to take a prayer card for their personal intention. Church members promise to pray for those the rosebuds represent. The roses announcing a new birth or adoption will be announced at Mass. Names will be collected on Fridays and given to the lector to read during Mass. Contact Sue at 815-398-4284 for more information.
Toddler TimeThis group is designed for parents and their children ages birth through three years old. We have fun singing songs, doing art projects, reading stories, playing parachute, and making friends. We meet every Friday morning September through May in the St. Joseph Room from 9:30 - 10:15 AM. For more information, call Barb or Sue at 815-398-4284.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is available for children pre-school age through fifth grade. Planning begins in March with Vacation Bible School scheduled for June 16-20, 2008. Many volunteers are needed to plan and staff this week-long experience. For more information, call Barb or Sue at 815-398-4284.
Last Updated June 27, 2008
4401 Highcrest Road