From the Vatican to local parishes, Church leaders and families have embraced the Mass-Centered Family Faith Formation program.
The Church Fathers in particular understood catechesis to be closely linked to the liturgy. Cardinal Walter Kasper described liturgy as sung dogmatics, reflecting that what we pray always shows what we believe. Especially regarding catechesis, we can see that not only the what but also the how is of great importance.
In the USA, this awareness of catechesis grew earlier than in other local churches internationally. The intertwining of phases in learning the faith and confirming and strengthening rites of passage enables a much deeper awareness of faith.
May the catechesis of the Church thus become a real 'κατ᾽ ἐξοχήν' and bring about the echo of faith in the lives of the learners.
The first section of the Dicastery for Evangelization is endeavoring, beyond the Holy Year 2025, to support initiatives such as those in the USA which are exemplary for the universal Church. With this in mind, this book by Deirdre Nemeth demonstrates and communicates the connection between liturgy and catechesis in a practical way.
This book is a wonderful contribution to the future of catechesis and parish renewal. Deirdre Nemeth has skillfully integrated the principles of family catechesis into a program that is profoundly centered on the Eucharist and fully aligned with the Church's call for evangelization in the 21st century. Her work stands as a beacon for forming disciples and revitalizing the faith of families through intentional and sacramental catechesis.
In this innovative program, Nemeth reclaims the essential connection between catechesis, family, and liturgy, addressing one of the most urgent challenges in parish life today: the disconnect between faith formation programs and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church. By making the Mass the cornerstone of her approach, she offers a transformative framework that invites families into a deeper encounter with Christ and His Church.
The Diocese of Paterson has already witnessed the remarkable fruits of this program. Parishes that have implemented this Mass-centered model report renewed vitality, stronger bonds among parish families, and significant increases in Mass attendance. This program exemplifies the heart of the New Evangelization, inspiring families to live their faith authentically and engage actively in the life of the Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly states that parents have responsibility for the education of their children. Deirdre Nemeth is a parent, teacher, and witness. Drawing from her years of experience and watching the decline in the practice of faith as secular pursuits take center stage, she has compiled a program of family faith formation.
In this program parents, who often feel inadequate in teaching the faith, and parish directors of faith formation programs are drawn together to create something beautiful. Children and parents, side-by-side, learning and growing in faith is a beautiful gift for all involved.
This is a gift beyond measure in our ever-changing culture where the faithful person meets challenge after challenge.
Those who use this program of family faith formation will advance the faith of adults and children preparing them to both teach and witness to Jesus Christ in the living of their lives.
Parish leaders across the Diocese of Paterson share the impact of the Mass-centered model in their communities.
Thank you for making us return to church. I did not realize how much I missed it.
Parent — St. Mary's, Denville, NJIn over 40 years of a Catholic upbringing including attending CCD for many years, taking part as a sponsor in an RCIA program, and having four children in Catholic School, I have never understood Mass the way I do now.
Parent of 1st through 7th GradersAt first we started attending Mass because it was a requirement of the program for our son to make his First Communion, but then we fell in love with the Mass. We believe the graces we received from going to Mass transformed our family life for the better. Now we go to Mass every Sunday.
Parent — Diocese of PatersonI love this program! You are getting all of us to come to Mass!
Parent — St. Vincent de Paul, Stirling, NJThis book has received both the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur — official declarations that it is free from doctrinal or moral error — affirming its faithfulness to Catholic teaching.
Join the growing number of parishes bringing families home to the Eucharist through this proven program.
Order the Book