Story by Nikki Rajala
Day for families planned for Feb. 11 in Sauk Rapids
The Diocese of St. Cloud will host a Festival of Families on Sunday, Feb. 11, at Sacred Heart Church in Sauk Rapids to celebrate, pray and share their faith.
Christine Pinto, diocesan associate director for faith formation and organizer for the festival, said that, according to research, two things have the biggest impact on the faith lives of children: seeing their parents living the faith and child-centered conversations about faith in their homes.
“Our goal for the Festival of Families is to provide opportunities throughout the day for families to share their faith with one another and with other families,” she said.
All the events of the day are included in the cost of registration, which is $20 per family, no matter the size.
There are no additional costs to play the carnival games
nor to participate in the other activities of the day.
The festival begins at 10:30 a.m., with activities, carnival games and exhibits. The day also includes a meal.
Following lunch, families will divide into age-specific groups — children pre-K through grade 5, teens and parents. Groups for younger children include crafts, songs, skits, games and Bible stories.
Jason Prigge, director of youth and young adult ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, will lead the teen session, titled “Engaging Teens in Faith.”
“I want young people to come as they are — their imperfections, their stress and anxiety, their energy and gifts — and know the Church is a safe place and that Christ wants a relationship with them. Teens can expect games, music, storytelling and an invitation into God’s community,” Prigge said.
Parents will select from four sessions designed to meet their needs.
To end the day, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., will celebrate a bilingual family Mass at 2 p.m. The Festival of Families is part of the ‘Becoming Eucharist’ Revival Series.
“We look forward to celebrating our Catholic faith with families throughout the diocese,” Pinto said. “We want to
help them embrace the call to be modern missionaries in their communities.”
“Parenting with Faith: Spiritual Practice with Children Across the Lifespan”
“About That Oxygen — Parental Self-Care”
“Youth Mental Health: Hope for Healing”
“Communication Matters! At Home, Online, On Social Media and Anywhere in Between”