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GIFT 2026-2027

Walking in the Footsteps of Christ

Generations In Faith Together (GIFT) is our intergenerational religious formation program at Our Lady of Lourdes that gathers children, teens, parents, grandparents, and other adults for shared prayer, learning, and service. Over the coming year, our theme, “Walking in the Footsteps of Christ,” will be explored through the lens of Franciscan spirituality — emphasizing humility, joyful simplicity, reverence for creation, solidarity with the poor, being instruments of Christ’s peace by fostering reconciliation, compassion, and harmony in our everyday relationships and living the Gospel values. 

New GIFT Households

If you are new to GIFT, use the button below to fill out a registration form for the upcoming GIFT season.

Coming soon!

Returning GIFT Households

If you are returning to GIFT, use the button below to fill out a registration form for the upcoming GIFT season.

Coming soon!

Session One: September 13

Session Two: September 27

Session Three: October 18

Session Four: November 1

Session Five: November 14 - Service

Session Six: November 22

Session Seven: December 6

Session Eight: January 10

Session Nine: January 31

Session Ten: February 21

Session Eleven: March 14

Session Twelve: April 11

Session Thirteen: April 24 - Service

Session Fourteen: May 2 - Full Meal

GIFT FAQs

What is GIFT?

  • GIFT is Generations in Faith Together
  • An innovative approach to faith formation for everyone!
  • GIFT is our program of faith formation.
  • It is an intergenerational learning experience as singles, seniors, couples, and families/households of all varieties and forms gather to grow in faith together.

Our gatherings include:

  • An opening experience that is an introduction to the theme of the session.
  • Learning sessions on the topic that are age appropriate.

Why GIFT?

  • To offer Catholic Christians a method of faith formation that speaks to both their lives and the world we live in.
  • To strengthen those who still feel that faith is a priority, but struggle in commitment.
  • To make sense of all that is part and parcel of Catholicism.
  • To live our faith and grow in it in the day to day of family life, jobs, school, etc…
  • To impart our faith to the young people in our community which accompanies. them on a life-long faith journey, as research shows that those who grow up discussing faith with adults are more likely to remain engaged in their faith.

When is GIFT?

  • We gather 14 times per year, between September and April/May.
  • We meet on Sundays between the 8:00 am and 10:30 am liturgies
    (from 9:00 am-10:20 am).
  • Households with school aged children: our expectation is that you will be in attendance for all scheduled sessions.
  • If your child is preparing for the sacraments of reconciliation and first Eucharist, you will also participate in a separate preparation program.

1st grade parents

2nd grade parents

How much does GIFT cost?

Season Pass (Good for all 12 Sessions plus snacks and supplies! )

  • $ 120  Household…1-2 Adults
  • $ 200  Household with 1 child (K4-Gr. 11)
  • $ 280  Household with 2 children
  • $ 360  Household with 3 children
  • $ 440  Household with 4 or more children
  • *** NO FEE for seniors in high school ***
  • $ 100  Senior Household (65 years and older)
  • Payments can be made in full, quarterly, or monthly through WeShare. Balance needs to be paid in full by June 16, 2023.
  • Tuition scholarships are also available.

How can I get involved with GIFT?

GIFT Core Team

The GIFT Core Team assists, plans, and evaluates each monthly GIFT session. Some experience in planning processes and our Catholic teachings is helpful. A sincere desire to explore and plan for the whole community is necessary. This team meets five time each year.

GIFT Catechists

Adults (21 and older) are needed to teach our faith for K4-K5 yr. olds, Gr. 1-2, Gr. 3-4, Gr. 5-6, Gr. 7-8, Gr. 9-10, and Confirmation. Guide plans and materials for each session are provided.

Catechists are asked to work together to implement and evaluate each session. In-service training, safe environment training and continuing education are needed. The catechist should be a person of faith actively involved in the liturgy and life of the parish.

If you enjoy working with children and youth and desire to share your faith, you are invited to call our faith formation directors for more details.

GIFT Aides

Teens and adult helpers are needed to assist the catechists with the activities and needs of the children and youth.

For all inquiries to the above information contact:

Steve Szymanski | Grade K4-Grade 6 | (414) 545-4316, Ext. 127

Tanya Gross | Grade 7-Grade 11 | (414) 545-4316, Ext. 115