GIFT (Faith Formation)

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.

Registration

Register online using one of the forms below.

If you prefer to print out a registration form and fill it out on paper,
click here to download the printable version and return it to the Parish Office.

New GIFT Households

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

Returning GIFT Households

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

Session One: September 13

Topic: Major Themes in Franciscan Spirituality and Why They are Still Relevant Today

The life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi offers our Church so many important talking points related to justice, peace, community and the care for creation. We will share an overview of these themes and envision a way to participate in them in today’s world.

Bio: Lisa Metz is a Theology teacher at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and Jon Metz is a Teaching Professor in the Theology department at Marquette University. Together, they belong to St. Sebastian Parish in Milwaukee and are raising two teenagers.

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

St. Francis of Assisi: God’s Troubadour
Guest Presenter: Al McCauley

It’s been said that St. Francis of Assisi was like a “second Christ,” because he so closely imitated the simplicity and humility of Jesus. Learn about this most beloved Catholic Saint – and his dear friend, Clare – and be inspired by his continuing legacy of peace and joy.

Bio: Al McCauley is the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Anthony on the Lake Parish in Pewaukee. He taught Theology and History at Pius XI Catholic High School in Milwaukee for 24 years and was a Religious Studies adjunct for Cardinal Stritch University. Al is the creator and host of the weekly Catholic YouTube web series Fish on Fridays, and he is a frequent speaker throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He earned his master’s degree in religious studies from Cardinal Stritch University in 2009. Al is married, has three children, and two grandchildren.

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; our program of faith formation.
An innovative approach to faith formation for everyone!
It is an intergenerational learning experience as singles, seniors, couples, and families/households of all varieties and forms gather to grow in faith together. We encourage all OLOL parishioners to take part in this.

Our gatherings include:

An opening experience that is an introduction to the theme of the session.
Learning and service sessions on the thematic topics that are age appropriate.
Two annual Donut Sundays to foster fellowship amongst our OLOL Family.
A meal for our last session

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 May, approximately every 3–4 weeks.
We meet on Sundays between the 8:00 am and 10:30 am liturgies (from 9:00 am–10:20 am)
For households with school-aged children, our expectation is that you will attend each session throughout the year.
If your child is preparing for Sacraments, you will also take part in a separate preparation program.
Households without school aged children have the option of signing up for individual sessions.

How much does GIFT cost?

Sacrament Prep materials, retreat fees, and all supplies are included in the tuition fee.
Fees vary according to the size of the household.
There is a discount for seniors!
Please see current year registration form for exact fees.
Payments can be made in full, quarterly, or monthly through WeShare.
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