
Families
The Big Picture
The Big Picture is our Parish-wide faith formation program that provides ongoing formation for adults (young and old alike), children, teens, and parents.
All are welcome to the monthly in-person sessions where adults, children, and teens receive engaging age-specific content to help them grow in their Catholic faith!
Families who are enrolled in The Big Picture will receive additional books and materials that are used for the education of their children at home between in-person, monthly sessions.
As our Parish cooperates with parents in the education and formation of their children, all children between Kindergarten - 8th grade should be enrolled in Family of Faith and/or a Catholic school.
Families with high school teens can choose Family of Faith, High School Discipleship Formation, and/or a Catholic school.
Families who homeschool are welcome to enroll in Family of Faith.
When and where does The Big Picture take place?
Family of Faith will take place monthly from October 2025 - April 2026 in Dane and Waunakee. In most months, it takes place on the first Sundays and first Wednesdays. The options available each month will be:
Sundays, 8:45 - 10:15am at St. John the Baptist, Waunakee
Sundays, 5:30 - 6:55pm at St. John the Baptist, Waunakee
With the late time frame, this option will only provide for families with children 3rd grade or older.Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30pm - St. Michael, Dane
The May 2026 session will be parish wide and take place at St. John the Baptist in Waunakee.
What is the cost for Family of Faith?
The family fee for a year of Family of Faith is $150. If finances are tight, we are happy to provide tuition discounts for any families in need.
Who from a registered family should participate?
At least one parent from a registered family should attend the in-person session with any school age children in the family. The in-person session is an essential component, as the parents will receive engaging and profound formation in the faith, so as to be better equipped to teach and hand on the faith to their children.
What does the at home work consist of?
At home work will include a wide variety of resources and activities, centered around helping parents teach the faith in the home. On average, a family should plan to spend 30 - 45 minutes each week teaching the children and learning together. At home learning will always be connected to the theme of the month presented at the in-person session.
What will help us make the most out of The Big Picture?
Regular attendance at Sunday Mass as a family is the very best thing that will help your family grow together. What is received at Mass will be built upon at The Big Picture. Families are also encouraged to go to Confession together regularly, pray daily at home, and have conversations about the faith together on a regular basis.
How does my family register for The Big Picture?
Registration will take place online for The Big Picture. The registration for the 2025 - 2026 school year will be available in mid August.
How does preparing for sacraments work with The Big Picture?
Immediate preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation take place in the year leading up to the reception of the sacrament. It is expected that children who are preparing for sacraments are simultaneously enrolled in The Big Picture and/or a Catholic school.
How can I help or volunteer with The Big Picture?
We would love to hear from you! Share your interest in volunteering with us here.
The Big Picture 2025 - 2026 Calendar
Families can choose to attend one of these three monthly options:
Sundays, 8:45am - 10:15am at St. John the Baptist, Waunakee
Sundays, 5:30 - 6:55pm at St. John the Baptist, Waunakee
With the late time frame, this option will only provide for families with children 3rd grade or older.Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30pm - St. Michael, Dane
September 2025 - Parents Only
Sunday, September 14 - Waunakee
Wednesday, September 17 - Dane
October 2025
Wednesday, October 1 - Dane
Sunday, October 5 - Waunakee
November 2025
Sunday, November 2 - Waunakee
Wednesday, November 5 - Dane
December 2025
Wednesday, December 3 - Dane
Sunday, December 7 - Waunakee
January 2026
Sunday, January 4 - Waunakee
Wednesday, January 7 - Dane
February 2026
Sunday, February 1 - Waunakee
Wednesday, February 4 - Dane
March 2026
Sunday, March 1 - Waunakee
Wednesday, March 4 - Dane
April 2026
Sunday, April 12 - Waunakee
Wednesday, April 15 - Dane
May 2026 - All Parish
Wednesday, May 6
St. John the Baptist, Waunakee
6:00 - 7:30PM
Family Connections
Welcoming New Little Ones
Moms throughout the Parish would love to support other families as they welcome new babies into their families by providing meals! Send us an email or fill out this Google Form, and we will connect with you about your preferences and how to best support you during this exciting time.
Connecting with Other Young Moms
We have a Facebook Group for Moms of Infants and Children in the Parish. We would love for you to join and create community with other moms in the same state of life. If you don’t have Facebook, email Katie to be added to the list for updates and to get connected with other moms.
Connect with Other Families
Throughout the Parish, there are groups of families that meet monthly or every other month to share in the journey of parenthood and family life together. These gatherings are often centered around meals, potlucks, learning more about the Catholic faith, and time for children to play together. If you are interested in receiving information about future gatherings, we would love to hear from you.