Family Formation

Welcome to our Family Formation Religious Education Program!

At the heart of our program is the belief that parents are the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith. Through prayer, faith sharing at home, and weekly participation in Mass, parents provide the foundation upon which a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ is built. Our parish Family Formation program exists to support families in this important mission.

Family Formation serves children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade and offers a partnership between parents and the parish in the religious education of children. This family-centered approach provides flexibility for today's busy schedules while emphasizing the importance of regular Mass attendance and ongoing faith practice.

 

Program Schedule

• Kindergarten–6th Grade: One monthly Family Formation session attended by both parents and students, plus home lessons completed as a family throughout the month.

• 2nd Grade (First Penance & First Holy Communion Preparation): One monthly Family Formation session attended by parents and students, one additional monthly sacramental preparation session, plus home lessons.

• 7th Grade (Confirmation Preparation): Two monthly Confirmation preparation sessions focused specifically on preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students in 7th Grade do not participate in the monthly Family Formation sessions.

• 8th Grade: Students who completed Confirmation preparation in 7th Grade celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of 8th Grade. Following Confirmation, students have completed the parish religious education program.

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During Family Formation sessions, children receive age-appropriate catechesis while parents are introduced to the monthly theme and provided with guidance for continuing faith formation at home. In the weeks between sessions, families complete simple, engaging lessons together at their own pace. These lessons reinforce what is taught during our gatherings and encourage meaningful conversations about faith within the home.

The program is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, rooted in Sacred Scripture, and guided by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our goal is not simply to prepare children for the next grade level or the next sacrament, but to help families grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through Family Formation, children and parents alike deepen their knowledge of the faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and become more active participants in the life of the Church.

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Sacramental Preparation

The sacraments are a vital part of our Catholic faith and an important step in a child's lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. At our parish, sacramental preparation is not viewed as simply checking off a requirement or reaching a certain grade level. Rather, it is a continuation of a child's ongoing faith formation and participation in the life of the Church.

Children typically prepare for and celebrate First Penance and First Holy Communion during 2nd Grade. Preparation is based on a child's readiness, participation in the program, and family involvement in the faith life of the parish. To begin sacramental preparation, children must have completed at least one year of religious education prior to entering the sacramental year.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation typically begins in 7th Grade, with Confirmation celebrated in the fall of 8th Grade. As with all sacraments, readiness and active participation in the faith formation program are important factors in determining a candidate's preparedness.

While these grade levels represent the typical timeline for sacramental preparation, every child develops differently. Some children may celebrate a sacrament at an older age to ensure they are properly prepared and able to fully appreciate the grace and responsibility that comes with receiving the sacrament.

The sacraments are not simply requirements to be completed, but important milestones in a lifelong journey of faith. While students who receive Confirmation in 8th Grade have completed the parish's formal religious education program, our hope is that they will continue to grow in their relationship with Christ through regular Mass attendance, prayer, service, and active participation in the life of the Church.

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We are always seeking volunteers to serve as catechists, classroom helpers, and assistants. If you have questions about the program, please contact Alison Snyder, Director of Religious Education.