We are so excited to launch our renewed Children’s Faith Formation program in just a few weeks! As we explained over the summer, we are renewing Children’s Faith Formation in our Collaborative by replacing our programming (previously known as “Religious Education”) with two new and innovative programs – a Family Faith Formation program for younger children and their families (Kindergarten – Grade 7) and a Small-Group Confirmation Preparation program for older students (Grade 8 and above.)
Family Faith Formation
For children in Kindergarten-Grade 5, families (parents and children together) gather about once a month following the Sunday 9am Family Mass for catechesis and community led by a member of our Pastoral team (Fr. Jim Laughlin, Kelly Meraw, Sr. Colleen Gibson.) Opening Session Dates:
- Mustard Seeds (Kindergarten-Grade 2): October 5 at St. John
- Loaves & Fishes (Grade 3-5): October 19 at St. John
For children in Grades 6-7, there will be two family sessions (parents and children together) and four student-only sessions on Sunday afternoons prior to the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass, also led by a member of our Pastoral team. This model helps students transition to the more independent experience of small group Confirmation Preparation in Grade 8, while allowing parents to continue to accompany their children on their faith journey. Opening Session Date:
- Salt & Light (Grade 6-7): October 26 at St. Paul
In between sessions, families live out the faith at home, continuing the lessons on their own schedule in whatever space and time works best for them, leaning on resources from the sessions and their children’s grade-level books.
Small-Group Confirmation Preparation
For teens in Grade 8 and above, small groups of teens will meet with an adult leader throughout the year leading up to the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring. Families will hear from their student’s group leader in mid-September to coordinate meeting times and locations, and groups will begin meeting in October.
To Learn More
Please visit our Children’s Faith Formation page for more information about the programs, including a full calendar and a comprehensive FAQ with answers to questions about registration, logistics, sacrament preparation, and more!
And in case you missed it – be sure to watch this important video message from Fr. Jim!