QUICK LINKS: Family Faith Formation (Grades K-7) | First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation (Grade 2+) | Confirmation Preparation (Grade 8+) | Frequently Asked Questions
RENEWING CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION
The Archdiocese of Boston is calling on parishes to embrace a new vision of children’s faith formation – one that supports parents in their role as the first teachers of the faith, facilitates lifelong faith formation for all generations, and encourages missionary discipleship in addition to catechesis by engaging the talents of the whole parish community.
In response to this call, our Pastoral team, in partnership with our Children’s Faith Formation and Youth Ministry teams, has been working to develop a unified approach to faith formation that builds bridges between these unique programs, invigorates our Collaborative liturgical life, and renews the engagement of our young children, teens, and families in the life of the parish, especially Sunday Mass.
It is with great joy that we share with you our renewed Children’s Faith Formation program (previously known as “Religious Education”):
Family Faith Formation – a program for families with children in Kindergarten through Grade 7 that empowers, supports, and equips parents to impart the faith to their children.
Confirmation Preparation Small Groups – a program for teens in Grade 8 and above. Small groups of teens will meet with an adult leader throughout the year as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring.
We understand that this renewal of Children’s Faith Formation represents a significant change from what most of us, and even most of our parents, experienced growing up, and that change of this magnitude can be unsettling. At the same time, over the past decade or so, the Church has come to recognize that the way we have been teaching the faith to children – as an academic exercise removed from the family and often removed from the sacrifice of the Mass – is not effective.
Family Faith Formation is really a new model based on an old idea – that parents are the first and best teachers of the faith for their children. Parishes across our Archdiocese and across the country are embracing this model, seeing great fruit in increased sense of community, strengthened families, stronger Mass attendance, and growth in relationship with Christ for both children and adults.
We also know that you will have many questions. We have prepared a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions with answers to questions about registration, logistics, sacrament preparation, and more!
THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST
The Eucharist – the Sacrifice of the Mass – is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” As such, all faith formation centers around the full, active participation of our children and families in the celebration of the Mass.
Our Sunday 9:00am Family Mass is the centerpiece of our Family Faith Formation program for our younger children in Grades K-5 and their families, and is a wonderful way for families young and old to worship together!
Our Sunday 5pm Youth Mass is the centerpiece of Family Faith Formation for older children in Grades 6-7, as well as teens in our Confirmation Preparation and High School Youth Ministry programs. From the music, to the homilies, to the Spirit-filled sense of vibrancy and joy, it is a liturgy that touches the hearts and minds of our young people and all who come to celebrate the Mass together.
TUITION INFORMATION
Tuition: $100 per child
Family Max: There is a Family Max of $300 per family (does not include additional fees below.)
Additional Fees for Sacrament Preparation Years:
First Communion: $75 per child
Confirmation: $100 per child
PAYMENT
St John Parishioners: Click here to make your payment
St. Paul Parishioners: Click here to make your payment
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FR. JIM
We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to watch this important video message from Fr. Jim about the renewal of Children’s Faith Formation at our Collaborative.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Linda Messore
Director of Children’s Faith Formation
linda.messore@sjspwellesley.org
Andrea Fay
Children’s Faith Formation Staff
andrea.fay@sjspwellesley.org