QUICK LINKS: 2026-2027 Registration | Family Faith Formation (Grades K-7) | First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation (Grade 2+) | Confirmation Preparation (Grade 8+)
Family Faith Formation represents a noticeable role reversal from the “classroom” model of CCD, in which faith formation is treated as a subject to be learned. With Family Faith Formation, parents are empowered, supported, and equipped to impart the faith to their children as a way of life.
In this model, the role of the parish is to meet parents and children where they are, to accompany them in tangible ways, and to provide the tools they need to have a shared encounter of God in their homes. Family Faith Formation also offers a flexibility that accommodates a much wider range of schedules and learning styles than traditional classroom-based programs, making it easier for families of all shapes and sizes.
The Eucharist – the Sacrifice of the Mass – is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” As such, all Family Faith Formation centers around the full, active participation of our children and families in the celebration of the Mass. The most important thing you can do to form your children in the faith and help deepen their understanding of and relationship with God is to bring them to Mass each week!
Mass participation is paired with periodic gatherings of children and families for catechesis and community. These gatherings offer faith formation and enrichment for both children and parents, and prepares families for at home discipleship.
The program is organized in three grade-level cohorts: Mustard Seeds (K-2), Loaves & Fishes (3-5), and Salt & Light (6&7). All cohorts focus on the same theme each session, which creates a cohesive structure that supports families with children in multiple grades.
Mustard Seeds (K-2) and Loaves & Fishes (3-5)
Sundays from 10:15-11:00am following the 9:00am Family Mass
(Powers Hall at St. John/Parish Hall at St. Paul)
OPENING SESSIONS
The Communion of Saints
Mustard Seeds (K-2): Sunday, October 25, 2026 at St. Paul
Loaves & Fishes (3-5): Sunday, November 1, 2026 at St. John
Click here for the full schedule.
If you have children in both the K-2 Mustard Seeds and 3-5 Loaves & Fishes cohorts, you can attend either session on the same theme with all your children – choose the date that works best for your family.
All sessions are Family Sessions (children and parent/s together.)
Children may not be “dropped off” without a parent or guardian.
After participating in the Sunday 9am Family Mass, parents and children gather together for an opening prayer and a “Focus on Faith” reflection given by a member of our pastoral team. After the reflection, the session leader reviews the At-Home Discipleship material for the coming month, before ending with a closing prayer.
In the weeks in between the Family Sessions, parents continue the lesson at home on their own schedule, in whatever space and time works best for them, using the resources from the session and the At-Home Discipleship materials. Families can also gather with friends or relatives in small groups to work together. Most importantly, families continue the conversation throughout the month, baking the richness of our faith into the daily interactions of family life.
One of the great things about the Family Faith Formation model is the flexibility. With just five in-person sessions scheduled over the course of the year, we are hopeful that most families will be able to attend most sessions. If you miss a session, students and families can watch the recording of the session which will be posted on the 2026-2027 Session Recordings and At-Home Discipleship page.
Children preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion (usually Grade 2) participate in these Family Faith Formation sessions as well as the First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation program.
Salt & Light (6-7)
4:00-4:45pm preceding the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass
(Powers Hall at St. John/Parish Hall at St. Paul)
OPENING SESSION
The Communion of Saints
Sunday, November 8, 2026 at St. Paul (Family Session)
Click here for the full schedule.
IMPORTANT: There are two Family Sessions (parents and children together) and four Student-Only Sessions.
All sessions begin with an opening prayer and “Focus on Faith” reflection given by a member of our pastoral team. Following the reflection, students participate in small-group discussions and related activities. (At the two parent sessions, after the reflection the students will work with the Family Faith Formation Team while the session leader guides parents in further discussion, reviews the At-Home Discipleship material for the coming month, and answers questions.) Sessions end at 4:45pm so students and families can participate in the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass together.
After Student-Only Sessions, students will be dismissed from the Parish Hall/Powers Hall to a parent/guardian. Parents, please plan to park and come in to the Hall to meet your students before heading to Mass or heading home. (For safety reasons we cannot let students leave on their own to meet you outside.)
In the weeks in between sessions, children and parents continue the at-home discipleship lessons on their own schedule, in whatever space and time works best for them. This model helps to transition children to a more independent experience in Confirmation Preparation in Grade 8, while allowing parents to continue to accompany their children on their faith journey.
One of the great things about the Family Faith Formation model is the flexibility. With only six in-person sessions scheduled over the course of the year, we are hopeful that most students will be able to attend most sessions. If you miss a session, students and families can watch the recording of the session which will be posted on the 2026-2027 Session Recordings and At-Home Discipleship page.