Questions About Registration
We haven’t registered yet – how do we register?
You can register here on our website: Children’s Faith Formation
How do we pay our tuition and fees?
Tuition and fees may be paid online through your parish’s Online Giving link:
Pay via St. John Online Giving
Pay via St. Paul Online Giving
If you have any questions please reach out to Linda Messore, Director of Children’s Faith Formation.
What about Wednesday afternoon classes – are those still happening?
No. The Church has come to recognize that the way we have been teaching the faith to children – as an academic exercise in a classroom that supplants the role of the parents and is removed from the sacrifice of the Mass – is not effective. As such, all Family Faith Formation centers around the full, active participation of our children and families in the celebration of the Mass.
Questions About Family Faith Formation (K-7)
What is “Family Faith Formation” and how does it work?
Family Faith Formation empowers, supports, and equips parents to impart the faith to their children.
Family Faith Formation programs feature monthly gatherings of parents and children together at the parish for catechesis and community. In between these gatherings, the faith is learned and lived out at home. In addition to the input from the monthly sessions, families are provided with a grade-level book for each child to help guide their faith formation, ensuring a solid foundation from a trusted curriculum.
Our program for children in Grades K-7 is organized in three grade-level cohorts, and each cohort meets six times over the year (October through April) for 45 minutes. All cohorts focus on the same theme each month, which creates a cohesive structure that supports families with children in multiple grades.
What are the themes?
Our Family Faith Formation program is based on a three year cycle:
Year One
- Session One: Liturgical Year/Overview of the Year
- Session Two: Jesus’ Life and Ministry
- Session Three: Advent Retreat- Waiting in Hope
- Session Four: Sacraments of Initiation
- Session Five: Lenten Retreat- The Paschal Mystery
- Session Six: Vocation/How We Live our Faith
Year Two
- Session One: Rules for Living (Beatitudes & The 10 Commandments)
- Session Two: The Communion of Saints
- Session Three: Advent Retreat- Prayer in Faith, Hope, Peace, Love
- Session Four: The Mass
- Session Five: Lenten Retreat- Healing/Forgiving
- Session Six: The Holy Spirit
Year Three
- Session One: The Lord’s Prayer/Global Church
- Session Two: Mary/Following God’s Great Call
- Session Three: Advent Retreat- Incarnation
- Session Four: God The Creator
- Session Five: Lenten Retreat- Bread of Life/The Triduum
- Session Six: The Parables/God’s Word
What is the format of a Family Faith Formation session?
- All join together for an Opening Prayer and Reflection (15 minutes)
- Children participate in an activity while the adults participate in an enrichment session (15 minutes)
- All join together to prepare for at home discipleship and end with a Closing Prayer (10 minutes)
When are the sessions?
All faith formation centers around the full, active participation of our children and families in the celebration of the Mass. As such, our sessions follow/precede the Family Mass and Youth Mass.
- Mustard Seeds (K-2): 10:15am – 11:00am following the Sunday 9am Family Mass
- Loaves and Fishes (3-5): 10:15am – 11:00am following the Sunday 9am Family Mass
- Salt and Light (6-7): 4:00pm – 4:45pm preceding the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass
Where are the sessions held?
Sessions at St. John are held in Powers Hall and sessions at St. Paul are held in the Parish Hall.
What is the schedule for the rest of the year?
The session dates for each cohort are available on the Family Faith Formation page. To download/print a calendar for the year please click here. To download/print a schedule for the year by month and by grade please click here.
Can children attend the K-5 Family Faith Formation sessions without their parents?
No. Family Faith Formation is not a drop-off program – children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian is not available for a session, perhaps a grandparent or other family member who is involved in the child’s faith journey can accompany them.
What if we have kids in both the Mustard Seeds (K-2) and Loaves and Fishes (3-5) – do we have to attend both sessions that month?
No, your family can attend either session with all your children – we will have activities for both age-groups at all sessions.
What if we also have babies/toddlers/preschoolers?
You are more than welcome to bring them to the Family Faith Formation sessions – we’ll have some books and things to help keep them occupied while they hang out with you at the parent session. Of course, some families may choose to “divide and conquer”, with one parent staying for the session and one taking the younger kiddos home – whatever works best for you.
What if we can’t make one of the sessions?
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 families will be able to attend most sessions. Families with children in the Mustard Seeds and the Loaves and Fishes cohorts are always welcome to attend the other cohort’s session that month – our team will have activities available for both age groups. If you do miss a session, you can gather your family together to watch the recording of the “Focus on Faith” portion of the session on our website.
We missed a session – where can we find the recording of the session and the At-Home Discipleship chapters?
You can find all sessions for all cohorts on the Session Recordings and At-Home Discipleship page. They are also available on the page for each cohort (Mustard Seeds, Loaves & Fishes, Salt & Light, Sacrament Preparation.) The recordings will be available within a few days of the session.
What about Wednesday afternoon classes?
The Church has come to recognize that the way we have been teaching the faith to children – as an academic exercise in a classroom that supplants the role of the parents and is removed from the sacrifice of the Mass – is not effective. As such, all Family Faith Formation centers around the full, active participation of our children and families in the celebration of the Mass.
Can we attend Mass at a different time and still participate in the Family Faith Formation sessions?
Of course!
What curriculum will be used?
- RCL Benziger “Be My Disciples”
Questions About First Reconciliation/First Communion Preparation
What about children preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion?
Children preparing to receive these sacraments participate in the six Family Faith Formation sessions with their families. There are five additional sessions specifically for these students and their families: an introduction and overview session in the fall, two reflection and catechesis sessions over the winter, and two detailed sacrament preparation and instruction sessions in the spring preceding the reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
When are the Sacrament Preparation sessions?
These sessions will also take place on Sunday mornings following the 9:00am Family Mass. The schedule is available on the First Reconciliation/First Communion page and are listed on the printable calendar and schedule.
Do parents also attend these sessions?
Yes, at least one parent/guardian must attend (but the whole family is welcome!)
What curriculum will be used?
- Dynamic Catholic – “Blessed”
Questions About Our Confirmation Preparation Small-Group Program (Grade 8 and up)
When do children receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
In January 2024, the Archdiocese of Boston lowered the ordinary age of Confirmation from Grade 10 to Grade 8 to:
- Decrease the gaps between the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
- Increase and strengthen the role of families in the faith formation of their young teens.
- Make the grace of this Sacrament available to our young people in greater numbers, and at a critical time when they begin to encounter the demands and challenges of adolescence.
Lowering the age to Grade 8 (age 13-14) is a recognition that the experience of young people and their families has changed in recent years. Students in middle school are equipped to receive sacramental instruction and will benefit from receiving the sacramental grace and outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit before high school.
My child is already in high school – can they still be Confirmed?
Yes, this is very common! One of the benefits of our small-group program is that it allows us to put teens in cohesive groups, so older teens can be together.
How is our program different from traditional Confirmation preparation programs?
Our new Confirmation preparation program gathers teens in Grade 8 (and above) into small groups led by an adult mentor for catechesis, discussion, and discipleship as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring. Each group covers the same themes and uses the same foundational materials, while setting their own meeting schedule. All groups are encouraged to come together for worship at the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass, and opportunities are provided throughout the year for Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, retreats, and service projects.
When and where do the small groups meet?
Groups will begin in October. Each small group will decide its own schedule and meeting location. All families with children registered in this program should receive an introductory email from their child’s group leader by early October. If you do not receive an email please contact Linda Messore, Director of Children’s Faith Formation, as soon as possible at linda.messore@sjspwellesley.org
When is Confirmation?
Please visit the Confirmation Preparation page for these and other important dates.
What curriculum will be used?
- Ascension Press – “Chosen”
Other Questions
Is our pastor, Fr. Jim, involved in this new Family Faith Formation program?
Yes! Fr. Jim is deeply involved in all our efforts toward renewing our Faith Formation programs. He will be actively participating in our Family Faith Formation sessions, offering reflections and catechesis along with other members of our pastoral team.
How do I find time to do the at-home activities with my children?
At-home activities don’t have to happen at a set time while seated at a table writing in a book (unless that’s what your child likes best!) You can work them into your regular routines – some of the best conversations happen while driving in the car, taking a walk, or making dinner together. Make prayer a regular part of your day by praying together before meals and at bedtime.
What if I have a child with unique learning needs?
One of the beauties of Family Faith Formation is that it accommodates a much wider range of learning styles than traditional classroom-based programs. Parents know their children better than anyone else, so can tailor their approach to best meet their child’s needs. If you would like to talk about your family’s specific situation, we’re here to help – please reach out so we can provide the resources and support you need.
What if I am the primary parent at home but I am not Catholic? Or if I am Catholic but feel unprepared myself – will this work for me?
Absolutely! Another beauty of family-based catechesis is how much it benefits families in these situations. The Family Faith Formation sessions and the at-home resources are a great way for parents to learn more about Catholicism and to have their questions answered. Again, if you would like to talk about your family’s specific situation, we’re here to help – please reach out so we can provide the resources and support you need.
What about Coffee and Donuts?!?
Don’t worry, it’s still happening! We will all enjoy some social time with coffee and donuts immediately after Mass before transitioning into our Family Session at 10:15am.