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Christian Formation provides religious education classes for K-12 students attending public schools as well as preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Christian Formation facilitates youth ministry, supports parish ministries to children and families, and collaborates with the day-school on religious education matters.
Kindergarten: A special welcoming to faith formation is interwoven in the comfortable context of early childhood education with children in 5-year-old kindergarten. Students are provided with a distinct learning experience especially suited for young minds. Christian Formation classes are meet on Sunday mornings from 9:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
Grades 1-5: Elementary age children are given the opportunity to learn and grow in their faith. They are taught the fundamentals of Catholic understanding, scripture and prayer in an encouraging environment. A special outreach to home and family is also supported in this program. Christian Formation classes meet from 9:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Grades 6/7/8: A comprehensive overview of the Old Testament which takes a deeper look at the 10 Commandments, Apostle’s Creed, Morality and Sacraments make up the curriculum for these grades. In addition to religious education, the goal of youth ministry is to bring the youth into the understanding that learning happens in a variety of ways in parish life – not just in the classroom. Opportunities for community service, youth rallies and retreats are also offered to middle-school students. Class sessions are from 9:10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
High School grades 9/10: The integral experience of religious education and youth ministry at St. Mary Parish involves students in the basic themes and components essential to a comprehensive program for adolescents. Youth in 9th grade focus on their own faith journey in our Spirituality course so as to be youth filled with the Spirit in their daily walk. In our Scripture course they gain a better understanding of our rich Catholic faith, heritage, and Tradition through a closer examination through the Teen Timeline and Catholic Youth Bible. Our 10th grade program offers 2 class topics to choose from: Relationship Today and Social Justice. It is the hope of this program that through work camp, retreats, and various enriching encounters with other teens, the Catholic faith of our high school youth will be deepened and strengthened to empower our young men and women to live as disciples in the world today. The Christian Formation classes are offered on Sunday mornings bi-weekly from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. and followed by the 10:30 a.m. Liturgy.
Confirmation: Preparation classes for Confirmation begin in September. High School Juniors are eligible for Confirmation if they have attended Catholic High School or two years of religious education classes through a parish school during 9/10th grade. The Confirmation year reflects the spiritual journey to more fully receiving the graces of the Holy Spirit and full initiation into the Catholic Church. Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season. Sessions meet several times a month from 9:00-10:20am followed by the 10:30am liturgy. A weekend retreat is also an essential experience for Confirmation candidates. See calendar for dates of group meetings and retreat.
First Reconciliation: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is designed for students in second grade. Students will be prepared for Reconciliation through classroom instruction (Christian Formation and Day School), special parish gatherings and activities, along with home preparation. We require 1 year of religious education prior to enrolling in the sacramental program for Reconciliation. Our program provides formation for parents and children in preparation for the sacramental celebration. First Reconciliation is celebrated during ordinary time after Christmas, in preparation for First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion: Sacramental preparation is designed for students in second grade who have had one year of religious education. Students will be prepared for First Holy Communion through classroom instruction (Christian Formation and Day School), special parish gatherings and activities, along with at-home preparation. We require 1 year of religious education prior to enrolling in the sacramental program for First Holy Communion. Our program incorporates family formation which encourages parents to fully participate in the preparation process by reflecting on how we live the Eucharist in our families and bring our lives into our celebration of Eucharist each Sunday . A day of retreat is offered for families preparing for the sacramental celebration. First Holy Communion is celebrated during a Sunday of Easter.
Teen Council: High School students serve on a planning team for youth ministry events. Teens are involved in taking leadership roles to develop strategic plans for providing youth activities which encompass our parish vision to “Live Jesus as the Mystery Unfolds.” Teen Council will meet on an “as needed” basis as determined by the needs of proposed activities. High School youth interested in becoming a part of the leadership team are invited to contact the Christian Formation office for more information and meetings times.
Christian Formation Advisory Committee: Catechists, parents and Parish Council members will be part of a collaboration team to assist the Director of Christian Formation in meeting the spiritual needs of our children. Team planning sessions focus on the formation needs our youth and evaluating how our programs assist our children in more deeply experiencing their baptismal covenant and projects our parish vision as we “Live Jesus and Serve Others.” This committee will meet monthly beginning this Fall. Those interested in becoming a part of this advisory team are invited to contact the Christian Formation office for more information and meeting times.
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