Parish Faith formation and Sacrament Preparation Expectations
Children's Faith Formation
Family Faith Formation is a 4-year program covering all four pillars" of the Catholic Catechism (one per year). Children may be included in Family Faith Formation (parental catechesis) throughout their lives! However, for record-keeping purposes, official enrollment should not be delayed beyond 1st grade.
After the first year, children 7 years old or above may be ready to begin receiving the sacrament of Confession. After the second year, children are eligible to participate in Holy Communion. Participation in Family Faith Formation is expected throughout grade school as a prerequisite for children entering the Teen Faith Formation Confirmation program which begins in 6th grade.
Teen Faith Formation
Following new diocesan guidelines beginning in 2021, the parish Teen Faith Formation program begins in 6th grade. For all sacraments, middle and high school aged participants spend two years in catechetical preparation at the parish. Those preparing for Confirmation will also participate in various non-catechetical activities such as service projects in year three until they receive the sacrament.
During their sacrament preparation period and after, teens are invited to optional Youth Group sessions for fun and fellowship. These are distinct, non-catechetical get-togethers: one for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) and another for high schoolers (grades 9-12).
Adult Formation
Besides participating in Family Faith Formation with their children, adults at the parish have various opportunities for catechesis throughout the year including weekly classes, retreats, missions, special speakers, conferences, and - if they are looking to become Catholic - the Rite of Christian Initiation (see next section).
Becoming Catholic
Family Faith Formation is a 4-year program covering all four pillars" of the Catholic Catechism (one per year). Children may be included in Family Faith Formation (parental catechesis) throughout their lives! However, for record-keeping purposes, official enrollment should not be delayed beyond 1st grade.
After the first year, children 7 years old or above may be ready to begin receiving the sacrament of Confession. After the second year, children are eligible to participate in Holy Communion. Participation in Family Faith Formation is expected throughout grade school as a prerequisite for children entering the Teen Faith Formation Confirmation program which begins in 6th grade.
Teen Faith Formation
Following new diocesan guidelines beginning in 2021, the parish Teen Faith Formation program begins in 6th grade. For all sacraments, middle and high school aged participants spend two years in catechetical preparation at the parish. Those preparing for Confirmation will also participate in various non-catechetical activities such as service projects in year three until they receive the sacrament.
During their sacrament preparation period and after, teens are invited to optional Youth Group sessions for fun and fellowship. These are distinct, non-catechetical get-togethers: one for middle schoolers (grades 6-8) and another for high schoolers (grades 9-12).
Adult Formation
Besides participating in Family Faith Formation with their children, adults at the parish have various opportunities for catechesis throughout the year including weekly classes, retreats, missions, special speakers, conferences, and - if they are looking to become Catholic - the Rite of Christian Initiation (see next section).
Becoming Catholic
- Children 7 years old or above wishing to become Catholic (get baptized) participate in a special 2-year process called the Rite of Christian Initiation consisting of weekly sessions that roughly parallel the school year.
- Teens in grades 6-12* who wish to become Catholic participate in the same 2-year sacrament preparation that baptized Catholics do for any other sacrament, however they do not participate in Confirmation year 3 activities. *Note that - depending on their age - teens beginning the Initiation process in 11th or 12th grade may be placed in the RCIA - see next point.
- Adults desiring to become Catholic participate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) consisting of weekly sessions that run August-June. This process can begin at any time. See Adult Formation>Becoming Catholic for details.
