Parish Faith Formation and Sacrament Preparation Overview
Family Faith Formation
Family Faith Formation is an ongoing program covering all four "pillars" of the Catechism (Theology, Sacraments, Life, and Prayer). Participation in Family Faith Formation will help families prepare for the Teen Faith Formation Confirmation program which begins in 6th grade. While children of any age should be taught the faith at an appropriate level by their parents, program enrollment for sacrament preparation should not be delayed beyond 1st grade which is when sacrament preparation typically begins (no younger than 6 years old).
Children aged 7 or older usually participate in first reconciliation (confession) after the families' first year of the program (e.g., in 1st or 2nd grades) , and receive their first Holy Communion after the families' second year of the program (e.g., in 3rd or 4th grade). The total number of monthly sessions count toward this catechetical goal, so if a family must miss out on one or more in a given year, they do not "lose" that year. Rather, the total sessions will continue to add up in proceeding years.
In addition to formal catechesis, the parish also offers several children's programs such as Children's Liturgy of the Word ("CLOW" - during most 10:30 masses), Joseph's Juniors (monthly Saturday mornings), Vacation Bible Retreat (each summer), and others. 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).
Teen Faith Formation
Our Teen Faith Formation program begins in 6th grade. For all sacraments including Confirmation, middle and high school aged participants spend two years in catechetical preparation as well as engaging in various activities such as service projects in year three when they receive the sacrament.
Parish teens are also invited to participate in optional Youth Group sessions for fun, food, and fellowship!
Becoming Catholic
Family Faith Formation is an ongoing program covering all four "pillars" of the Catechism (Theology, Sacraments, Life, and Prayer). Participation in Family Faith Formation will help families prepare for the Teen Faith Formation Confirmation program which begins in 6th grade. While children of any age should be taught the faith at an appropriate level by their parents, program enrollment for sacrament preparation should not be delayed beyond 1st grade which is when sacrament preparation typically begins (no younger than 6 years old).
Children aged 7 or older usually participate in first reconciliation (confession) after the families' first year of the program (e.g., in 1st or 2nd grades) , and receive their first Holy Communion after the families' second year of the program (e.g., in 3rd or 4th grade). The total number of monthly sessions count toward this catechetical goal, so if a family must miss out on one or more in a given year, they do not "lose" that year. Rather, the total sessions will continue to add up in proceeding years.
In addition to formal catechesis, the parish also offers several children's programs such as Children's Liturgy of the Word ("CLOW" - during most 10:30 masses), Joseph's Juniors (monthly Saturday mornings), Vacation Bible Retreat (each summer), and others. 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).
Teen Faith Formation
Our Teen Faith Formation program begins in 6th grade. For all sacraments including Confirmation, middle and high school aged participants spend two years in catechetical preparation as well as engaging in various activities such as service projects in year three when they receive the sacrament.
Parish teens are also invited to participate in optional Youth Group sessions for fun, food, and fellowship!
Becoming Catholic
- Children 7 years old or above wishing to become Catholic (get baptized) participate in a special 2-year process consisting of weekly sessions that meet during the standard 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. *Depending on their age, teens beginning the Initiation process in 11th or 12th grade may be placed in the OCIA.
- Adults desiring to become Catholic participate in a process called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) consisting of weekly sessions that run August-May. This process can begin at any time. See Adult Formation>Becoming Catholic for details.
