In-Person Options for Faith Formation
In Person Classes: Meet Weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 PM. SELECT CLASSES ALSO OFFERED ON SUNDAYS 10:45AM TO 12nOON.
OPTIONAL WEEKLY DINNER: WEDNESDAYS FROM 5:15PM TO 5:30PM. ADVANCE SIGN-UP REQUIRED.
(RSVP NOT REQUIRED FOR FAITH NIGHTS.)
***Please note: the Calendar gives more detail as to when we are in formation classes vs. Faith Night, adult training, etc.
Nursery – Babies and Toddlers, ages 1 through 3 years old
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) – Level 1 or Pre-School Catechesis - for children ages 3 to 5 years old.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is NOW FULL for 2023-24
Reach out to Erica if you are interested in alternate options for ages 3-5 on Wednesday evenings.
Preschool Catechesis (PreK4) - Alternate option on Wednesday evenings for 4 year olds based on a curriculum from Loyola Press.
Kids Club — Grades K - 2 and Grades 3 - 5
FAITH and FUN!!! A chance to come together to learn about our Catholic faith and following Jesus with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength! Based on materials and curriculum from the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart: https://sacredheartsisters.com/sacred-heart-kids-club
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation — Grades 1 -2 (select Kids Club on registration)
A multi-year approach to the preparation of First Reconciliation and First Communion with Sacraments received in the 2nd grade year. Families are invited and encouraged to sign up for Kids Club and start bringing their children in first grade to weekly faith formation to get them excited for their big 2nd grade year! Children in 2nd grade who are in Sacramental prep will break into their own separate group as part of Kids Club once/twice a month. All 2nd grade parents (regardless of school attending) are required to attend a meeting at the beginning of their 2nd grade year for more information. Please see the Sacramental Prep page for more details.
Middle School Youth Ministry — 6th - 8th Grade
Weekly youth ministry for our middle school age youth. Large group games, prayers and faith-based talks focused on relationships and virtue. Fun relational ministry that is aimed to make an impact on daily life! The 8th graders will especially have an opportunity for leadership and service and parents should consider participation in youth ministry during their 8th grade year as essential preparation for their son/daughter to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as 9th graders.
Confirmation Prep — 9th Grade - High School Age Youth
Youth ministry style, weekly small groups following the RCIA model which encourages teens to ask the big questions. Small groups meet weekly with once a month large group sessions that are engaging and thought provoking on a deeper level. The goal is to truly prepare each candidate for the reception of Confirmation and living fully as a witness of Christ.
High School Service + Formation - 10th to 12th Grades
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, who have received Confirmation, have the option to serve as leaders or assistants in Pre-School/CGS, Kids Club (Grades K-5), Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-8) or in Confirmation prep small groups (by application/invitation only) and/or may choose to receive continuing faith formation within the adult studies offered. Please reach out to Erica for more details.
Adult Participants – Service + Formation
Adult Participants rotate between a service role (check in + snacks, dinner help, classroom assistants/catechists/small group leaders, administrative tasks - home component grading, set up/clean up, etc.) and their own formation in Bible studies or Catholic formation. Examples of adult studies may include: Catholicism 101, Bible studies, Parent focused courses, Formed.org course materials.
Adults without children and older confirmed teens (10th-12th grade) or young adults in faith formation may choose to participate in formation year-round and are not required to fulfill a service role unless they feel called to do so.
Participation in choir on Wednesday evenings (from 6-7 pm) is also an option for adults with or without children in faith formation. The choir sings at the 9:30 am Sunday Mass time weekly. Choir would fulfill both a service and formation option for those adults who have children participating in the program. There would be no need to rotate and choir would be a full year commitment.
*Service roles requiring completion of safe environment and background clearances include: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) assistant, Preschool Catechesis - PreK4, Kids Club assistant (serving Grades K-5), Middle School Core Team Member (serving Grades 6-8), Confirmation Small Group Leader (serving Grade 9-High School). Please contact the parish office to complete prior to the start of Faith Formation.
Fall 2023 - Formation Course Options for Adults (purchase of books is provided by the parish):
1. The Search - Formed.org. https://watch.formed.org/the-search
2. Parenting For Eternity - TAN Books. https://a.co/d/9GYPPJq
RCIC – Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (8 years old to 14 years old)
For children who are over seven years old but have not yet received first Sacraments. RCIC classes are for children who have or have not been baptized. The length of time for the preparation process will be determined by the religious background of the individual child. RCIC is generally a two-year process and is a combination of age-appropriate religious education, sacramental preparation, and rites of the catechumenate. At the second year of preparation, the child would receive all Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (Baptism – as needed, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation).
OCIA (formerly RCIA) – Order of Christian Initiation for Adults - Catechumens/Candidates
One-year process for adults (16 years and older) becoming Catholic and entering the Church. OCIA will meet initially on Sundays at 10:45 am. OCIA is a one-year process with reception of all Sacraments held at Easter Vigil in the spring. Led by Deacon Paul Graaff. Please contact Deacon Paul directly to sign up or if you have any questions.