Welcome to the Faith Formation Page!
Faith Formation Director
Debbie Hill dhill@sta-parish.org
Faith Formation Secretary
Maryann Ofstein faithformation@sta-parish.org
Welcome to Faith Formation at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish! Over the past two years, the parish learned how to reach its parishioners in new ways. We offered faith formation in a new format and from that, we learned a couple of things. We learned that parental involvement is key and we learned that children need to come together to experience their faith with one another. This year’s program is in response to that.
Grades 1 & 2
Students in Grades 1 & 2 will use texts from Loyola Press called, “Finding God.” Our First Communion program includes first and second grades. These are exciting and engaging years. Our goal is to build on this excitement and offer a program with more opportunities to come together. The first graders will learn about God and his creation. They begin to learn their prayers. In second grade, they will learn about Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Weekly Mass attendance is part of their preparation and training and is therefore expected.
Grades 3-8
Students in Grades 3-8 will continue using the “Finding God” curriculum that engages the heart, mind, and soul of a child to help them find God in all things. It grabs their interest by using multimedia resources: QR codes, videos, online games. It gives them instant feedback. The curriculum is not only kid friendly but also parent friendly. Weekly Mass attendance is part of their preparation and training and is therefore expected.
Confirmation, Grades 9 & 10
Our Confirmation Program is a two-year program (9th & 10 Grade) that includes in person sessions that meet twice a month. Weekly Mass attendance is part of their preparation and training and is therefore expected. To facilitate this, the regular 5:00 pm Sunday Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church so that the students in these grades will attend this Mass immediately followed by Confirmation classes. This will be a youth-oriented Mass, geared toward high school and college aged students.
Confirmation Curriculum
Students in 9th Grade will be using “Chosen” from Ascension Press. This is a video and discussion-based program. Students will meet approximately 12 times per year. Assigned dates will be distributed at the parent meeting.
Students in 10th Grade will be using Decision Point from Dynamic Catholic. It too, is a video and discussion-based program. Students will meet approximately 12 times per year. Assigned dates will be distributed at the parent meeting.
Attendance
Attendance is critical and will be a determining factor on the student’s readiness to receive the sacrament.
Service Hours
We hope to provide opportunities for students to express their faith in action. More information will be shared at the parent meeting. “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17
Guest Speakers & Special Events
In addition to classes, all 9th & 10th grade students will be given the opportunity to participate in special events, which include Adoration, Confession, service projects, and speakers. These opportunities aim to help students a taste of the fullness of our faith.
Retreats
The retreat for 10th grade students has become an integral part of the students growing in and experiencing their faith. Because the retreat is part of the Confirmation program, it is expected that all students will participate. More information will be available at the parent meeting.
FAQ’s
1. How often will my child meet for class?
Our grade level mentors will plan events and in-person learning. We hope to offer these sessions one to two times per month. This will depend on parent volunteers. The dates for the in-person events will be available at the parent meetings.
2. Why aren’t weekly classes offered anymore?
The drop off system for faith formation has not worked for some time. We are offering a hybrid program for three reasons:
- Despite their busy schedules, parents have told us that they benefit from learning with their child.
- This model enables parents to be flexible in scheduling faith formation time around their other activities.
- The previous program had good intentions but had poorly prepared.
3. What is the benefit of teaching at home versus in class?
The faith is the first and best community a child has. It has the most significant influence on the child’s religious understanding. Parish involvement is a support, and not the primary provider of faith formation.
4. How is the cost of faith formation registration determined?
The following expenses determine the cost of the program: salaries, textbooks, activities, and the adjusted cost for families with multiple children. The sacrament years, (2nd & 10th Grades) have additional expenses because of speakers, additional events, and retreats. The income from faith formation registration does not cover the total cost of the program and because of that, the parish significantly subsidizes the program.
5. What if I can’t afford to pay for faith formation?
Financial hardship is never a barrier to faith formation. If there are financial difficulties, please contact Debbie Hill, Faith Formation Director (508-697-3652) to discuss assistance.
