PARISH FAITH FORMATION - GRADES 1-7
Our Faith Formation Program strives to uphold and promote Catholic teaching. Working with parents, the primary educators of the faith, we strive to engage our youngest parishioners in creative ways that help them learn about God and their place in His world. This partnership works to strengthen faith in the family as well as faith experienced as a community.
One of the foundations of our faith is the Mass. Regular Mass attendance gives children a sense of belonging to a community of love based on the love of Christ. It helps children understand that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics. The Eucharist is the primary way we receive grace and are nourished spiritually. It is our highest, most perfect form of worship. Mass attendance is so important that Holy Mother Church gives it as a precept: ttps://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/494/ Missing Mass is a mortal sin. Families are strongly urged to prioritize weekly Mass attendance. Our QR Code system reflects the importance of the Mass as part of your child’s formation.
Students use the Finding God curriculum from Loyola Press to help them and their families share the life and love of God. Our hybrid program offers in-person classes twice a month on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays at 5:00. When students do not come in person, families work with the student to complete the work at home. At the end of each lesson, students play and send the results of an online review game that are submitted via email. This process lets us know that families are keeping up with the lessons.
Learning the beauty of our faith happens in the classroom. Relationship with Christ and moral formation happen at Mass.
Faith Formation and the Family – How we work together
In Grades 1 & 2, families and catechists provide a trusting environment to learn about God, His creation, and His love for us. Children begin learning the Church’s memory prayers: the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be. A regular prayer life at home gives children a sense of security and belonging. Mass is our greatest prayer. Grade 2 children will learn about the importance of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. As part of their preparation for First Reconciliation, they will attend a One-on-One session. There will be a day retreat for First Holy Communion. See the calendar for dates.
In Grades 3-7, the Finding God curriculum continues to engage the heart, mind, and soul to help students find God in all things. They learn that God is faithful, just, and fair. They explore their relationship with God and learn to trust in His plan for their lives. Students come to know Jesus as an example to follow. In-person and at-home instruction nurtures Catholic identity through the lives of the saints and stories from the Bible. Mass continues to be a priority in the spiritual formation of children.
