Overview
We are so excited to have your children join our Faith Formation Program! The program consists of sessions that begin in September and finish in April. Each session will follow the liturgical season and include a focus on the readings from the Sunday Mass and a faith sharing experience that is appropriate for your child’s age group.
Children's Faith Formation is for children who are at least 4 years old and up to 5th grade.
Children's Sacramental Prep is for children who are in grades 2 to 5.
Before signing up your child(ren) for Faith Formation or Sacramental Prep, please be aware of these two points:
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If your child is between the ages 8 and 17 years old and has not been baptized please contact Christine Davis (chris@smtlm.org) to inquire about the OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children). Your faith formation journey will begin through OCIA. Do not complete the FF or Sacramental Prep forms.
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If your child has been baptized and you are seeking First Eucharist, they must have one year of religious education either through the parish Faith Formation Program or Catholic Education, prior to enrolling in the Sacramental Preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
How The Program Works
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Parents/Guardians will bring their child(ren) to the Parish Hall on scheduled Sunday mornings to sign them in between 8:00 and 8:10 AM. Sessions start promptly at 8:15 AM.
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Parents are invited to stay for a time of pre-mass reflection in the church or for community connection and coffee in Barry Hall from 8:15 - 8:45 AM. Following this time, parents will join the parish community for the 9 AM Mass.
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The Children’s Faith Formation begins in age appropriate groups at designated locations in the Parish Hall and Rectory or Food Pantry.
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At 9:15 AM, all the children are brought together in the Hall to read the same readings being read at Mass but from the Children’s Lectionary. The children will learn the meaning of the readings and the connection to their lives through simple guided discussions, skits, music and prayer.
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Children will be brought to the Church during the presentation of the gifts to join their families in the church and celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their faith community.
It is our hope that this way of sharing our faith with the children will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the liturgy, scriptures, community and the traditions of our Catholic faith. With this approach, parents can be a witness to their children and share in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact Lisa Zickert (lisaz@smtlm.org).
Details
Family Faith Formation (K-5)
Let us help you “walk with your children” and journey in faith together.