Youth Formation

Pre-K through Grade 5 Faith Formation

Faith Formation is a lifelong pursuit rather than something accomplished in a single year. Each year builds on the previous one. To aid in that for our early childhood and elementary grade children, the Faith Formation program includes:

3yo-6yo Children at St. Patrick's and St. Charles Borromeo Church
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an authentic following of the Montessori philosophy of learning, which is believed to be most beneficial for developing the religious potential of the 3yo-6yo child.
--With the Montessori philosophy of learning, children learn through discovery as they work with beautiful material intentionally developed for them. This method supports children in recognizing and nurturing their religious life more fully and naturally, by expanding their knowledge and understanding of the faith through experiential encounters with it. Children hear and see stories from the Bible and the liturgy of the Church (action and elements), and then are allowed to process these through wondering questions and creative work activities.
--The Level I (3yo-6yo) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum focuses on fostering the child’s relationship with Jesus and therefore includes presentations in the areas of Practical Life, Nomenclature and Movement, Geography, Prophecies, the Infancy Narratives, The Good Shepherd, the Kingdom Parables, the Paschal Narratives, Baptism, and Gestures of Eucharist.
--In order for the children to appreciate what is being covered in the weekly presentations, it is important for families to participate in the Mass on a regular basis.

YR-2 Sacrament Prep at All Locations
Blessed is Dynamic Catholic's engaging sacrament preparation program for YR-2 Sacrament Preparation children receiving First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Each lesson is consistent with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and incorporates animation and beautifully illustrated workbooks. YR-Sacrament children also prepare to receive Confirmation.
--In order for the children to appreciate what is being covered in the weekly sessions, it is important for families to participate in the Mass on a regular basis.

All Other Grades and Locations
Celebrating the Lectionary is a curriculum of weekly lectionary-based lessons that help to bridge the Gospel to the children’s daily life. Celebrating the Lectionary highlights prayer, breaking open the Word and action through discussion around the Liturgical Calendar, a reading of and reflection upon the Sunday Gospel, Church Teaching, and hands-on activities.

Our Catholic Identity is a catechism workbook that presents the Catechism of the Catholic Church at grade level. The OCI workbook has four parts as structured according to the Catechism: We Believe, We Celebrate, We Live, We Pray. Content and activities provide instruction on these Catholic truths, to include Catholic traditions, faith vocabulary and extended learning through "With Family and Friends" activities.
--In order for the children to appreciate what is being covered in the weekly sessions, it is important for families to participate in the Mass on a regular basis.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Adapted for Children
Journey of Faith follows the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) model of catechesis for children 7 years of age or older who have not been baptized and have never received any religious education. They are welcome to be part of the children's Initiation process. This process prepares the child and family for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. The group meets for regular Faith Formation specific to the stages of Inquiry, Catechumenate, Lent, and Mystagogy.
--In order for the child to appreciate what is being covered in the weekly sessions, it is important for the family to participate in Mass on a regular basis.  

Family-Based / At Home Catechesis
Family-Based / At-Home Catechesis is available. Please contact a member of the Faith Formation ministry for resources to assist parents in sharing and growing Faith within the family. Keep watch for opportunities to engage in periodic events that encompass catechesis through hands-on activities and/or liturgically based themes.

Safe Environment Curriculum
Circle of Grace is the diocesan-chosen safe environment curriculum. Mini-lessons incorporated into regularly regularly scheduled Faith Formation sessions will consist of presenting Circle of Grace safe environment material as mandated by the Diocese. Parents have the option of covering the material with their children at home, but will be asked to sign a diocesan OPT-OUT form. Information is available to those new to the program.