Children’s Programs and Faith Formation Ministries
Growth in the faith occurs throughout life. Catechesis, prayer, Bible study, intergenerational activities, and service opportunities are an integral part of our parish wide faith formation program. As a Jesuit parish, particular emphasis is given to "finding God in all things" We offer Sunday morning classes for children and teens as well as Family Faith Formation Sundays where families gather for prayer, song, story-telling, and crafts.
CHILDREN’S SERVICE PROJECTS
Our youngest parishioners are encouraged to participate in service projects together with all members of the parish. We offer an Advent project with our neighbors at a local nursing center and make Christmas cards for our sick and homebound parishioners and residents of the nursing center. It is our desire to prepare our children and youth to become "men and women for others".
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Celebrates the Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 a.m. mass with children (age 6 and older). The children are dismissed after the opening prayer. Reflects on and discusses the readings at their age level and engages in an activity related to the readings using drama, music, and story-telling. Following the creed, prayer of the faithful, and the collection, the children re-join the assembly. The children serve in the liturgical ministries.
HANDS ON THE WORD
Celebrates the Liturgy of the Word with children age 3-6 with a Scripture reading and an age-appropriate activity.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
First Reconciliation and First Communion
Celebrated in the second grade. Includes Sunday morning children’s classes, parent sessions (to familiarize parents with the theology, history, and biblical foundations of these sacraments as well as the catechetical and celebratory aspects), and an annual parent/child retreat.
Confirmation
Reflects full initiation into the Catholic Church. Preparation is offered for youth on Sunday mornings. The rite is celebrated bi-annually for those in grades 8 and 9 during the Easter season. Adult preparation takes place on week nights prior to the archdiocesan celebration which takes place on Pentecost.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
For adults to learn about the Catholic faith and/or to prepare for full initiation into the church. The preparation process begins in the fall. Fully initiated adults are needed to serve as sponsors.
