K-6 Family Formation
Welcome!
Family formation is designed to provide parents and children with an opportunity to grow in faith together. Parents are the most significant influence on the religious and spiritual outcomes of young people. The primary way by which Christian identity becomes rooted in children’s lives are the day-to-day religious practices of the family and the ways parents model their faith and share it in conversation, collaboration, and exposure to outside religious opportunities. The family is the primary community where Christian faith practices are nurtured and practiced. (American Catholic Religious Parenting – Smith and Bartkus)
This program is a family model for parents and children in K-6. The goal is to ultimately see the fruits of the family’s commitment as their children grow and pass on the Catholic faith to their own families.
Gatherings will be held once a month on Sundays and Wednesdays. Each family will choose one session to attend each month.
Families will gather as a whole group to start. Then, parents will stay gathered together to engage with other parents, learn from each other, and be equipped with resources and ideas to implement at home. Children will participate in a fun-filled program that brings Catholic teachings to life in age-appropriate groups.
Parents will receive a handout at each monthly meeting that includes conversation starters, videos, and activities that they will work on together as a family at home for the rest of the month. At home families will also review their children’s handout for the month.
Families will complete a reflection each month about their faith experiences. (Families are invited to write a reflection or share a photo/video). There will be optional playlists that include: videos, podcasts, crafts, etc., for families who want to incorporate more throughout the month. Families will also participate in Family Mass Reflections four times a month.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion:
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are two important sacraments in which the child has an opportunity to experience God’s love and mercy for the first time.
When is my child eligible to receive the sacraments?
These sacraments are eligible for reception beginning in the 2nd grade, and are enrolled in our Family Formation program for two consecutive years. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation classes will be offered in the second year.
First Reconciliation Preparation Classes:
There will be four First Reconciliation preparation classes (child(ren) only) with some reflection and activities to be done at home. The reception of the sacrament will be held in the springtime before First Holy Communion. Parents will bring their child(ren) to the First Reconciliation service where the whole family is encouraged to participate.
First Holy Communion Preparation Classes:
There will be four First Holy Communion preparation classes (child(ren) only) with some reflection and activities to be done at home. There will also be a retreat that parents and students will attend together. Reception of the sacrament will be held in the springtime after the completion of preparation.
Note:
We encourage all families to attend weekend Mass regularly so your child is familiar with the church, their pastor, deacons, community, and the format of the Mass. This helps with their familiarity with the practice of their faith and anxieties about what to expect when the time comes to receive these sacraments.
