Family - Grades K-5

The Family Journey is for all families with children in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. Children and parents embark on a journey of faith together at our Family Faith Formation sessions, which take place twice a month at Mary Mother of the Church parish from 5:30 pm-6:45 pm. At least once a month children meet in an age-specific classroom to explore topics of faith, while parents gather to learn about the same topic at their level. Other sessions include extra time in the classroom for learning, large group presentations and activities, opportunities for prayer, worship, and receiving the Sacraments. On the weeks when we don’t meet in person, families are expected to complete At-Home Lessons focused on the monthly theme. An optional meal is served from 5:00 pm to 5:20 pm.

The goal of Family Faith Formation is to equip parents as the primary educators of their children. Children are more likely to put into practice the faith they see lived out day-to-day at home. There is a receptivity and vulnerability to good formation which only happens in the early years of children’s development, and only in the family. A family catechesis program helps families to embrace this time and use it to form their children well.  The adult formation component teaches and trains parents in the Truths of the Faith so that they can teach their children. This model provides parents with the tools they need to share the Good News and the beauty of the Catholic Faith with their children and to form them into true disciples of Jesus Christ. To learn more about Family Faith Formation please visit familyfaithformation.net.

If you have questions, please contact our program director.

First Reconciliation & First Communion

Children typically prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion for the first time in 2nd grade. Preparation to receive these sacraments is an exciting and important part of a child’s faith journey. These sacraments are some of the most beautiful gifts Jesus has given us to help us be close to him. These sacraments are so special that extra preparation is needed to help children and parents understand the mercy and love given to us by Jesus through these sacraments. Formation and celebration of these sacraments takes place in a family, both the domestic Church (in your home) AND the local Church (your parish). There will be several required meetings throughout the year to join together with other families from the collaborating parishes to learn and grow in our understanding of these Sacraments. together. Families will also be connected with a mentor from their parish to walk with them during this year of preparation. Meeting with your mentor will also take place throughout the year during times that work best with your family’s schedule. Additionally pastors from the individual parishes may have requirements and meets specific to the families at their parish.

Learning about these sacraments will take place either in your child’s Faith Formation Classes, in their religion classes if they attend Catholic School, or as part of a homeschool curriculum.

Families with 2nd graders will be contacted prior to the start of 2nd grade to confirm their desire for their child to prepare to receive these sacraments and their willingness to walk alongside their child during this important year.