Faith Formation

Overview of the Faith Formation Program

Our commitment is to assist parents in developing within their children a strong Catholic faith. Parents are the most important part of any program and their involvement is the key factor in all that we do in Religious Education. In order to reinforce basic Christian values, each family is encouraged to discuss class materials  every week. Regular participation in this program provides a positive learning experience, active participation in our Parish Community and guidance toward becoming a witness to Christ. Each session is designed to develop a child’s love and respect for God and help him/her to form a warm and loving personal relationship with Jesus, as well as a comfortable feeling about the church community. It is also necessary to give the child a firm factual basis in our Catholic Religion. We therefore provide a structured Program in the areas of Prayer, Sacraments, Commandments and Creed. At each grade level, the student is responsible for learning specific material as part of his/her continuing course of study.  http://www.aliveinchrist.osv.com

Class Schedule 2020 – 2021

Alive in Christ sessions for grades 1 – 6 are held on Monday afternoons/evenings. Grades 1 & 2 meet from 4:45 – 5:45, grades 3, 4, & 5 meet from 6:00 – 7:00 and grade 6 will meet from 7:15 – 8:15. Grades 7 & 8 will meet once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 7:00. All classes are held on the church property either in the church building or in the rectory meeting space.

New students (those entering grade 1 or those new to our parish) should contact the rectory office (203) 265-1694 to register.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist takes place in 2nd Grade. Children will not be enrolled in the program without previous 1st Grade Faith Formation education. Children are required to attend weekly Mass during sacramental years. First Reconciliation will be held in February and First Holy Communion will be held on the second Saturday of May.

Confirmation Program

The Confirmation program takes place in grade 9. Young people who have completed the 8th grade are invited to participate. Confirmation is celebrated in the Fall of the child’s 10th grade year. The mail focus of the program is service. There will be a prescribed service-type project once a month (September – May). A more detailed schedule will be handed out on the first day of class.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith are invited to join us in walking the Journey of Faith. Adults who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and/or Confirmation are  invited to complete their commitment to the Catholic faith. Please call the rectory office (203) 265-1694 for more information.