REGISTRATION FOR 2026-2027 NOW OPEN
Faith Formation is a lifelong journey. We are all at different points on this journey and a one size faith formation program does not fit all. There is a shift to a greater focus on parents as the primary educators of the faith. Therefore, we have partnered with Pathways, an integrated and family centered formation suite designed to facilitate a personal encounter with the Trinity and sustain a lifelong development of faith within the family. This process is intended to lovingly support and form parents to confidently take up their rightful place as the primary educators of their children, through at-home and at-church experiences.
Regardless of your child’s grade level (1st-5th), they are invited to participate in the year of formation that aligns appropriately to their stage in the process. If this is your child’s first year, you will be focusing on progressive formation through our Seek and Root programs. For children in their second year, the concentration will be on immediate formation through the Sacramental Preparation programs of Mend and Nourish. Ongoing formation through the program of Sent is for children in their third through fifth years.
Each of these programs have a unique schedule with lessons done through at-home family meetings and sessions done at-church. You can think of these sessions as retreats for both parents and children. See the schedule for your specific program with details about the at-church sessions, family meeting acknowledgements and suggested completion dates.
Because the hallmark and foremost expression of our Catholic identity is participation in Mass, we encourage all families to come to Mass together and join us for the at-church sessions as a family. Families are expected to respond to the invitation which we humbly and graciously accept as Catholics. Without a regular commitment to Mass the Faith Formation experience falls flat as the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith. Optional Family Gatherings will also be offered throughout the year.
Year 1: Seek & Root
Preparing for the Sacraments begins with this first year of preparation. It is a family experience designed to bring light and life into your homes and hearts as you share the love of Jesus. This preparation process will take place both at church and at home through regular family meetings and sessions guided by Pathways Seek and Root.
There are 6 at home family meetings and 7 sessions at church. Students need to attend all church sessions with at least one parent. These sessions are designed to help parents guide and support you on this journey of faith with your children. All of the materials needed for the home family meetings will be distributed at the church sessions. Please understand that all of these dates are important elements of the faith formation process. Make up opportunities will not be available.
Seek is a kerygmatic experience for parents and children, with age-appropriate content for each. Over the course of 4 at-church sessions participants will be invited on a journey to discover anew the good news of our faith by reflecting on the following themes: Community, Creation, Redemption, & Relationship.
Root is a foundational catechetical experience focusing on the Creed for children and parents, with age-appropriate content for each. Over the course of 6 at-home family meetings and 3 at-church sessions, parents will lead their children to get to know the Trinity and the essential teachings of our faith contained in the Creed. They will deepen their understanding of what we believe through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.
CLICK HERE for the Year 1 Calendar.
Year 2: Mend & Nourish
Preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a family experience designed to bring light and life into your homes and hearts as you share the love of Jesus and why He gifted us these two special Sacraments. Most of the preparation process will take place at home through regular family meetings guided by Pathways Mend and Nourish.
There are two mandatory preparation retreats, one parent ONLY retreat, and a First Communion Rehearsal. Students need to attend both parent & child retreats with at least one parent. These retreats are designed to help parents refresh your own understanding and desire for the sacraments while experiencing the prep process with your child. All the materials needed for the home family meetings will be distributed at the retreats. Please understand that of these dates are important elements of the preparation process. Make up opportunities will be made available for emergency situations only.
Mend is a First Reconciliation family experience designed to equip parents to teach, share faith, and pray with their children as they lead 7 family meetings in your home. Families will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of Reconciliation as it connects to daily life by forming clay, making field goals, reading Scripture, engaging in meaningful conversation, and much more.
Nourish is a First Holy Communion family experience. As you lead your family through 9 meetings, you will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of the Mass as it connects to daily life by building puzzles, baking, reading Scripture, engaging in meaningful conversation, and much more. Traditional classroom learning will be enhanced by parent participation as faith transitions from the classroom to the living room.
CLICK HERE for the Year 2 Calendar.
Years 3-5: Quest
Faith formation is an ongoing process. It is a family experience designed to bring light and life into your homes and hearts as you share the love of Jesus. This process will take place both at church and at home through regular family meetings and sessions guided by Pathways Quest.
There are 9 at home family meetings and 5 sessions at church. Students need to attend all church sessions with at least one parent. These sessions are designed to help parents guide and support you on this journey of faith with your children. All of the materials needed for the home family meetings will be distributed at the first meeting. Please understand that all of these dates are important elements of the faith formation process. Make up opportunities will not be available.
Make a way with Quest, an ongoing formation experience for the entire family. Families will grow in their relationship with God as they go on an adventure of prayer through modeling, practice, and meaningful conversations. They will apply what they learn by playing a board game together. Watch the adventure of prayer take families deeper, with Quest.
CLICK HERE for the Years 3-5 Calendar.
WE NEED CATECHISTS & TEEN ADVENTURE GUIDES!
Catechists will lead the at-church sessions for children, which will be a commitment of about 4-6 times a year. Catechists must be up to date on all Safe Environment certification.
Teens currently in Confirmation or those seeking school volunteer hours are invited to serve as small group leaders for our Year 1 Elementary Faith Formation program on Monday or Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your faith while mentoring younger children. Volunteers must be available to attend all scheduled sessions (see Calendar below).
CLICK HERE for more details about Teen Adventure Guides.
Training & Support Provided! God doesn’t always call the qualified. He qualifies the called!
If interested please contact:
Jennifer Cahuantzi, Director of Faith Formation & Parish Life
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (949) 218-3131 x110