Faith Formation Program Description

"The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the Faith to their children; they should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state." (Pope St. John Paul II, Lumen Gentium §12)

Parents are the primary educators in their children's faith formation, and the example set at home impacts a child's relationship with God, the church, and the community at large. At St. Patrick’s, we believe that families and the church should work as a team to educate and inspire our children as they begin their life-long journey with God.

Our Faith Formation program is designed to assist parents in teaching the Faith to their children. We offer classes for students in grades 1-10 and encourage parents/guardians to attend class with their children when possible.

General Faith Formation

Students in grades 1 and 3-8 are invited to participate in our general faith formation classes. These classes are designed to introduce children to fundamental concepts of our Faith and support families as they grow their domestic church at home.

Students will explore subject matters including:

• The Church Calendar

• The 10 Commandments

• The Bible and its stories

• Biblical History

• The Sacraments

• Jesus as our Example

• Our Beliefs

• The Saints

• Prayer, etc.

First Holy Communion

Students in grade 2 prepare to make both their First Reconciliation/Confessions and First Holy Communion. 

Emphasis is laid on developing a relationship with God, embracing the love of God, and reflecting the love of God in one's relationship with others. Critical components in preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession include children learning about making good choices and being the "best version" of themselves. Students also learn how to make a good Examination of Conscience and prepare their hearts for the grace they receive in the Sacraments.

While studying to make their First Holy Communion, children learn about the Catholic mass, including the parts of the mass and proper mass etiquette. Children are taught the important role the church as the "Body of Christ of Christ" and the "family of God's people" plays in our lives.

If your child is in second grade or above second grade and would like to make their First Holy Communion/Reconciliation, please get in touch with our Faith Formation Coordinator at ffd@spcolct.org

Confirmation

Students in grades 9 and 10 participate in a 2-year program designed to prepare them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Students learn about developing a deeper relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit during this preparation. Students also learn about the gifts and actions of the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit stays with us on our life's journey – lighting the way to a holy and blessed life. During this period, students discover how our Catholic Faith helps us answer some of life's biggest questions and guides many of the decisions we make every day.

Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation also aims at assisting students to develop "…a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community…" (CCC #1309). Students further learn that our Catholic church will always be a place we can return to and call home. 

Schedule

At St. Patrick's, we understand the time constraints on families in today's world. Everything seems to compete for your time, and your children's faith formation is no exception. Even now, when it seems we can't find any more time in our day, God helps us through. Here at St. Patrick's, we are working hard to make it easier for families to fulfilling their roles of listening, learning, and sharing God's word.

Our Faith Formation classes meet in a hybrid schedule of both in-person and online classes. 

Grade-level classes begin in mid-September and conclude in early May. In-person classes conveniently meet between our two Sunday masses from 8:55 – 9:55 am. Online class times vary by grade.

Classes for the Sacraments have separate schedules. Please get in touch with our parish office for more information.

Youth Masses

Once a month, the youth of our parish and their families are invited to celebrate a special youth mass. During this mass, student volunteers participate by singing, reading, leading the "Prayers of the Faithful," and bringing gifts to the altar. Engaging and age-appropriate sermons are given, and the youth and children are encouraged to sit in the front-row seats of the church.

Student Safety

At St. Patrick, we take the well-being and safety of your children seriously. We fully comply with the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Safe Environment requirements. 

Our Catechists and volunteers have received special training to ensure that every child is safe while participating in our program. Please get in touch with our parish office if you have any questions or need further information.

Catechists

Our Faith Formation program could only be a success with our dedicated Catechists.  We are always looking for volunteers to serve as Lead Catechists and Assistants. No experience is necessary. We provide training. Please email our Faith Formation Coordinator at ffd@spcolct.org for more information.