FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS IN HOLY FAMILY PARISH
“Let the children come to me; and do not prevent them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”. Mark 10:13-16
Faith Formation: Faith formation of our youngest members is our top priority at Holy Family Parish. We demonstrate our commitment to forming young people by offering religious education classes to our parish children each Sunday.
English Kindergarten through 5th grade Sundays 11:30-12:30pm (at Holy Family Catholic School – 2601 Ursuline)
Spanish Kindergarten through 5th grade los domingos 10:00am- 11:00am (at Holy Family Catholic School – 2601 Ursuline)
Middle School (grades 6-8) English & Spanish Sundays 4:00pm-5:00pm (at St. Patrick Life Center)
High School Faith Formation 1:30pm-3:30pm (at St. Patrick Life Center)
Classes are typically in session from late September through early May, following our Holy Family School Calendar as closely as possible. Registration begins in July and continues through August. We offer grade level appropriate lessons which may include:
- Listening to Scriptural passage
- Words to know
- Saints and Holy People
- Singing
- Prayers/Parts of Mass
- Creating crafts
- Service projects
- Catholic Social teaching
Faith Formation Curriculum: For grades K- 5, we follow the Loyola press text “Finding God” curriculum. This great resource is rooted in Scripture and Catholic doctrine and invites the children to ongoing invitation to enter a deeper relationship with God and encourage them to find God in all things. Students who attend a Catholic elementary school do not need to enroll in our religious education classes. However, if they are not enrolled in a catholic school for Middle- high Schools, they are required to enroll in our religious education program. For all questions, please email or call religiouseducationhfp@gmail.com, hfpreligiousedassist@gmail.com
Phone: 409-762-9646 Ext. 213 or 203
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” John 6:53-56
The children of our parish are prepared for the sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist each year. Preparation begins in the fall. This occurs during second grade Faith Formation sessions. Children must attend the Faith Formation program for two years in order to receive First Eucharist. The preparation requires attendance of faith formation classes, Sacramental preparation and the Retreat experience. Parents must attend sacramental preparation which is once a month with their children. First communion Liturgy is celebrated in the spring.
Middle School: Grades 6-8
The middle school faith formation is a transition from a more classroom-based style of learning to a group style with students in multiple grades. The middle school youth group program includes grades 6-8 and is focused on preparing the students to enter the high school youth group by introducing them to the saints, learning the importance of prayer, learning how to pray and developing their relationship with Christ as they navigate a time in their lives filled with growth and transition. They are taught with an Edge curriculum that allows them to explore various doctrinal topics and the relevance these teachings have to their lives.
High School: Grades 9-12
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom and instruction”. Proverbs 1:7
The high school faith formation program is mostly focused on preparing the youth of the parish for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a 3-year program in which the teens explore various doctrinal topics through the Life Teen curriculum, are introduced to the saints, cultivate a relationship with Jesus Christ and learn how to pray. In October of the third year, the teens receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and are then encouraged to return to Life Teen as teen leaders to help their younger peers prepare for their reception of this sacrament.
RCIA – CHILDREN
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life~ John 3:16
Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children is a two-year program in Holy Family Parish. This is intended for children, over the age of 7 who are not baptized or catechized, or who are in 3rd grade or older seeking the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. The gradual process involves the parents, peers, sponsors and indeed, the entire Christian community and that takes place with the community of the faithful.
RCIA ADULT
Becoming a Catholic involves both learning about the Catholic Faith and living it. This Rite is designed for adults after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God, enter the way of conversion as the Holy Spirit opens our heart. Discernment is an integral part of being a disciple. We are called to be disciples who are continually discerning Gods call and invitation to us in the concrete aspects of our lives. In our Parish, our aim is to come along those who are seeking full communion with the church. The weekly meetings are focused on a systematic delivery of the teachings of the Church and specifically answering the tough questions that most converts wrestle with as they discern God’s call for them. The discernment and the program encourage one to get involved by attending an event, joining a group, exploring our resources, or sharing individual talents. This program runs from September to May each year.
ADULT CONFIRMATION
“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. Amen
The Sacrament of Confirmation is with Baptism and Eucharist, one of three Sacraments of Initiation. Confirmation “completes and Confirms” the grace of Baptism. Through the anointing with sacred chrism, the baptized person is “enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit, and more than ever “obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ” (Catechism 1285). A candidate who is interested first goes through discernment interview and Proximate and Immediate Preparation Lessons. After registration, candidates are required to present, a recently issued baptism certificate.
For more enquiries contact Faith Formation office or call 409-762-9646 EXT. 202
Catechist Formation
If we are rooted in the word, we will be better equipped to pass on the
Faith to those we minister.
Holy Family Parish has committed Catechists who generously donate their time, talents and love to the children of our Parish. Catechist formation is offered on Parish, Deanery, and Archdiocesan level. The need to develop skills and techniques is emphasized while keeping in mind the Gospel values and the need to model Christ’s love to the children.
Vacation Bible School:
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth” ~ John 3:14
Vacation Bible school is offered each June shortly after schools close for the summer. Our program is intended for children from the age of 4 through rising fifth graders. Each year offers a fun-filled program where children take part in rotations of story time, music, games and crafts. VBS also offers a wonderful opportunity for older youths and adults of our Parish to volunteer their time and talents as Catechist and team leaders. A minimal fee is charged for children attending.
For more information about volunteering contact our Faith Formation Team.
Director of Religious Education:
Sr. Betty Kalu, HHCJ
409.762.9646 Ext. 213
religiouseducationhfp@gmail.com
Coordinator of Family Life and Pastoral Ministries:
Sr. Emilia Ogar, HHCJ
409-762-9646 Ex 202
ministrieshfp@gmail.com
Youth Minister (Junior High and High School):
Jenny Gay
409.762.9646 Ext. 201
youthministerhfp@gmail.com
All volunteer must complete their CMG Safe Haven Training which can be accessed at: https://holyfamilygb.com/main-home/cmg-training/
