2026-2027

K-1st; 3rd-7th Grade Faith Formation 

A Whole-Family Approach

Together with the ages old teaching of the Universal Church, we see parents as central to the formation of children in the Faith. In seeking to form a life of faith in your children, we take seriously your role as parents in that process. In hopes of building up the strength of the "domestic church", or the church as it exists in our homes and the "building block" of the larger Church, there are expectations for whole-family involvement. Studies are clear: whole families seeking to grow in faith and devotion together, even if in "fits and starts" and struggles, make a more profound impact on a child's faith development than any catechist/teacher. You might wonder, "OK that makes sense, but how will this look in practice?"

FAMILY EXPECTATIONS

• Daily Prayer: Each day, families pray together for 15 minutes. This practice seeks to take seriously the importance of cultivating our children's inner life of prayer and relationship with Our Lord. In the words of St. Therese of Lisieux, "For me, prayer is a burst from my heart, it is a simple glance thrown toward Heaven, a cry of thanksgiving and love in times of trial as well as in times of joy." Resources will be provided for various options that fit your family.
• Weekly Mass Attendance: The Eucharist is, in the words of the Catechism, "the source and summit of the faith." Participating in the celebration of the Eucharist on every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation is a minimum expectation of all Catholics. While not an obligation for kids under 7, coming together for communal worship is an important way to form young hearts in praise of God. We are blessed to have a parish community full of young families and parishioners who are accepting of young, squirmy and sometimes noisy Catholics still learning "the ropes". Resources will be provided to help your family to more fully and actively participate in the Sunday Mass and appreciate its significance.
• Weekly Catechesis: In person classes will be, generally, twice a month on Sunday mornings at IC (see schedule below). During the weekends when we do not meet in person, resources will be sent home for you to engage in catechesis together.
• Three "Family Festivals": Bringing together parents and children to celebrate important moments in our Church's calendar and provide resources on how to engage more deeply with the liturgical seasons of our Church (this year: All Saints Day, Lent and Easter). We will also have a Nativity Pageant on Christmas Eve. See schedule below.

In person Formation days

Sunday mornings, starting September 20

Immaculate Conception Church & Hall

9:00 AM Mass Followed by Class Time

~ 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM

parent meeting on Sept. 20 during Class time

K-1st; 3rd-7th Grade schedules