Faith Formation

Children ages 3 and 4 years old are invited to participate in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass (from 8:55-10:05 a.m.)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd emphasizes hands-on learning using Montessori methods to help each child develop their personal relationship with God. The focus is on the unconditional love of the Good Shepherd. We use quiet movement exercises and practical life activities designed to help young children learn to focus and pray, as well as simple materials to present lessons including parables, Bible stories, geography, liturgical colors and seasons, Baptism, the Holy Eucharist and the gestures and items used at Mass. Registration is required. Limited to 12 children.

For more information please contact Jacqui Snyder at [email protected]. 

Kindergarten – 5th grade classes are held at the parish

• Monday 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Curriculum:

• Kindergarten:  Allelu!, published by Our Sunday Visitor
• Grades 1-5:  Alive in Christ, published by Our Sunday Visitor

Catechist Resources:

• Advent/Christmas Books
• Advent/Christmas Movies
• Books by Category & Grade
• Books by Title
• Lent/Easter Books
• Lent/Easter Movies
• Movies by Category
• Movies by Title

For more information please contact Jacqui Snyder at [email protected].

6th – 8th grade classes are held in-person:

• Monday: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Curriculum:
Alive in Christ, published by Our Sunday Visitor

We invite all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders into our weekly sessions to address four areas of their development – Prayer, Community, Service, and Faith Formation. Small groups spend time integrating their faith into their everyday lives through prayer, catechesis and discussion. They are facilitated by parents and young adults who have a passionate faith and know how to create a safe environment for our youth to grow. We use Our Sunday Visitor’s Alive in Christ Junior High Thematic Series featuring engaging stories and explorations of relevant topics and themes, Scripture and Tradition, meaningful activities, prayer, faith at home resources, and a variety of features that inspire young adolescents to truly explore, understand, and live their faith.

7th Grade also utilizes Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed, a five week study on the Mass for teens that features powerful cinematography, inspiring presenters, and engaging workbook resources. For more information, visit confirmationstudy.com/altaration.

8th Grade also utilizes Envision: Theology of the Body (TOB) for Middle School. The TOB curriculum is based on Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which offers a very positive message of the gift of sexuality as a good and essential part of love and life. This program is designed to cut through the noise of today’s culture and inspire young people to envision a life of authentic freedom and love. Click on the video below for a preview:

For more information please contact Jacqui Snyder at [email protected].

2024-2025 First Reconciliation Information

2024-2025 Confirmation Information

Confirmation preparation begins freshman year in high school with the Chosen program. Small groups, retreats, socials, service projects and prayer are designed to help the young person make a mature and thoughtful decision for Confirmation. When the teen feels ready to confirm his/her faith, and has completed the necessary prerequisites, she/he may choose to be Confirmed as a sophomore, junior or senior.

Preparation for Confirmation includes:

• Attending all formation sessions
• Completing of 20+ service hours annually. Click here for service hour guidelines. Click here to pre-check your service opportunities. Click here to submit your service hours.
• Attending required retreats
• Participating in Harvest Sunday Food Drive – October 27 & November 3, 2024
• Participating in small group community, spiritual, and service activities
  
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Prior to making Confirmation Sophomore year, students must:

• Choose their Confirmation name
• Choose their Confirmation sponsor
• Write a full page reflection letter to Fr. Max explaining how they have prepared to receive the sacrament and their reasons for wanting to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Click here for instructions.
• Write a two-page service learning reflection paper based on a teaching of the Catholic tradition and their service experience. 
• Complete a Confirmation interview. 

For more information contact Noelle Daugherty, Director of Youth Ministry, at [email protected]

FAQs

How do I choose a sponsor?

The Catechism suggests that confirmands should choose a spiritual mentor to help them prepare for Confirmation. It is most appropriate for that sponsor to be one of the baptismal godparents to emphasize Confirmation as part of the sacraments of Initiation and connected to Baptism. If that is not possible, a sponsor may be chosen who is a confirmed Catholic, actively practicing their faith, over the age of 16, and free from any impediment of law to fulfill their role as sponsor. The sponsor cannot be one of the candidate’s parents. 

How do I choose a confirmation name?

Our diocesan policy states:  Candidates whose given/baptism name is not Christian should choose a Confirmation name from the names of canonized saints.  Other candidates may choose a Confirmation name.  Whether they keep their baptism name or choose a confirmation name, the candidates should have a good knowledge of their patron saint (even if they have chosen the name to honor a relative or friend).

What should I wear for the Confirmation Mass?

Please have the boys wear dress slacks, shirt and tie.  The girls should wear dresses, skirts or dress slacks.  Please remind the girls to maintain modesty in regard to the length of their skirt and the neckline.  Sponsors should be encouraged to follow a similar dress code. Please be sure that the name tag is clearly visible to the Bishop and not covered by hair or clothing.

If your child is age seven or older, and you wish them to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, Reconciliation and Communion, please contact our Director of Adult Faith Formation, Kelly Reznicek at [email protected].

All Saints Catholic Academy is a regional Catholic school that is supported, in part, by Saint Margaret Mary Parish. For more information, please visit their website.