Faith Formation: 

Children and Teens

Catechesis in the Home

GROUP A: Grades K, 1, 2, 3 September 16
GROUP B: Grades 4,5,6 September 23
GROUP C: Grades 7, 8 September 30
Beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Please bring a pencil, and a parent

Weekly Onsite Faith Formation, Preschool - Grade 8

Children in Preschool through grade 8 are served by a program that meets Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM. Children gather in small classes and are led by volunteer catechists using diocesan-approved texts. Formation includes the presentation of age-appropriate teachings in regard to Jesus, the Church, the Kingdom of God, Morality, Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Trinity. In addition, students participate in opportunities to study and experience prayer styles, serving the parish and the poor. Special events when parents are asked to participate are: Eucharistic Liturgies, Prayer Services, and Family Reconciliation Services. They are included to provide formation and participation in community life.

Family Program at Home Faith Formation

Children in Preschool through grade 8 are served by a program that meets Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM. Children gather in small classes and are led by volunteer catechists using diocesan-approved texts. Formation includes the presentation of age-appropriate teachings in regard to Jesus, the Church, the Kingdom of God, Morality, Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Trinity. In addition, students participate in opportunities to study and experience prayer styles, serving the parish and the poor. Special events when parents are asked to participate are: Eucharistic Liturgies, Prayer Services, and Family Reconciliation Services. They are included to provide formation and participation in community life.

Sacramental Preparation

Sacramental preparation programs are offered for all children of the parish. First Communion and First Reconciliation preparation programs normally take place in the second grade—but arrangements can be made for children of other ages. Parents attend preparation meetings and receive workbooks for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist to prepare their children at home, and there is a First Communion retreat. Confirmation preparation takes place during eighth grade and similarly includes components of home/family preparation, classes, and a retreat.

RCIA for Children

The RCIC At their parent’s request, children who are thinking about becoming Catholic participate in a special children’s version of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Normally these children participate in a few introductory meetings together with their parents and a catechist (and friends or family may also join in). Then, if they wish to continue on to become Catholic, they attend Mass weekly and join in with regular Children’s Faith Formation classes, and enter the Church at the Easter Vigil or other appropriate time. Meeting times are adjusted to fit family schedule. Contact Victor Boerio at 412-931-4624.

Parent Meetings & Family Events

Because parents are the most important catechists of their children, Children's Faith Formation programs include some required Parent Meetings for the Catholic Vision of Love, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. The Children's Faith Formation program also includes family events which include: catechesis, Mass and sacraments participation, service opportunities to the larger community, and fun!
 

• REGISTRATIONS - Registrations will be sent on soon registering for the 2019-20 school year.  Please register no later than Wednesday, August 2, 2019.
• Religious Education/Family Faith Formation begins with Opening Family Faith Formation Masses for all families in September.  Regularly scheduled Religious Education sessions will begin the following week.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (CGS)
How blessed we have been that we have started Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (ages 3-6) this 2018-19 year! 

• Please prayerfully discern if God is calling you to help as a CGS catechist or aide:  Beginning this summer St. Germaine will host a Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) course for all interested adults.  CGS is a faith formation experience for children ages 3-12 years old.  It is based on the belief that young children can and do experience God  in a very real way.  Founded on the educational principles of Maria Montessori, CGS is rooted in scripture and liturgy.  Children enter into a love relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, though Gospel proclamation, prayer, song, silence and liturgical celebrations.  The adult catechist seeks to “Let the children come to Jesus,” knowing that as adults we must “turn and become like children.”    In this Level I course, participants will explore the guiding principles and methodology of CGS, discover the religious nature and most vital needs of the three to six year old, meditate on scripture, learn how to observe and learn from children and to enjoy the presence of God.  The course will take place in a retreat environment.  Additional information about CGS can be found on the national website:  https://www.cgsusa.org.

Religious Education Information
Our faith formation is for students beginning at age 3 through eighth grade who are attending public school. The formation provides:

• A religious education based on scripture and the tradition of the Church
• Preparation for the sacraments
• Vacation Bible School
• A caring Christian community atmosphere
• A moral compass for our youth to rely on as the mature
• Activities that will lead our children to develop a relationship with Jesus
• A life of service to others

 2018-19 Family Religious Education offered September through May 1 at the following times with Family Events:

CGS Level I (ages 3-6); Grades 1 - 5:
Tuesday 5-6:15 pm

CGS Level I (ages 3-6); Grades 1-5:
Wednesday 4:45-6 pm

Grades 6-8:
Wednesday 7-8:15 pm

In response to the call of our Baptism, Saint Sebastian Roman Catholic Parish, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, gives glory to God in Jesus Christ. Empowered by the Word and Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we address the challenges of our time as we herald the gospel of life and joyfully meet the needs of others through Christian service in a welcoming community.

Recognizing the need for continuing faith formation that begins in the home, we provide opportunities to encourage and support spiritual growth at every age through religious education classes and other programs.