For Children & Youth
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To Know Jesus
A child asked Pope Francis why he should go to faith formation classes. Pope Francis answered, “Go to catechism to know Jesus better! [Faith formation classes] help you … know your friend Jesus better and to know his big family, which is the Church.”
In order to help our children know Jesus and His Church, and to support the role of parents as the primary educators in the faith, St. Patrick's offers weekly faith formation classes for youth ages 3 - 12th grade. Our classes follow both archdiocesan and USCCB norms.
Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, we prioritize the celebration of Mass. Faith formation classes are never offered at the same time as Mass so families can attend Mass together either before or after class. Mass is offered on Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm and on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am and 11:30 am.
Classes meet from September through early April.
Should you have any questions, please contact our Director of Catechetical Ministries, Beth Jones, at [email protected]
Visit our Registration page to register online or to download the PDF Registration form. Packets and calendars are also available on the Registration page.
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Elementary Faith Formation
At the elementary level, classes are offered through two models: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and conventional faith formation classes. Parents are a child's first and primary catechists, so please take some time to consider what works best for your family and your child.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is available for children ages 3-12. It follows the Montessori method of education and has a strong, hands-on focus on Scripture and the Liturgy.
Conventional faith formation classes are offered for grades K-6. Those classes use the Word of Life curriculum. Each lesson also includes family faith formation resources for you to use at home!
In order to prepare for their First Communion, children must be enrolled in classes for two years, typically in first and second grade. Both our conventional classes and CGS offer sacramental preparation; CGS has six additional half-hour sacramental preparation meetings for both parents and children. In addition, there are mandatory retreats prior to both first Reconciliation and First Communion.
Children who are seven or older and have not been baptized are welcome to join our OCIC classes (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) which meet on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-2:30. We also offer a Special Sacraments class for older children who have not yet received their first communion. Contact Beth Jones, the Director of Catechetical Ministries, for more information on either of these classes ([email protected]).
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Middle School & High School
Middle School Faith Formation
Middle school classes use the Faith and Life curriculum as a basis for a highly interactive, discussion-based class. Middle school youth ministry activities are also an important part of building our teens in the faith!
High School Faith Formation
High School classes begin with a two-year preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, focused on Scripture, moral theology, the social teaching of the Church, and Church history. After Confirmation, high school students gather for small group discussions on topics of their choice.
Teens who have not been baptized are welcome to join our OCIC classes (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) which meet on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-2:30. We also offer a Special Sacraments class for older children who have not yet received their first communion. Contact Beth Jones, the Director of Catechetical Ministries, for more information on either of these classes ([email protected]).
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Faith Formation Registration Opens July 30
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Adult Faith Formation
To "know Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2), we need to continue learning about our faith as adults.
St. Patrick's offers 3 adult Bible Studies: one via Zoom on Monday evenings, on on Zoom on Wednesday mornings, and one in person on Thursday mornings.
Our weekly Symbolon study, which takes place from 10:00 - 11:00 on Sundays, will resume on September 24. This fall, we will discuss living the faith through the Sacraments, Catholic Moral Teachings, and Catholic Social Teaching.
St. Patrick's is proud to offer SPRED, Special Religious Education for Adults. Each friend (an adult with special needs) is paired with an assistant catechist, who accompanies him or her throughout the year.
Interested in becoming a Catholic? Join us on Tuesday evenings beginning August 29 for OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) as we learn more about God and about the Church He founded.
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