Faith Formation
Why Send Your Child to Faith Formation?
Faith Formation helps children understand the Sacraments, especially the Mass, and offers an opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of the Catholic life. Through formation, our young disciples learn to appreciate the most important rituals of our faith. As children learn about the Mass, the responses, and why we do what we do, they develop an active desire to pay attention, explore scripture, cultivate a relationship with the Lord, and share the beauty of the Gospel with their peers. Through Catechesis, children learn that the Sacraments have the power to transform us when we meet Christ there.
Catechesis shows how the Gospel fully satisfies the desires of our heart. Happiness lies in living the Catholic Faith as Christ has modeled it. The more that we learn about Jesus and His plan for our lives, the more we live with meaning and purpose in our lives. We are all called to make a difference in the world around us. Children will learn that we have a co-responsibility to be involved in the missionary activity of the church and to reach out to others in need. We are called to be Disciples of Christ by virtue of our baptism. This means bringing Christ into every aspect of our lives.
A Parent’s Role
At Baptism, parents agree to teach children to love and practice the Catholic Faith. Assumption Faith Formation is designed to support and assist in that goal. You can increase the child’s faith formation by praying often as a family, teaching the prayers given in class, attending Mass weekly, being actively involved in the life of the parish, and encouraging your children to do the same. The best way you can encourage your child to cultivate a faithful life is to lead by example. We encourage you to get involved in your child’s Catechesis by volunteering as a classroom assistant.
For more information, questions etc., please contact Cheryl Sokolowski, Director of Religious Education at 616-361-5126 x 257 or Renee Smith, Secretary at 616-361-5126 x256
Faith Formation Classes offered for School Year 21/22
Even though the formal Faith Formation programs usually begins in September, we recognize that in your families, there has not been a break in faith formation. All we do in raising our children to be good moral adults is “faith formation.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1656) refers to the domestic church in this way: “In the home, Christian parents cultivate for themselves and their children a spiritual life directed towards loving God and loving others. The home becomes the base for Catholic culture where faith and love of God is central and its primary principle. The practice of virtue and self-giving to each other in daily family life becomes the school for love of neighbor. The family seeks the Holy Spirit to sanctify family relationships, to direct home life, and to share God’s love to others outside of the home.”
See below for our Faith Formation programs on offer for the 21/22 school year. Registration for all programs is offered on a first come, first served basis. Contact the parish office for more information!
Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool and Kindergarten have 2 options for Faith Formation:
- Sunday mornings 11:00AM-Noon
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Wednesday evening, 5:00-6:30 PM
Grades 1-7
Sacramental Prep for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion begins in First Grade and the Sacraments normally takes place in the Second grade. Weekly commitment in the First and Second Grade is part of the process.
Faith formation classes for grades 1-7 are offered on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 PM.
Confirmation (Grade 8)
Confirmation normally takes place in the 8th grade and a weekly commitment in the 7th and 8th grade is part of the preparation process. Confirmation class is offered on Sunday evenings, 6:30-8:00 PM . If you are in high school and have not yet been confirmed, call Mrs. Sokolowski 361-5126 x257.
Junior High Youth Ministry
Junior High Youth Ministry takes place on Sunday evenings, 6:30-8:00 PM for all 6th-8th graders of the parish whether they go to school or are in the Faith Formation Program.
High School Youth Ministry
High School Youth Ministry takes place on Sunday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM. This is open to all youth no matter the school they attend. They do not need to be parishioners either.
Special Needs, Special Situations, and Disabilities
We would like to assist you, the parent, in whatever ways we can to support the faith formation of your child/youth. Your child’s special needs/circumstances will be individually determined working with you. Call 616-361-5126 for more information.