FAITH FORMATION

OLV Parish offers faith formation for students in kindergarten through grade nine. Please take a few moments to read about the different programs being offered. If you have any questions, contact the faith formation office. The faith formation program typically runs from September through April.

This year, all families (K – 9th grade) are asked to attend our bi-monthly Family of Faith family sessions.

• Pre-Kindergarten home study: Pflaum Gospel SEEDS Colorful hands-on activities provide a lively way for young children to experience the Gospel. Each week, Seeds will help you teach preschoolers the way they learn best: through talking, cutting, and folding, listening—and through singing out with love and joy!
• Grades K-9 Sunday Morning: This is our traditional classroom program, with volunteer catechists teaching students by grade level. It meets weekly on Sunday mornings from 8:40-9:50 am.
• Family of Faith bi-monthly sessions:  Will meet during the regular Sunday class time and attend the Family/Children’s Liturgy.  After the mass we will then gather back at the school for a treat and the opportunity to spend some time as a parish family.
• Grades 4-9 Tuesday Evenings: This is our traditional classroom program, with volunteer catechists teaching students by grade level. It meets weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:00- 7:15 pm.  Families are encouraged to attend the bi-monthly session as well.
• Grades K-9 Home Study: Families are asked to attend the bi-monthly Family of Faith family sessions and then teach/share the faith in the home. The books/curriculum will be supplied to you. During the weeks between meetings, parents work with their children on additional learning activities. Children will be required to submit online chapter reviews to show what they have learned.
• ADULT Coffee & Catechesis (optional): 1 time per month on Sunday mornings from 8:45 – 9:50 am. Parents/guardians are invited to stay and participate in a video-based faith study program. We will begin with PRESENCE – THE MYSTERY OF THE EUCHARIST! Each month we will view a short video and hold a discussion and share faith. *Program Description: Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the "source and summit" of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation.
• Sacraments: Second graders are invited to celebrate First Reconciliation, and third graders are invited to celebrate First Eucharist. Preparation (6 dedicated sessions) for these sacraments is done in partnership with families, under the guidance of the Director of Faith Formation. For families who choose the classroom model Sunday classes, Catechists will begin sacrament preparatory sessions in the classroom and parents will complete what was started at home. Home study families will complete all of the 6 sessions at home. Both parents and children are asked to participate in a retreat and teaching Mass. During this time of preparation, children are enrolled in either the faith formation program or a Catholic School.
• Confirmation: After completing grades 9 and 10 faith formation classes or Catholic high school religion classes, students are eligible to prepare for Confirmation. This is a separate preparation program, and registration will begin once religious education classes are finished for the school year. Confirmation preparation takes place during the summer months following 10th grade. Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in the fall of 11th grade.
• Volunteer Opportunities: For those interested (adults & teens in grades 11 & 12), we have volunteer opportunities as catechists & classroom aides. We also need assistance with our bi- monthly Family of Faith sessions, sacramental retreats, and Children/family masses.  Please contact Carmel Zomeri, Director of Faith Formation, if interested in volunteering.
• Volunteer Opportunity: Open to children & adults. We need assistants! This special service opportunity will count toward volunteer hours that the teens may need for their high school and/or club requirements.  
• Children’s Liturgy of the Word (Volunteer Opportunity) is offered each week during the 10 a.m. Mass. High School assistants and adult leaders are needed. This will count toward volunteer service hours.
• OLV Service Club (Volunteer Opportunity) is offered during the summer. Youth and teens (grades 6- 12) are invited to assist and help lead. This will count toward volunteer service hours.