Sunday Morning Program: Grades 1 -9
Our classes will gather in the OLV Elementary School cafeteria at 8:40 a.m. for opening prayer and announcements. Parents are welcome to join us for this group session prior to the start of class. Classes are dismissed at 9:50 a.m. Please wait in the main hallway for your child, unless otherwise directed by your child’s teacher or office staff. If you need to have you child released early, please notify the office prior to the start of class.
First Reconciliation Faith Formation
First Reconciliation: OLV School students
Family Faith Home Study Program
Parents will work with their children to complete the provided lessons at HOME including online videos, discussions questions, and quizzes. These lessons will be provided and reviewed by the Faith Formation Director. Family attendance is required at the family sessions in October, December, February and April.
Family Faith Formation - 3 Times a Year
During these IN-PERSON sessions, students and their families will gather with other families to explore our faith. These sessions will take place in October, December, February, and April. Sessions start at 10 a.m. with Family Mass in the Basilica. Immediately following, we will gather in the Elementary School cafeteria. These sessions will end around 12:30 p.m.
To participate, please complete the re-registration form and return it to the Religious Education Office as soon as possible. New families may use the registration form that is labeled "new." Upon registering, please consider the expectations of a Catholic family here at OLV National Shrine & Basilica:
- Participation in weekly Mass and the Sacraments.
- Support and involvement in the life of the parish.
- A supportive attitude toward the parish and the Religious Education Program.
- May attend programs and activities being held in our Family 26
High School Confirmation
High School students entering Grades 10-12 in September who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation may attend classes at either Our Lady of Victory OR Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park. Please contact one of the Faith Formation Offices by June 30 to register for this year’s program.
There will be an information session at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart on May 14 at 7 p.m.
- OLV - Contact Carm Zomeri at 716-828-7494 or [email protected] or register online here.
- Classes will be held in the Elementary School cafeteria 6-8 p.m. on: 7/15, 7/16, 7/29, 7/30 and 8/6
- OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART - Contact Lynn Lipczynski at 716-824-8209 or [email protected] to register.
Order of Christian Initiation of Children & Families (OCICF)
This process is meant for children and their family members who may not have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) at the typical time. A few examples of who this process may be appropriate for are an entire family that would like to explore the Catholic Faith together with an interest in becoming Catholic as whole family, a parent and 12-year-old child who both need to receive their First Eucharist, or a 17-year-old who would like to make their First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied to each session by a parent or sponsor.
- Please register using this link: https://bit.ly/2026-OCIA-OLSH-OLV .
Order of Christian Initiation of ADULTS (OCIA)
Are you an adult who is interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation of the Catholic Church? OCIA is for you! Our sessions will prepare you to receive Baptism, first Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. OCIA sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. either at Our Lady of Victory or at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
- Please register for OCIA using this link: https://bit.ly/2026-OCIA-OLSH-OLV . Our first class will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. at OLV.
