Notes from the Coordinator of Faith Formation - Instead of a Parent Meeting...
***NEW THIS YEAR***
All adults attending Formation or Sacramental Preparation meetings and any adults attending youth events must complete VIRTUS training and complete a background check. A link can be found on the Faith Formation Registration Page.
MEETING TIMES:
Junior Disciples (4K/5K) - During Sunday Mass
Youth Formation (Grades 1-5) - Wednesday 3:30 - 4:30
Teen Formation (Grades 6-12) - Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30
Family Formation - Monthly meeting date TBD (Pre-registration was required by 4/15)
TEEN OFFERINGS OUTSIDE OF FORMATION:
Teen Fellowship Group: A growing group of children in grades 6-12. This group focuses on fellowship, service, spirituality, and fun. All children in Grades 6-12 from our community are welcome to join. We might have Catholic undertones to what we do and talk about, but we will not be focusing on Catholic Theology.
Teen Small Groups: Like minded teens gather to talk about specific topics. I will support any teens or adults in starting these small groups. They will have a set end date, but can apply for further meeting dates.
High School Retreats: Diocese retreats geared towards High Schoolers will be offered throughout the school year. These are replacing the tradition of Confirmation Retreats. Most retreats will be run by the Xavier Mission Team and will have themes to their retreat activities.
SACRAMENT PREPARATION:
Reconciliation and First Communion: The youth must be at least 2nd grade to enroll in preparation. The Diocese does have a requirement of 1 year of faith formation before the child can start preparation. If your child did not attend Faith Formation last year, they will not qualify this school year. If your child attended Faith Formation or Religious Instruction elsewhere, please reach out to me (CRE@StJoeEdgerton.org) so we can get any needed verification from the other parish as soon as possible. This preparation is completed as a family with parent meetings and a candidate and parent retreat outside of class to prepare the youth. The 2 Sacrament Dates along with parent meeting and retreat date(s) will be released when classes start.
Confirmation: All of the candidates for confirmation were to have a quick talk with me prior to 4/30 for confirmation preparation. The 1st parent meeting has held 5/4. Confirmation candidates will either attend weekly Teen Formation or monthly Family Formation. Separate Confirmation Preparation classes will be held once a month (dates TBD). A parent must accompany the candidate for the first 3 classes. The sponsor will accompany the candidate to the last 3 classes. (Parents and sponsors are able to act in the other role's place.) Confirmation Mass has been scheduled for Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 3pm at St Joseph's and is only open to Confirmation Candidates, their sponsor, and a set number of guests. Guest limits will be communicated to families by early February based on the number of candidates from participating parishes.
AS A NOTE:
All personal information about your child(ren) that you choose to share will be kept private by the Coordinator of Religious Education. Sharing any relevant diagnosis that your child will likely help us better address any behavior concerns upfront and properly respond to any emergencies. Only relevant information will be shared with the current Catechist for their grade. Please note any allergies, relevant medical conditions, or special instructions related to your child in the "Special Notes" section when registering your child. If you forgot to include something, please call or email the Coordinator of Faith Formation to add it to their information.