FAMILY FAITH FORMATION
FAITH FORMATION
Faith Formation serves to educate and form our children in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture and Sacred Traditions. Along with parents, the first teachers of the faith, the role of Faith Formation is to assist our children in the development of a mature Catholic Christian faith. St. Mark’s Faith Formation strives to help Families to encounter Christ and to become Missionary Disciples of our Catholic Christian faith.
TO REGISTER FOR ALL FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS USE OUR ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM .
K-5 FAMILY FAITH FORMATION
Our K-5 Faith Formation uses a Family Format model. Pope Francis tells us, “If a family is centered on Christ, he will unify and illumine its entire life.” Building on our Holy Fathers message to families, at St. Mark we gather families together to journey in faith. We strive to work together and support them as they become stronger faith-filled families in Christ. Children will attend with at least one parent. There will be family presentations and age appropriate activity groups. They will meet twice a month on Sundays, (see Faith Formation Calendar) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning in the church.
Catechists - Catechists assist the Family Faith Formation Program in age appropriate projects. They work together as a team lead by Program Leaders. It is the Catechist’s responsibility to present the topic presented that day in the Family Format. Any baptized Catholic, 18 years or older, who actively participates in their faith and enjoys working with children can be involved. This requires a commitment of 2-4 hours a month in addition to the Sunday session. Volunteers are required to complete VIRTUS training and a background check.
SACRAMENTS OF EUCHARIST, RECONCILIATION AND CONFIRMATION
St. Mark also offers all necessary Sacramental preparation for Eucharist, Penance and Confirmation. Normal preparation for Eucharist and Reconciliation begins in 1st grade and is received in 2nd grade. Normal confirmation preparation begins in 8th grade and is received in March.
First Reconciliation/Eucharist Prep
Our Reconciliation and Eucharist prep is for 2nd graders that have attended 1st Grade Faith Formation. Parents and children attend together for our First Rec/Euch Mini Sessions that meet on the scheduled Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Center. Those young people desiring to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and eucharist can register online.
Confirmation Prep
Confirmation Prep is for 8th graders that have attended the Faith Formation/Youth Group. The candidates attend our Confirmation Mini Sessions that meet on the scheduled Sundays, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (see calendar for locations).
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP (6-12 GRADES)
Parishes must be a place where youth feel welcome. Young people must feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to achieve a sense of identity in the community if they are considered as full-fledged members. The feeling of approval helps adolescents to develop a higher self-esteem as well as self-acceptance. Young people need a community in which they are listened to and valued. St. Mark’s makes a commitment to the youth and their growth. St. Mark Youth Group Sessions are held on the scheduled Sundays, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Our Youth Group meets in a comfortable, caring environment that nurtures spiritual growth, maturity and helping young people to encounter Christ. The sessions are focused on Community Building, Catechesis and Prayer. Fun activities occur throughout the year, as well as a number of service opportunities (Including our Summer Mission Trip) where our youth can help people in need. Retreats, service projects and recreational activities are offered as well.
The Church’s ministry with our youth is centered on three essential goals:
1. Encouraging young people to live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
2. Inspiring young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community.
3. Nurturing the personal, spiritual growth of each young person.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) - Children's Liturgy of the Word' refers to the practice of children leaving the Sunday assembly before the Liturgy of the Word and gathering elsewhere to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word that is age appropriate for their understanding. After the Introductory Rites at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Liturgy, children ages 3 to 8 are invited to participate in CLW. The children rejoin the Community at the Preparation of the Gifts. The purpose of adapting liturgical celebrations to make them more accessible to children is to gradually lead them to full, conscious and active participation in the Sunday Eucharist.
REF Fees may be paid using our onling giving site. https://www.osvhub.com/stmarkgoodrich/giving/funds/ref-fees