Children's faith formation at St. Peter's Church in Libertytown, Maryland


		Children’s Faith Formation Welcome to Children’s Faith Formation at Saint Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Contact Mr. George Brunner for further information concerning Children’s Faith Formation at (301-898-5111 Ext. 17) Our Mission Our mission is to assist all children in finding God in their lives and growing in the awareness of God’s great love for them through Jesus; and to celebrate this truth with endless joy as a community of believers. This is a life long journey! We Offer: Programs for Faith Formation Sacramental Preparation Vacation Bible School Rite of Christian Initiation Of Adults (and Children) Catechist Formation Children’s Liturgy of the Word - 9AM Sunday Mass
		Sacramental Preparation Preparation for the celebration of sacraments involves the family, community and the parish or school systematic catechetical effort. Parents are required to enroll their children in faith formation sessions as part of the on-going catechetical process. Children need to be enrolled and attending an approved archdiocesan program one year prior before beginning preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist. It is through a partnership with the local parish staff and family that children are prepared for the celebration of sacraments. Sacramental Preparation Parent Orientation is September 27, 2011 at 7pm in Sullivan Hall. All parents and all children preparing to celebrate Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time this year should plan to attend this meeting. The September Orientation meeting is necessary for both parent and child. Reconciliation Immediate catechesis for the sacrament of Reconciliation is separate from catechesis for Eucharist. Parents and the parish community work in partnership toward the formation of the child for the celebration of this sacrament. Once a child has reached the age of discernment (usually age 7) the child is invited into the preparation for the sacrament. This is such so that the child may celebrate Reconciliation prior to Eucharist. This is the norm of the church but in cases where the child due to immaturity is not ready for celebration of Reconciliation every effort will be made to continue to foster the formation process. Parent and child preparation sessions are held on Tuesday evenings. All children planning to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation will be expected to participate in a day of reflection. The day focuses on the aspect of forgiveness in our lives. All crafts, songs, scripture study and games focus on forgiveness. We as Catholic Christians celebrate forgiveness and are welcomed back to the loving arms of the Father when we stray! This day is held in the Winter. Parent and child preparation sessions are held on Tuesday evenings. Eucharist Preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist is done most effectively in the home with reinforcement in the parish community. Therefore, the local parish community will provide the parents with information in order to assist their children at home. First Communion Celebrations are Saturday May 5 and 12 at 10am in the church. Mandatory practices are scheduled the evening before the celebration at 7pm. Vacation Bible School Join us June 25-29, 2012. Registration will begin after Easter! Think summer fun...call the office to volunteer now! Children's Liturgy of the Word Children age 4 through Grade 5 are invited to "break open" the Word during the 9:00am Mass. CLW runs September through Pentecost. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ( & Children) Non-baptized children over the age of five, with parental approval, are welcomed into the RCIA journey with initiation into the church at the Easter Vigil. Children enter the journey through an exploration of the Catholic faith in an age-appropriate program. Continued faith formation is highly suggested following initiation into the community. Religious Education Faith Formation of Children Preschool through Grade Five Parents and families are the most effective catechists. The family provides the basic understanding of faith formation through their daily- lived experiences. It is only through a cooperative partnership that we as a parish community and parents can foster the formation of the child or youth on their faith journey. We, as a staff, are committed to support the families on this journey. Therefore, Saint Peter’s provides a variety of programs to meet the needs of families for their faith formation. Classroom Model The formation of children takes place in an informal classroom setting with a catechist and assistant. Children experience their faith through a Lectionary-based program published by Pflaum Publishing Group. Formation in Catholic doctrine, tradition and scripture are all major components of the program in a curriculum designed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Evangelization and Catechesis and adapted to meet the needs of the community. Children experience liturgy and a variety of prayer styles preparing them for a life long journey of faith. Class times for this year: All Religious Education Sessions meet on Sunday morning from 10:15am - 11:15am. Home Religious Education This program is designed for families interested in forming their own children in the faith at home. Families in the HRE program use the Blest Are We program.. HRE is geared for families with children in grades 1 through 5. Family Life Program Catechesis for Human Sexuality is presented in the Benziger Family Life Program. This program assists parents in raising their children in the area of morality. It answers the call of parents to provide the skills and virtues of a Catholic Christian family lifestyle. The Benziger Family Life program supports and complements the basic religion themes in our regular faith formation program for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Catechist Formation Programs By the nature of our Baptism, we as adult Catholics, are called to spread the message of Jesus Christ, "go forth and make disciples of all nations." As catechists our mission is to nurture the children of the parish spiritually and socially. We must "take diligent care faithfully to present the entire treasure of the Christian message." (#38 GCD) Formation of the catechist is highly recommended for any adult in the ministry of catechesis. EQUIP Courses in spiritual formation, theological formation and methodology are offered through the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Evangelization and Catechesis. Contact George Brunner at 301-898-5111 ext. 17 for further information concerning the EQUIP Program and other programs sponsored by the parish and Archdiocese of Baltimore for catechist formation. All adults who have "substantial contact" with children in religious education, VBS, etc. must be STAND compliant. Information for Registration for the 2011-2012 Year Online Religious Education Registration Printable Religious Ed Registration (mail/fax/drop off) 2011-2012 Elementary Religious Education Calendar Elementary Religious Education Handbook 2011-2012 Other On-Line Resources Blest Are We -- Silver Burdett Ginn Publishers Loyola Education Group Pflaum Weekly Gospels (www.pflaum.com)