Children's Faith Formation (Grades 1-6)
At Our Lady of the Lake Church, we believe the faith development of a child is a lifelong journey shared between families and the parish community. Our Catholic Church believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. The Children's Faith Formation department at Our Lady of the Lake seeks to support parents in this lifelong journey of faith formation. We seek to provide catechetical instruction in scripture, doctrine, prayer and worship. We also assist in preparing children for their sacraments, all in the hopes of fostering personal and spiritual growth. With this is mind, and in keeping with our mission to know, love, serve, and worship the Lord together so that we will love one another, as Christ loves us, we have several options available for Children's Faith Formation.
At Our Lady of the Lake Church, we believe the faith development of a child is a lifelong journey shared between families and the parish community. Our Catholic Church believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. The Children's Faith Formation department at Our Lady of the Lake seeks to support parents in this lifelong journey of faith formation. We seek to provide catechetical instruction in scripture, doctrine, prayer and worship. We also assist in preparing children for their sacraments, all in the hopes of fostering personal and spiritual growth. With this is mind, and in keeping with our mission to know, love, serve, and worship the Lord together so that we will love one another, as Christ loves us, we have several options available for Children's Faith Formation.Family Centered Faith Formation (Grades 1-6)
Families learning together
Children and their parents have an opportunity to come together to learn, as they gather around tables in the Holy Family Center. The entire family will be able to learn more about their faith at one convenient time. Registration is required and space is limited. Children preparing for the reception of the sacraments must also attend the mandatory sacramental preparation sessions held during the year. Child care is provided for children ages 5 and under.
Students must be enrolled in the program as of August 29th. Openings are first come-first serve basis and space is limited. At least one parent or adult from each registered household is expected to attend the Family Centered Faith Formation Parent Orientation on Wednesday, Sept 1st at 6:30 pm in the Holy Family Center. Parents unable to attend this orientation must contact the Faith Formation office to make alternate arrangements.
Family Home-Study (Grades 1-6)
Some families choose to instruct their children in the faith within their own family. Parents are asked to attend an orientation session to become familiar with the curriculum. Parents instruct their child(ren) independently at home using our designated textbook. Homework assignments are due on a semi-annual basis.
Students must be enrolled in the program as of August 29th. Openings are first come-first serve basis and space is limited. At least one parent or adult from each registered hosehold is expected to attend the Family Home Study Parent Orientation on Wednesday, Sept 1st at 6:30 pm in the Holy Family Center. Parents unable to attend this orientation must contact the Faith Formation office to make alternate arrangements.
Families who choose this option and have a child preparing for Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation will also be required to attend the mandatory sacramental preparation sessions held during the year. Families are also encouraged to bring their children to the various large group activities sponsored by the parish in addition to weekly Mass attendance and participation.
Sacramental Preparation
Preparations for the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation require helping your child in the practice of the faith. This includes weekly Mass attendance as well as enrollment and attendance in our Family Centered Faith Formation and sacramental preparation sessions.
Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
These sacraments are taught and celebrated in the context of family and community. Per the Diocese of Dallas, children should receive one year of instruction prior to receiving instruction for the sacraments. Generally, children are prepared for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the 2nd grade, as long as they participated in Faith Formation the previous year.
The last day to enroll a student in our Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation is August 29th. Students must be enrolled by this date.
A parent of each student enrolled in Sacramental Preparation must attend one of the two mandatory Sacramental Preparation Parent Orientations, Sunday, September 12th at 4:30 pm or Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm. If a parent cannot attend one of the two mandatory Sacramental Preparation Parent Orientations, the parent must contact the Faith Formation office to make alternate arrangements. Students must be in attendance on the first day of class to be eligible for Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation for the 2010-2011 school year. Children and their parents are required to attend the Sacramental Workshops in addition to attendance at FCFF or Family Home Study. Failure to attend the workshops will delay the reception of the sacraments. All guidelines for receiving these Sacraments will be presented at the workshops. When a child has completed the preparation program, a parent determines the readiness of the child to receive these sacraments.
Children and youth, age 7 through 8th grade, who have not received the sacrament of Baptism and have a desire to be fully initiated into the Catholic faith AND/OR children and youth who are in the 3rd grade and above, who have not received formal instruction in the Catholic faith and have a desire to receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation, please contact the Faith Formation office to discuss your Family Faith Formation options. These situations are discussed and evaluated on an individual basis.
Registration:
Plans are underway for Faith Formation and Youth Ministry sessions. Due to the growing number of parish families, limited space and staff, we are in need of your cooperation. In order to continue to offer organized and effective programs, we must collect registration information as soon as possible. A new registration form must be completed and submitted each year, for each student, including students preparing for First Eucharist and Confirmation. Program planning will be based on the number of students registered by June 9, 2010. Regular grade registration will be processed as time and space permit.
Registration for Family Faith Formation and Youth Ministry:
Families must be registered members of the parish or reside in Rockwall County. Openings are on a first-come first-serve basis. If your child is preparing for a sacrament, a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate MUST be received at the time of registration.
Registration Fees:
$50 for one child; $90 for two or more children; Confirmation fee: $100 per child
Late and Final Registration- August 29th 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. closed
*After August 29th, registrations will only be accepted if space is available and with an additional $25 late fee.
*August 29, 2010 is the last day of registration for First Eucharist and Confirmation preparation. Students must be enrolled by August 29 and in attendance on the first day of class to be eligible for Sacramental Preparation for First Eucharist and Confirmation for the 2010-2011 school year.
Registration Office: (972)771-6671 x 113 or 121
Registration is on a first come/first serve basis, with priority given to families who were in our program last year. A copy of your child’s baptism certificate was needed at the time of registration for those students preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
Families seeking to enroll in Children's Faith Formation must reside in Rockwall County (our geographic boundary). Anyone who resides outside Rockwall County must be registered members of the parish at least six months prior to registering for Children's Faith Formation.
The Faith Formation Ministry would like to thank all families for registering in our Faith Formation programs and helping us make it a success.
Volunteers
Family Centered Faith Formation Volunteers Needed! Are you looking for a way to share your faith, time and talents with others? The Children's Faith Formation department needs you! Volunteers are needed as session team facilitators, breakout catechists, Pre-K and kindergarten catechists, table aides, and sacramental preparation aides for our new Family Centered Faith Formation. You don't have to have a child in our program to volunteer. We encourage all adults to prayerfully consider whether this ministry is right for you. All volunteers must be cleared through our Safe Environment program of the Parish and the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.. We will provide training and support along the way.
For more information on the above or registration or to volunteer, please contact the Faith Formation office at (972)771-6671 Ext 113/114 or email Beth Wright at Bwright@ourladyrockwall.org
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