Faith Formation Details

Faith Formation for Children in Grades 1–6
Our Lady of the Lake – Explore Four Program

At Our Lady of the Lake, we are committed to helping children grow in their Catholic faith in both heart and mind. Our Explore Four Family Faith Formation program invites children in grades 1 through 6 to engage with their faith through four key pillars:

• Study – Classroom learning and catechesis

• Social – Building community through parish life

• Service – Living the Gospel through acts of love and charity

• Faith Practice – Deepening prayer and personal spirituality

Classroom Formation (Study Pillar)

There will be 18 scheduled in-person classes between August 28, 2025, and May 1, 2026.
Children enrolled in 1st- and 2nd-Year Sacramental Preparation are required to attend at least 15 of these classes in order to meet the study requirement for the year.
If a class is missed, make-up work is required and must be submitted to the Faith Formation Office within the timeframe provided (details forthcoming).
Explore Four Activities (Social, Service, and Faith Practice Pillars)
In addition to class attendance, all students must complete a minimum of 7 additional Explore Four activities across the pillars of social, service, and faith practice.
These activities must be completed between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026
(March 1st 2026 for 2nd-Year Sacramental Prep students).
To receive credit, families must submit the Children’s Explore Four Reflection Form, available on the parish website under the Formation > Explore Four page. This reflection helps students connect their experiences to their Catholic faith and understand how their actions enrich their life in the Church.

Explore Four Requirements 2025-26

Total of 25 Explore Four Credits Required
Our Lady of the Lake’s Explore Four Family Faith Formation program invites families to grow in faith through learning, prayer, service, and community. To fulfill the yearly formation requirements, each child must complete a total of 25 credits:
Credit Breakdown

• 18 Credits – Earned through in-person class attendance (Study Pillar)

• 7 Credits – Earned through participation in Service, Faith Practice, and Social activities

For each non-classroom activity or event, families must complete an Online Reflection Form to receive credit. These reflections help children connect their experiences to their life of faith. The form is available on the parish website under Formation > Explore Four.

Staying Connected
Stay informed throughout the year by joining our Children’s Faith Formation group:

• Receive weekly updates, important reminders, and parish event information

• Join your child’s grade-level group and any ministries you're interested in through the Parish App or Church Community Builder.

Class Descriptions

1st-year Sacramental Preparation: (Grade 1-2)
Students in Grades1-2, and in their first year of sacramental preparation. This may also include students who have not been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church.

First-year Sacramental Parents should be involved in participating in their child's class or enriching their faith by attending  our “Catholic Refresher” classes, which are offered throughout the year. These classes are there to help adults better understand their faith and the role of the Domestic Church. We want to empower parents to feel comfortable having faith-based conversations with their children and implementing Catholic Living in their homes.

1st-year Sacramental Preparation:(Grade 3-6)
Students in Grades 3-6, in their first year of preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. This may also include students who have not been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church. Children are not required to have their parents present for this class. 


First-year Sacramental Parents are required to attend our “Catholic Refresher” classes being offered throughout the year. Only one parent is required, but both are encouraged to attend. These classes are there to help adults better understand their faith and the role of the Domestic Church. We want to empower parents to feel comfortable having faith-based conversations with their children and implementing Catholic Living in their homes. 


2nd Year Sacramental Preparation Students: Grade 2-6
Students in Grades 2-6, that have been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church have completed their first year of an approved sacramental preparation program and are preparing for the sacraments of the First Eucharist and Reconciliation. 
    Each student enrolled in 2nd Year Sacramental Preparation must have a parent, grandparent, or godparent in attendance for each session. 
Preparation for the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation begins with weekly Mass attendance as well as active participation in a formal faith formation program. These sacraments are taught and celebrated in the context of family and community.  

Post Sacramental: (Grade 3 & Grade 4)
Students in Grades 3 & 4, who have been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and received the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Students in this class will continue to deepen and form their faith through the Discover! Finding Faith in Life curriculum. This follows the Go! Seek! Find! Curriculum used during Sacramental Preparation. Bring your Catholic Children’s Bible!

Post Sacramental: (Grade 5 & Grade 6)
Students in grades 5 & 6, who have been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and received the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation.
This unique program takes the students into the Bible to learn about the people of the Bible.  One year the class will concentrate on people of the Old Testament, and the following year will investigate the New Testament. For the 2025-26  year the students will be studying people of the Old Testament. Students will be using the NABRE Breakthrough Bible For Young Catholics. A class copy will be provided for each student. Parents can also purchase a copy for students to use at home. Please reach out to the faith formation office to purchase a copy.