——->>>>>CLICK HERE for Examination of Conscience Form<<<<<——-
Parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children. They catechize informally but powerfully by example and instructions. They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and his Church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, by fostering justice and love in all their relationships. Their active involvement in the parish, their readiness to seek opportunities to serve others and their practice of frequent prayer, all make meaningful their profession of belief. Parents nurture faith in their children by showing them the richness and beauty of lived faith.
~ Sharing the Light of Faith — National Catechetical Directory for the United States
Be sure to check the Religious Formation Calendar for details about class schedules.
The Religious Formation programs at Our Lady of the Woods are offered so that families and individuals may grow in their relationship with God. They are…
- Sunday Program: This program is for children three years old through first grade. The Sunday Program meets on Sundays during the 10:00 am and 12 noon Masses.
- Weekday Program:This program meets weekly on the following days and times.
- Monday 4:30-6:00 Grades 1-8
- Monday 6:30-8:00 Grades 2-8
- Tuesday 4:30-6:00 Grades 1-8
- Tuesday 6:30-8:00 Grades 2-8
- Wednesday 5:00-6:30 Grades 1-
- Family Program: Our Family Program combines home catechesis (teaching & formation) with community participation. Families who are part of this program teach and form their children in the faith at home, and come together once a month for fellowship and formation. Families meet six times throughout the year.
- Foundations Program: This program was established for children (grades 3 and up) who have not received previous religious formation or have missed two or more years of religious formation. During this time they learn the basics of our Catholic faith. At the end of the year, they are prepared to celebrate First Communion if they have not already done so. The following year they go on to the next grade level with other students their age if the catechist, and the parents, feel the child is ready. It is important to meet with the Director of Religious Formation first before entering the Foundations Program.
- First Communion and Reconciliation is celebrated when the child is ready. Preparation typically begins in the first grade, and the sacraments are celebrated in the second grade.
- Confirmation is typically celebrated during the high school years (grades 9-12). Those preparing for this sacrament must be ready to devote the time needed to fulfill all the requirements of the formation process. Core elements of the Confirmation program are performing a ministry from September through March, attending Sunday Preparation Sessions, and Confirmation Retreats. Those preparing for Confirmation will celebrate the sacrament when they are properly prepared. The Parish celebrates the sacrament every year around the Easter Season. This year we will celebrate it on Friday, June 1st.