Religious Education
Faith Formation
 

 

All in-person programs are temporarily suspended at this time!                                Please see the links listed on this page for information about registration and details about all of our programs.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The Church of Saint Ann’s religious education/faith formation programs embraces parents in their role as the primary teachers of their children’s faith. Our task is to help each person develop and nurture their personal relationship with God and encourage their participation in the life and mission of the church and in living their faith in the world. We offer several programs to meet the needs of families and support them in this role.

PREPARATION AND FORMATION FOR SACRAMENTS
The Church of Saint Ann partners with parents, Saint Ann School, and area private schools in the preparation of their child’s/teen’s celebration of the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Children in second grade prepare to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (January) and First Eucharist (May).  Sacramental preparation includes a day of reflection (retreat) prior to the celebration of the sacraments.

PROGRAM OPTIONS
Our programs run from September through May. We offer families two options from which to choose.

Option I: GENERATIONS OF FAITH (Family Faith Formation) Grades 1-8
Families come together seven times throughout the year in the FDC building. Each session begins with a meal and an introduction to a theme.  Adults, teens, and children move to a designated room for the age-appropriate learning experience and then return to share what they learned. The session ends with announcements and prayer. Each session lasts about an hour and a half. Families are asked to continue the conversation at home supported by resources from the parish and online materials from the curriculum. Faith formation takes place within the context of family and the parish community.  Therefore, families are asked to participate in Sunday mass as often as possible and in the social/prayer events of the parish as fit their schedule.   Our GOF 2021/2022 theme is Our Faith, Our Stories.

Option II: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSROOM BASED Grades 1-6
This option consists of traditional weekly classroom sessions that are held in the Saint Ann School building.  Families choose only one time:
Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Mondays 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
 
Both programs, GOF, and the classroom-based model use Our Sunday Visitor - Alive in Christ as a textbook resource for grades 1-6 and Decision Point (Dynamic Catholic) for grades 7-8—confirmation prep.

FIRST COMMUNION

CONFIRMATION PREP GRADES 7-8 
The components of our two-year confirmation prep program are oriented towards forming a relationship with God, faithful discipleship, responsible participation in the life and mission of the Church, and in living one’s faith in the world. We do not focus on memorizing information, or on a checklist of requirements. Rather, we offer a comprehensive program that offers opportunities to grow in the Christian faith and learn from the richness of Catholic life. Participation in Sunday worship (Mass), liturgical rites, retreats, and community service complete the curriculum.   Confirmation Prep meets twice a month and takes place in the FDC.  Families choose either traditional RE or family-based GOF to meet their needs. Click on the “Confirmation Prep Program Guide” for a complete overview of the program.

DECISION POINT: CONFIRMATION PREP VIDEO curriculum - Click to view