Faith Formation - Youth

Faith Formation Ministry

A Faith Formation Teacher is a responsible, sensitive person who understands and enjoys the age level of the students they choose to teach. One must have good listening and communication skills. A teacher must have the ability to provide a welcoming, secure learning environment while upholding rules and regulations. He or she must also be a positive adult role model. Support is available to help the teacher achieve these goals. Optional workshops for Catechists are available throughout the year.

An Assistant Teacher provides the assistance needed to help the teacher achieve their goals.

A Substitute Teacher also meets the requirements of a teacher, but has the flexibility to step in and pick up the lesson where the teacher left off, and is willing to be called in at the last minute.

A Volunteer has a variety of tasks including special projects, field trips, phone calls, copying, setting up for events, cleaning up after events, assisting with program opening, baking, help with registration, etc. (See the Ministries page for more volunteer opportunities.) For more information on how to become involved with our Faith Formation programs, please contact the Rectory.

The Second Vatican Council states that “Parents are the first and primary teachers of their children.” The program at St. Denis is designed to assist parents to pass our faith on to their children and to nurture mature faith in each family. All of our classes are conducted at times that allow parents to worship at Mass with their families. Detailed information about each grade can be found in the Student Handbook, which you can download here.

PREK/K  This is a time to foster an enthusiasm and openness for God and God’s creation. Classes are held Sept. to May (approx. 14 classes)  8:30-10:00am Sunday
Grades 1-5: Children learn about God and Church through lessons and worship at Mass. They begin to experience belonging to, contributing to, and being part of a parish community. Younger grades will prepare for and when ready, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Older grades will start to learn about the lives of the Saints, and the importance and power of prayer through the rosary and Stations of the Cross. These classes are held Sept. to May (approx. 14 classes) on Sundays from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., offering families time tow worship together before class at the 7:00 a.m. Mass or after class at the 10:15 a.m. Mass.

Grade 6: Students learn about the Bible and how to use it. They discover God's Word in Scripture and encounter Jesus in the New Tetament. They start to really understand the importance of service to the community and become involved in their own parish community through the Rice Bowl Project. Classes are held Sept. to May (approx. 14 classes) on Sundaysfrom 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., offering families time tow worship together before class at the 7:00 a.m. Mass or after class at the 10:15 a.m. Mass.

Grades 7-8: This is a time of transition for students. They develop a more adequate understanding of themselves and what they know and believe. It is also important for them to hear and learn about their Catholic faith from the Church because they will receive contradicting information from the secular world. They meet as a group on Sunday evenings Oct. to April (approx. 12 meetings) from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and experience their faith through videos, music, activities, and small and large group discussions.

High School Year I and II: Students prepare to live as disciples of Christ and become adult members of the Catholic Church. They commit to living their Catholic faith through weekly worship at Mass, class participation and attendance and service to their parish community. They learn about Wisdom and Discernment as they ultimately prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Group classes are held Oct. to June (approx. 12 meetings) on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The RCIA is the process by which individuals interested in becoming part of the Catholic Community are prepared for reception into the church. This process is for those who are not Catholic and are interested in learning about the church and for Catholics who have not yet received one or more Sacraments. Call the Rectory for further information about the RCIA.

Cancellations

Cancellations due to inclement weather during the winter season will be announced via Flocknote, Facebook, and on our website.