10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN
260-432-0268
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What We Do:
- Our Youth Formation/Religious Education program serves children in Grades 1-8 who attend public, independent, and home schools as well as all parish children preparing for their first celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.
- We provide preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation for older children.
- We offer Vacation Bible School in June for children PreK-Grade 5.
- For Children ages 4-6, we offer Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 9:30 Mass.
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Dear Parents,
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we recognize the family as the Domestic Church and are committed to helping strengthen the formation of the faith of each of our families. This can only be achieved by engaging all members of the family together.
That is why our Youth Formation/Religious Education program focuses on Family Catechesis in order to involve all members of the family in learning about their faith and sharing it with each other. This give faith a context and relevance that helps develop a love and understanding for the Catholic faith which, in turn, will provide a basis for a life-long relationship/identity as a Catholic. Church "facts" and doctrine have their places, but the true role of catechesis is to form our children, and ourselves, as spiritual, moral and discerning persons. That is why there is an emphasis on families worshiping together, having meaningful discussions about faith and faith matters, and developing a personal relationship with Christ.
When you had your child(ren) baptized, you made a commitment to
"make it your constant care to bring [them] up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives [them] is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in [their] heart." (Rite of Baptism, Roman Catholic Church)
This mission may seem daunting at first, but with the help of the Holy Spirit and practice, it becomes easier and feels more natural. Curiosity and a desire to know about God and his Son, Jesus, is a natural part of our children's natures and teaching about them is a natural role of the parent - just like helping our children learn to feed themselves or tying their shoes. My mission is to make sure that you do not walk this journey alone. As Director of Youth Formation, helping parents and their families to grow in faith together is one of the primary goals of my ministry. My mission is to assist you in forming your children in their Catholic faith. In order to do this I will do my best to provide you with helpful information, meaningful catechesis, support materials, and opportunities to grow in community and spirituality.
If there is additional support that needed, please do not hesitate to ask. I look forward to walking this journey with you and your family and you will continue to be in my daily prayers.
God Bless,
Kim Conte
Director of Youth Formation
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First Grade Family MeetingClick here for a video presentation of the material for the First Grade meeting that would have been held on January 24 & 25. Materials for the meeting have been sent home with school students and Youth Formation families may pick up their packets in the Church Gathering Area.
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About our Youth Formation(Religious Education) Program
FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2020-2021
Families Registered for the 2019-20 year click here to registerHome School: Alive in Christ
New Families or Families with new students click here to register.
Grades 1-8:- All grades have a home school/remote learning option that can be done at home at your own pace. This program uses the regular classroom program, Alive in Christ from Our Sunday Visitor.
- This year the program will be enhanced with online materials (videos, links to support material, etc) that will be sent to you on a regular basis.
- Sacramental preparation materials will be included in the materials for grades 1, 2, 7 & 8.
In the Classroom and at Home: A Family of Faith
Our Youth Formation/Religious Education Program for children in grades 1-6 focuses on family formation by including the parents in the catechesis of their children using the A Family of Faith program from Sophia Press.
Students in Grades 1-6:- Students attend class with a catechist and parents attend an adult meeting once a month.**
- At parent meetings information relevant to that month's topic is discussed which includes helpful information on completing the lessons at home.
- Students in Grades 1 & 2 will have sacramental meetings and their monthly meetings will include preparation for the sacraments. (Format and dates to be determined)
Students in Grades 7 & 8 in the classroom:- Students attend in person classes weekly
- Also attend periodic Confirmation related meetings.
Grades 1-6 meet once a month (September - April)
Grades 7 & 8 meet weekly (August 30/31 - April 25/26)
You may choose to home school Our Sunday Visitor's Alive in Christ Program
Class times
Sundays: After the 11:30 am Mass at 12:45 - 2:00 pm (grades 1-6 only)
OR
Before the 5:30 pm Mass at 4:00 -5:15 pm (grades 1-8)
Mondays: 6:00-7:15pm (grades 1-8)
COVID 19 Information:
It is the intention of the Youth Formation program to provide an environment for learning and Faith Formation where the health and safety of all students and volunteers is a primary concern.
*Family Catechesis monthly meetings will be initially parent only meetings and will be evaluated at a later date the feasability of having students attend in classrooms.
*For those families who do not wish to attend a physical class, a home schooling faith formation program is available.
*Maximum class sizes have been determined will be adhered to as to allow sufficient social distancing during class.
*An additional session for grades 1-6 has been added to allow for smaller sessions which provides the opportunity for social distancing for adults and children.
*Planned activities such as crafts or group projects will take into account the need for individual materials so that materials are not shared and so that students can maintain a proper social distance.
*The need for students to wear masks will be taken into consideration.
*Classrooms will be thoroughly sanitized after each session. -
Registration For 2020-2021
Families enrolled in the 2019-2020 year click here to register and pay by credit or debit card
New families or families with student new to the program click here to register and pay by credit or debit card.
Click HERE to download and print a pdf registration form
(please turn in paper registration along with payment to the parish office during regular business hours)
Fee: $95 per family
No one will be turned away from our program if the fee is prohibitive. If you need to make financial arrangements, contact Kim Conte or Carole Yaney or call 432-0268. -
Important Dates at a glance for 2020-21: - December 6 & 7 Family Catechesis Parent Meeting
- January 10 & 11 Family Catechesis Parent Meeting
- January 31 & February 1 Family Catechesis Parent Mtg
- March 7 & 8 Family Catechesis Parent Meeting
- April 18 & 19 Family Catechesis Parent Meeting
- December 19 & 20 First Reconciliation Meeting
- February 21 & 22 First Communion Meeting
- April 17 First Communion Gathering Day
- April 24 First Communion
- February 23 or March 6 Confirmation Retreat
- March 21 Confirmation Student/Sponsor Meeting
- May 1 Confirmation
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Mission StatementSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish seeks to accomplish the fundamental tasks of catechesis outlined by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops:
- teaching the message of Jesus
- celebrating the sacred mysteries
- engaging students in prayer
- forming followers of Christ
- fostering community
- developing a sense of mission
- providing opprotunities for Christian service.
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Contact Us
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kconteseasfw.orgDirector of Youth Formation -
cfeitseasfw.orgYouth Formation Administrative Assistant
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