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 Sunday, 9:45 am Mass.
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.
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: $125 per family $45 if a parent is a catechist (PLEASE CONSIDER THIS MINISTRY!!) 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 Yaneyor call 432-0268.
About our Youth Formation(Religious Education) Program
FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2021-2022
Grades 1-6: 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 attend class with a catechist and parents attend an adult meeting once a month September-April
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.
Meeting time choices: Sundays 4:00-5:15 pm or Mondays 6:00-7:15 pm
Grdes 7 & 8: In the Classroom
Students attend in person classes weeklSeptember 12/13 thru April 30/May 1.
Also attend periodic Confirmation related meetings.
Meeting time choices: Sundays 4:00-5:15 pm or Mondays 6:00-7:15 pm
Homeschool: Grades 1-8
Please note: All Home-based Youth Formation is an interactive program that requires parents and children to work together. Faith Formation is not to be studied indepently from the family dynamic..
All Grades have a homeschool learning option that can be done at your own pace. Grade 1-7 uses the traditional classroom program, Alive in Christ from Our Sunday Visitor and Grade 8 uses Chosen from Ascension Press.
Note that there is a significant video component and an important discussion componenet to the the Chosen program. Students and parents are expected to work together on this.
Sacramental preparation materials will be included in the materials for grades 1, 2, 7 & 8 and families are expected to attend respective sacramental meetings.
At certain check points student work will be required to be turned in so that material is completed on time.
Important Dates at a glance for 2021-22:
Family Catecheis
March 6 & 7 Family meeting/class
First Reconciliation/First Communion
February 27/28 First Communion Meeting
April 23 First Communion Gathering Day
April 30 & May 1 First Communion
Confirmation
March 13 Confirmation Student/Sponsor Meeting & Practice
March 26 Confirmation
Mission Statement
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish seeks to accomplish the fundamental tasks of catechesis outlined by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops: