Children’s Faith Formation
Welcome to Children’s Faith Formation at Saint Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Contact Mrs. Anne Marie Mason for further information concerning Children’s Faith Formation at (301-898-5111 Ext. 17)

Our Mission
Our mission is to assist all children in finding God in their lives and growing in the awareness of God’s great love for them through Jesus; and to celebrate this truth with endless joy as a community of believers. This is a life long journey!

We Offer:
Programs for Faith Formation
Sacramental Preparation
Vacation Bible School
Rite of Christian Initiation Of Adults (and Children)
Catechist Formation
Children’s Liturgy of the Word

 

Sacramental Preparation
Preparation for the celebration of sacraments involves the family, community and the parish or school systematic catechetical effort.  Parents are required to enroll their children in faith formation sessions as part of the on-going catechetical process.  Children need to be enrolled and attending an approved archdiocesan program one year prior before beginning preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist

It is through a partnership with the local parish staff and family that children are prepared for the celebration of sacraments. Sacramental Preparation Parent Orientation is October 1, 2009 at 7pm in Sullivan Hall. All parents of children preparing to celebrate Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time this year should plan to attend this meeting. 

Eucharist 
Preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist is done most effectively in the home with reinforcement in the parish community. Therefore, the local parish community will provide the parents with information in order to assist their children at home. Parent Preparation Sessions are scheduled on Tuesday evenings in the winter.

All children planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist will be expected to join a day of reflection. The day consists of understanding the sacrament, baking Prayer Bread, designing a banner, learning about the Mass and studying a Scripture story. This day is held in Spring.

Reconciliation
Immediate catechesis for the sacrament of Reconciliation is separate from catechesis for Eucharist. Parents and the parish community work in partnership toward the formation of the child for the celebration of this sacrament. Once a child has reached the age of discernment (usually age 7) the child is invited into the preparation for the sacrament. This is such so that the child may celebrate Reconciliation prior to Eucharist. This is the norm of the church but in cases where the child due to immaturity is not ready for celebration of Reconciliation every effort will be made to continue to foster the formation process. Parent Preparation Sessions are held in the Fall on Tuesday evenings in order to assist them in preparing their children for the celebration of Reconciliation.

All children planning to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation will be expected to participate in a day of reflection. The day focuses on the aspect of forgiveness in our lives. All crafts, songs, scripture study and games focus on forgiveness. We as Catholic Christians celebrate forgiveness and are welcomed back to the loving arms of the Father when we stray! This day is held in the Winter.

Vacation Bible School
Join us in June 2011 for another exciting VBS!

Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children age 4 through Grade 5 are invited to "break open" the Word during the 9:30am Mass.  CLW runs September through Pentecost.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ( & Children)
Non-baptized children over the age of five, with parental approval, are welcomed into the RCIA journey with initiation into the church at the Easter Vigil. Children enter the journey through an exploration of the Catholic faith in an age-appropriate program. Continued faith formation is highly suggested following initiation into the community.

Religious Education
Faith Formation of Children Preschool through Grade Five

Parents and families are the most effective catechists. The family provides the basic understanding of faith formation through their daily- lived experiences. It is only through a cooperative partnership that we as a parish community and parents can foster the formation of the child or youth on their faith journey. We, as a staff, are committed to support the families on this journey. Therefore, Saint Peter’s provides a variety of programs to meet the needs of families for their faith formation.

Classroom Model
The formation of children takes place in an informal classroom setting with a catechist and assistant. Children experience their faith through the use of texts, a variety of media experiences, crafts and song. Formation in Catholic doctrine, tradition and scripture are all major components of the program in a curriculum designed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Evangelization and Catechesis and adapted to meet the needs of the community. Children experience liturgy and a variety of prayer styles preparing them for a life long journey of faith. Class times for this year: 

Home Religious Education
This program is designed for families interested in forming their own children in the faith at home.  Families received the same text as used in the classroom model.  HRE is geared for families with children in grades 1 through 5.  Families are invited to share in "special gatherings" throughout the year to encourage a sense of community.

Family Life Program
Catechesis for Human Sexuality is presented in the Benziger Family Life Program. This program assists parents in raising their children in the area of morality. It answers the call of parents to provide the skills and virtues of a Catholic Christian family lifestyle. The Benziger Family Life program supports and complements the basic religion themes in our regular faith formation program for Kindergarten through Grade 5.

Catechist Formation Programs
By the nature of our Baptism, we as adult Catholics, are called to spread the message of Jesus Christ, "go forth and make disciples of all nations." As catechists our mission is to nurture the children of the parish spiritually and socially. We must "take diligent care faithfully to present the entire treasure of the Christian message." (#38 GCD)

Formation of the catechist is highly recommended for any adult in the ministry of catechesis. Courses in spiritual formation, theological formation and methodology are offered through the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Evangelization and Catechesis. Catechists are encouraged to attend any or all of the following: Religious Education Institute in Baltimore, East Coast Conference for Religious Educators or enroll in The Church Leadership Institute. Formation processes are offered through a variety of in-service opportunities at the local parish level and through Central Maryland Ministries throughout the year.

Catechist certification should be the goal of every catechist! Any adult Catholic in good standing, who has an earnest desire to share their faith with the children, will dedicate personal time to updating their own faith knowledge, and who has a genuine love of Jesus can join the ministry! For further information contact: Anne M. Mason at Saint Peter’s Religious Education Center (301-898-5111 ext. 17).

All adults who have "substantial contact" with children in religious education, VBS, etc. must be STAND compliant.

Information for Registration for the 2009-2010 Year

Online Religious Education Registration

Printable Religious Ed Registration (mail/fax/drop off)

2009-2010 Religious Education Calendar

Fee Schedule

Other On-Line Resources

Blest Are We -- Silver Burdett Ginn Publishers

Loyola Education Group