Children registered for Wee Believers come forward for dismissal during Mass to the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. The session for the Wee Believers begins when the children in grades 1-3 rejoin their families during the preparation of gifts. The lessons for these Wee Believers include activities that reinforce the message of the readings and teach them how to participate in the celebration of the Mass. The Wee Believers then return to their families in church after going forward for a blessing during communion.
Parents are welcome to attend with children who are hesitant to participate for as long as necessary. For more information or to assist in this ministry please contact theReligious Formation Office at 669-8341.
Children in Grades One – Four: Meet weekly from late September until early May in grade-level groups of 8-10 children. Lessons from an appropriate and comprehensive curriculum are presented by adult catechists with help from assistants, some being high school aged and well qualifies for this ministry. Materials may be reviewed in our office at any time; please call so we may have them ready for you.
Sessions are offered three different times each week and meet in the Community Center:
Sunday morning from 9:45-10:50 AM
Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-5:45 PM
Wednesday evening from 6:15-7:30 PM
First Reconciliation & First Eucharist:Preparation for celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time takes place separately from our regular Religious Formation Program in family sessions attended by children and at least one of their parents.
The Diocese of Lansing requires that all children prepare for and celebrate First Reconciliation prior to receiving First Communion.
In accordance with church teaching and Canon Law, parents may present their children for full participation in these sacraments when the parents have determined a readiness and a desire to receive these sacraments on the part of the child. The lack of a specific age or grade requirement in our parish allows parents to choose the best and most meaningful time for helping their child make this important step in their faith journey.
Children are expected to have been enrolled in a formal Religious Formation Program and to be active in church life for at least 1 year before enrolling in any of the Sacramental preparation programs.
An orientation session about preparing for both sacraments is presented for parents in the fall.
Preparation for First Reconciliationbegins in the fall and concludes with a Family Reconciliation Service in the winter. Parent(s) attend an orientation session and two enrichment sessions with their child to prepare for celebrating the sacrament.
Preparation for First Eucharist/Communion begins after children have completed the preparation for First Reconciliation. Parent(s) attend three enrichment sessions with their child preparing for First Eucharist beginning in late January. The parish celebrations of First Eucharist are scheduled in May each year.
Members of the parish staff are always available for guidance regarding these important decisions.
To enroll a child in our sacramental preparation programs, parents need to complete the sacrament section on the Religious Formation Registration Form. Information will be mailed to all who indicate an interest.
Fifth and Sixth grade students participate in our Intermediate Mentoring Program: Students gather in small groups with two adults, (mentors), on a weekly basis to reflect on the Sunday readings and complete a lesson from our formation program. Mentors use an appropriate and comprehensive curriculum as the primary resource for formation that usually takes place in the home of the mentor, but may be held in the Community Center. These weekly meetings provide the foundation of the mentoring experience during weekly gatherings.
Members of the mentor group also use their time together to reinforce the message of Christian discipleship presented in scripture by participating in community service. Some groups may schedule one session a month for their service activity, and some groups may choose the seasons of Advent, Lent or other special times, for these service experiences.
The third element of the Mentoring Program is the Large Group Event. Four to five times during the year, all 5th and 6th graders meet with their mentor groups at the Community Center for special sessions to learn more about the Sacraments we celebrate as a Catholics. Each group participates in a variety of activities and prayer experiences designed to help them better understand and appreciate the place of Sacraments in the life of the Church.
Parents/youth may indicate the day and time they prefer to meet on the registration form.
