St George Faith Formation 2026 – 2027
Our parish Faith Formation program seeks to help children and their families know God and His church in order to better love and serve Him and others in their lives. Through regular participation in the celebration of the Mass and sacraments, classes, youth ministry events, family activities, and service projects, we hope our students not only learn about their faith but about how to live out their faith in meaningful and beautiful ways.
Family
Eucharist
Service
Your family is the center of our program and your child’s faith formation. Our goal is to support you as the first and foremost catechist of your child with engaging materials and clear objectives. We embrace the idea of life-long formation and acknowledge that we are always learning and growing in our faith regardless of age. There will be opportunities for families to learn, share, discuss, and serve together with other families in our parish community. This model is an exciting direction that parishes around the diocese and country are finding meaningful and impactful.
All our sessions focus on the Mass, as it is our greatest prayer and the center of all we are as Catholics. The Family Masses take place on the first weekend of every month, all of which will offer a Children’s liturgy of the word (K-4) and Teen Bible Chat (gr 5-8). A Faith Formation Session takes place on the 3rd Sunday of every month, which includes attendance at the 9am Sunday Mass. Lessons focus on the message of the Sunday Gospel, and the teaching of Jesus Christ.
The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy are the ways that we seek to serve God and neighbor. Students along with their families engage in opportunities to serve in a ministry or charity each month, which benefit our neighbors in need. Students preparing for confirmation are fostering service-oriented minds and hearts, in part, by giving two hours of their time each month serving their parish, schools, and the community.
Youth/Peer Ministry (Grades 9-12)
Our parish Youth Ministry Program is an important extension of our Faith Formation Program and plays a vital role in helping our young people continue to grow in their relationship with Christ and the Church.
Through Youth Ministry, students are given opportunities to deepen their faith in a welcoming and supportive environment while building meaningful friendships with other teens. The program encourages young people to explore important questions about faith and life, share their thoughts and experiences openly, and discover how God is active in their daily lives.
Youth Ministry also provides opportunities for prayer, service, retreats, social gatherings, and faith-centered discussions that help teens navigate the challenges of growing up with the support of their parish community. It is a place where students can find encouragement, belonging, and guidance during both joyful and difficult moments.
Together, our Faith Formation and Youth Ministry programs work hand-in-hand to support the spiritual growth of our children and teens beyond the classroom setting.
Family Faith Formation (Grades 1-6)
Families with children in Grades 1–6 will participate in a Family Faith Formation session once each month during the assigned week. Families may choose which day of that assigned week works best for their schedule — Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.
Each monthly session includes:
- A family meal
- Engaging activities
- Online resources
- Student Faith Formation classes
Session times are:
- Sunday, 9:30am – 12pm
- Monday or Tuesday, 5:30pm – 8pm
At least one parent, guardian, or adult family member must attend with the child(ren). This may include a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or godparent.
These gatherings provide opportunities for families to learn, pray, discuss, serve, and grow together within our Faith Formation community. During part of each session, children will meet with their grade-level catechists while parents and adults gather separately.
Faith Formation Family Mass (2nd weekend each month, Sunday 10:30am)
All families participating in Faith Formation are encouraged to attend our Family Mass held during the second weekend of each month. These special weekends are an opportunity for families to gather together in worship and strengthen their connection to our parish community.
Following Mass, families are invited to enjoy breakfast and fellowship together. These gatherings help reinforce that our parish church family is an important part of our faith journey and provide opportunities to build friendships, support one another, and grow together in Christ.
Family Mass weekends are designed to help children and parents see that Faith Formation extends beyond the classroom and into the life of the parish community.
Sacramental Years (Grades 2, 3, 7-9)
First Reconciliation Preparation (Grade 2)
Classes will meet approximately twice each month throughout the Formation year. In addition to the monthly Family Faith Formation sessions, students in 2nd and 3rd grade will attend two in-person classes each month.
2nd grade classes meet on Sundays from 9:00–10:15am. These sessions are designed to help prepare students for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation through prayer, discussion, activities, and a deeper understanding of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Important dates for First Reconciliation families include:
- First Reconciliation Parent Meeting: October 7 at 6:30pm in the Father Sullivan Center. Attendance is required for one parent.
- First Reconciliation Retreat: March 6 at 9:00am in the Church Hall. Attendance is required for the child and one parent.
- Celebration of First Reconciliation: April 4 at 4:00pm
Additional information regarding sacramental preparation and celebration details will be shared throughout the year.
First Communion Preparation (Grade 3)
Classes will meet approximately twice each month throughout the Formation year. In addition to the monthly Family Faith Formation sessions, students in 2nd and 3rd grade will attend two in-person classes each month.
3rd grade classes meet from 4:45–6:00pm, and families will select either the Monday or Tuesday session for the entire year.
Important dates for First Communion families include:
- First Communion Parent Meeting: October 14 at 6:30pm in the Father Sullivan Center. Attendance is required for one parent.
- First Communion Retreat: April 3 at 9:00am in the Church Hall. Attendance is required for the child and one parent.
- First Communion Masses: April 24 at either 10:00am or 12:30pm
Additional details regarding First Communion preparation and Mass assignments will be shared throughout the year.
Confirmation Preparation (Grades 7-9)
Classes will meet approximately twice each month throughout the Formation year. Students in 7th and 8th grade will attend classes from 6:30–8:00pm, and families will select either the Monday or Tuesday session for the entire year. 9th grade classes will meet on Sundays from 9:00–10:15am.
Families whose children are enrolled only in the Confirmation program are not required to attend the monthly Family Faith Formation sessions. Confirmation students will participate in their own scheduled classes, retreats, service opportunities, and formation activities specifically designed for their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
At St. George, faith is a way of life. Rooted in the Eucharist and centered in the home,
our program helps families grow as disciples of Jesus.
FAQ
Will this new model of Family Faith Formation replace our current program?
YES! Beginning this fall, an intergenerational approach to faith formation, will replace our bi-weekly programs. Family Faith is flexible with several options for participation. One Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of each month, families will gather. Children who are preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation(2nd grade), First Communion(3rd grade) and Confirmation(7th, 8th and 9th grade) will attend additional classes each month as scheduled.
So parents have to attend with their child? What if I have more than 1 child in different grades?
Where will sessions be held?
Family sessions will begin in the church hall. After a community meal, children will go to their grade level class for formation and parents will remain in the church hall.
What about content? Will children be getting all the information the need to learn about our Catholic faith, prayers, traditions, practices?
How will children benefit? How will families benefit?
- spend time together as a family engaged in a meaningful activity
- have all your children come for faith formation on the same date and time
- learn firsthand what your child is hearing and learning about our faith
- grow in your own faith
- learn and develop new family faith traditions.
- meet more neighbors and parishioners with whom you worship at Sunday mass
What about the sacramental preparation programs?
Preparation programs will continue as separate but connected programs. Sessions for Reconciliation(2nd grade), Communion(3rd grade) and Confirmation(7th, 8th and 9th grades) will be in addition to the Family Faith Formation sessions. 9th grade sessions will be this year, 2026 only. Please see individual sacramental preparation pages for further details.
First Reconciliation Preparation First Communion Preparation Confirmation Preparation