Program Year Overview: Onsite gatherings will begin in early October and conclude the end of April. We primarily follow the Eden Prairie School District calendar as far as scheduling breaks, etc.
Online Registration: Online registration will be open on or before April 28, and we will be closing registration on August 1. Participation by children and youth is contingent upon adult volunteers. Be advised that if we do not have enough leaders for a particular program or age group, some groups may be delayed in starting and/or canceled for the year. CLICK HERE to learn about the various ways you, as a parent or guardian, can help out!
Traditional Classroom/Small Group Model This program is built around the Sunday 5pm liturgy, allowing families to select from the following options before and after the celebration of mass.
Family Faith Formation Model This is family-based program where families gather once-a-month onsite, celebrate mass, and are provided with additional at home resources.
Traditional Classroom/Small Group Model
Schedule of Sessions in 2024-25: Fall: October 6, 13, 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24 Winter: December8, 15; January 12, 26; February 2, 23 Spring: March 2, 9, 16, 23; April 13, 27 Sunday Afternoon Option: 3:45-4:45pm for Pre-K through Grade 5 (Godly Play & Finding God) 3:45-5:00pm for Grades 6-12 (PaxConnex & Chosen/Confirmation) Sunday Evening Option: 6:15-7:15pm for Pre-K through Grade 5 (Godly Play & Finding God) 6:15-7:30pm for Grades 6-12 (PaxConnex & Chosen/Confirmation)
Family Faith Formation Model Family Option 1 – Sunday Mornings: Sessions take place in between the 9am and 11am mass on the first Sunday of the month, allowing families to select which liturgy they would like to attend. The content of the catechetical sessions will primarily be geared towards families with elementary aged children. Sunday Morning Schedule for 2024-25: October 6, November 3, December 8, January 12, February 2, March 2, April 13 Family Option 2 – Wednesday Evenings: Sessions take place following the 6pm mass, from 6:30-7:30pm, on the first Wednesday of the month. The content of the catechetical sessions will primarily be geared towards families with middle and high school aged youth. Wednesday Evening Schedule for 2024-25: October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 12, April 9.
The sacrament preparation process is part of our faith formation programs. This includes the sacrament of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. It is our policy that, in order to participate in the sacrament preparation process, your child needs to either be registered and regularly attending one of our faith formation programs the entire year before and the year of the sacrament OR attending a Catholic school.
During the program year they are to receive the sacrament(s), the child/youth must be participating in the Sunday evening classroom/small group program so that they receive the breadth of formation necessary (not applicable if attending a Catholic School). If a child or youth is planning to receive a sacrament during the program year (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation), it is our expectation that they participate in the Sunday program in order to receive the full breadth of content that is essential for those sacraments.
Minimum age requirements for the sacraments are as follows: · First Reconciliation & First Eucharist: Grade 2 and Older · Confirmation: Grade 10 and Older Children and teens who have not been baptized will work individually with the Director of Faith Formation to prepare and will most likely celebrate Baptism at the Easter Vigil.
We also want to stress that faith formation really is a lifelong commitment. We often times see a drop-off in program participation the year after celebrating First Eucharist, and perhaps not seeing the children again until it is time for Confirmation. We encourage your children and teens to remain active in those “non-sacrament” years so that their faith can continue to be nourished, strengthened, and deepened.
Program costs for either Faith Formation option helps cover materials provided to participants. If you have any questions or if you are in need of financial support please contact Scott Brazil, Director of Faith Formation, at sbrazil@paxchristi.com or 952-405-7230.
Sunday Classroom/Small Group Faith Formation $100.00/youth participant, with a family cap of $250.00. Full tuition scholarships will be granted to families that serve as a catechist, catechist assistant, small group leader, or hall monitor. Opportunities to sign-up for these volunteer opportunities will be included on the registration form. Family Faith Formation $100.00/family. We are offering this reduced rate because this option meets less often, as well as to encourage families to consider participating in faith formation together.