SACRAMENTAL PREP
The sacrament preparation process is part of our faith formation programs. This includes the sacrament of 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 of the sacrament, or attending a Catholic school. Registration for our programs occurs in the late summer through fall and can be found at that time on our web page. Please contact the program ministers with questions.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW)
Ages 4 Years–Grade 3
SESSION DAY/TIMES:
During Sunday 9:00am, 11:00am, and 5:00pm Masses
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) ministry enables children to participate in the Sunday worship experience, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word of God in ways that are understandable to them. All children ages 4 years old through 3rd grade are welcome to participate. The children are invited to come forward at the beginning of Mass and process to the chapel. They enjoy the Word of God on their level, shared prayer, singing, and activities. The children will return to their parents at the Offertory and join the community in celebrating the Liturgy of the Eucharist. CLOW is offered during the Faith Formation program year, during the Sunday 9:00am, 11 am and 5 pm Masses. Parents are always welcome to join their children if they want to check out our ministry. There is no prior registration or fee for participation. We are looking for additional CLOW leaders. Training and support are provided. Come share your faith!! Contact Renee Dignan for more information, rdignan@paxchristi.com.
GOOD SHEPHERD
Ages 4 Years (potty trained) – Grade 3
(Age 3 considered on an individual basis. Contact Lynn Schelitzche.)
SESSION DAY/TIMES:
Level One: Sundays 6:30-7:45pm
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children from ages 4 (potty trained) through Kindergarten. The program seeks to create and facilitate a sacred “hands-on” space, in which both the children and the catechists hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the Scripture and the Liturgy. The catechist fosters a relationship between the child and God with quiet meditation and carefully prepared materials based on our Masses and stories from our Scripture.
In addition to the Good Shepherd sessions, parents and children will come together with those from other faith formation programs for Community Nights.
Volunteers are needed in the Good Shepherd program as a catechist, aide, or other support role. Catechists receive extensive training for each level of this program. The parish pays for the training.
Please contact Lynn Schelitzche, Dir. of Faith Formation, 952-405-7230, lschelitzche@paxchristi.com, if you have any questions.
GODLY PLAY
Ages 4 through 6 years
SESSION DAY/TIME OPTIONS:
Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm
Sundays 3:30-4:45pm
Sundays 6:30-7:45pm
Godly Play is an imaginative method for presenting scripture stories, prayer, and our liturgy to children ages 4 through 6. Godly Play uses a careful telling of scripture stories and engaging story figures to encourage children to seek and find their own answers to their faith questions. This unique approach to religious education invites children to wonder about themselves, God and the world in a way that is playful and meaningful to them. Godly Play builds on the pioneering educational work of Maria Montessori’s experiential learning method and the work of Sophia Cavalletti, founder of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Trained instructors share with the children:
• Sacred story with all natural materials
• Parable with wooden story figures and pieces
• Liturgical action with the child-sized altar and church items
• Silence in the special prayer area
Godly Play teaches the children to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call. Learn more at www.godlyplayfoundation.org.
For more information on Godly Play, contact Lynn Schelitzche, lschelitzche@paxchristi.com.
FINDING GOD
Grades 1–5
SESSION DAY/TIME OPTION:
Wednesdays 6:30-7:45pm
Sundays 3:30-4:45pm
Sundays 6:30-7:45pm
The Finding God program option is open to children in grades 1-6. Children come together by grade level in small groups and are led by a trained catechist. The program takes the name from our curriculum “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts” by Loyola Press. This series supports children as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the four pillars of our faith (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Christian Prayer). These timeless truths from the Catechism of the Catholic Church are taught every year on every grade level. The program also includes hands-on-experiences of prayer, community and opportunities for service.
In addition to the weekly sessions, parents and children will come together with those from other faith formation programs for Community Nights and other parish-wide events.
Parents are urged to consider volunteering in the Finding God program as a catechist, aide or other support role.
For more information about the Finding God Program, please contact Reneé Dignan, 952-405-7212 or call the parish office.