Family Faith Formation

Program Philosophy

The first catechists in any child’s life are its parents or guardians. They are the ones who first provide a child with a concept of right and wrong; the ones who—for better or worse—make manifest the Father’s love.

With this in mind, our goal here at St. Bendilde Catholic Church is to create a faith formation program for our parish youth that affirms and supports parents in their essential role. Our hope is to enter into a sacred partnership with parents, working together to form these precious little ones so that they can internalize and embrace the truths of our Church within their lives.

This is why we are excited about our Family Faith Formation program for children in grades K-7, using the A Family of Faith program from the Sophia Institute for Teachers. Though this program meets the faith formation requirement for children not enrolled in a Catholic school, it is open to ANY family wishing to grow in love and knowledge of their Catholic faith. 

Monthly Family of Faith Gatherings

Monthly Family of Faith gatherings typically take place on the second Tuesday of every month September-May. These sessions are for BOTH parents and their children and will last approximately from 6:30-8:00 p.m. During this time students will be divided into age-appropriate classes where they will be given a lesson by a volunteer, safe-environment trained catechist. At the same time, parents will form a separate group where they will be catechized, encouraged, and equipped so as to be able to successfully instruct their children in the faith at home for the remainder of that month. 

At-Home Learning:

During the remaining weeks, parents and students will complete weekly lessons that are designed for the entire family to do together. These lessons are intended to be interactive, filled with games, Scripture quotes, crafts, lives of the saints, etc., and are designed to reinforce and deepen your family’s understanding and appreciation of our Catholic faith. Families are also given options, allowing them to choose the lessons/activities which best fit the needs of their particular child(ren).

Registrations for the 2022-2023 School Year are due by Friday, August 26, 2022. There is a one time registration fee of $25 for one child, $40 for two, and $60 for three or more. Financial aid is available. Please include copies of Baptismal/First Communion certificates (if applicable) with your child’s registration.

NOTE: Children preparing for their First Communion must also register for our Sacramental Preparation Program which meets the third Tuesday of each month.

For more information about our program, contact Parish Catechectical Leader Audrey Huck at [email protected] 

• Are parents required to attend monthly meetings? The program is designed to offer formation for the whole family. At least one parent or guardian is expected to attend the parent catechesis session while their children are in their own classes. 

• What is the format of the program? The in-person meetings at St. Benilde will take place once per month on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. During the time when we are not meeting in person, parents will use their parent guide to go through age-appropriate activities with their children as a means to teach and live the faith at home. 

• What if I am not comfortable teaching my children the faith? Do not worry! You do not need to be an expert to teach the faith to your children. The Church has always believed that parents are the natural and primary educators of their children. You are the first to teach your child right from wrong and provide an example of the Father's love. We are here to support you in this role and provide you with all the tools you need to be a holy and thriving family!

• How will my child be prepared for the Sacraments? Children eligible for their First Reconciliation and First Communion will undergo a separate preparation process in addition to the Family of Faith program. To learn more, please click HERE.

• What resources are available through the program? Each parent will receive a parent guide that introduces the monthly topics as well as provides the lesson objectives and an overview of each month's activities. Each child (or family) will receive an activity book that includes all the materials for each activity. In addition, you will receive a monthly guide that will help you and your family navigate the material better at home.