Faith Formation Q&A
This week, St. John's has been buzzing! Students are back at school, and the staff at the Co-Cathedral are preparing for a new season of Formation for children, teens, and adults. Families with children between the ages of three and sixteen should have received an email with information about the programs available and how to register. You can also visit sj.org/children-family-formation for information about programs for PreK through Grade 8, and sj.org/sacrament/confirmation-preparation for information about Confirmation Preparation in Grades 9 and 10. Below are some “Frequently Asked Questions” about Formation programs at St. John's.
Why should I register my children for Faith Formation?
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), parents, not teachers, are "the primary educators in the faith" for their children. Why then does the parish offer Faith Formation classes? Our programs are designed to assist and support the education that parents offer their children about the faith. They also offer a place where children can build a community of faith with their peers and other adults besides their parents, who share their faith and witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Classes meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6:00pm, and cover a wide range of subjects, including Bible study, Church history, understanding the liturgy, different types of prayer, devotion to the saints, discerning vocations, and more.
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?
CGS offers a Montessori-style environment where children can freely explore their growing relationship with God through hands-on materials, meditation and prayer. At St. John's, we offer CGS Level 1 for children ages 3-5, including Kindergarten, at two sessions during the week. We also offer CGS Level 2 for children in grades 1-3 during our regular Faith Formation time on Wednesday evenings.
What about children preparing for First Communion?
Preparation for children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion is usually done during the 2nd grade year. Following the guidance from the diocese and the principals of Rochester Catholic schools, while RCS supports the sacramental preparation of students, the primary instruction for these sacraments is provided through the parish. At St. John's, children preparing for these sacraments should also receive general Religious Education either through RCS or through Faith Formation classes. This year, our sacramental preparation gatherings will take place once a month at the same time as Faith Formation on Wednesday evenings. Parents are encouraged to stay for these meetings to support their child's preparation.
What if my child can't attend every session?
We know that the demands of school, sports, extracurriculars, and family life can fill up the calendar fast! We hope that your children will participate as much as they are able. Please go ahead and register them, even if they will need to miss some sessions for various important reasons. We also ask that you prayerfully discern whether some sacrifice of other activities might be possible, especially during the year when children are preparing to receive sacraments.
What about Confirmation?
Students in 9th grade typically begin their journey toward Confirmation that will continue through the spring of the student's 10th grade year when the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated. The two years of Confirmation preparation include: large and small group gatherings, service projects, opportunities for prayer, retreats, fellowship and more! Contact Megan Rodriguez for more information about Confirmation.
What options are there for adults?
Adults who wish to fully participate in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church are invited to contact Deacon Randy Horlocker about participating in OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). There are also a number of options for Bible studies and other community groups where adults can grow in their faith. You can view available groups at sj.groupvitals.com/groupFinder; or, if you're already involved with a group or have an idea for a new group, you can request that it be added to the GroupFinder at sj.groupvitals.com/leaderform.
Other questions?
Please feel free to reach out to members of our Faith Formation team with any questions, concerns, or suggestions! We are here to support you and your family!
Laura Miller, Director of Formation (K-8)
Megan Rodriguez, Director of Formation (Confirmation and Baptism Prep)
Michelle Budraka, Director of Formation (Adults)