Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered during the 11:00 liturgy for children ages 3 – 10. Children participate in the Liturgy of the Word while also learning the basics of what happens during the Mass. They learn about liturgical colors, feast days, prayers and the liturgical year. This program is very well attended by the children in our parish and continues to grow exponentially.

1^st – 6^th grade Faith Formation is offered before the 11:00 liturgy for 1 hr 15 minutes each Sunday for 24 weeks. We meet in a "one classroom setting." Children learn about their faith as Catholic Christians through scripture, church teachings, movement and crafts, media, games, prayer and service. A particular emphasis on building and living community is carefully incorporated into all planning for the year. This program over the last 4 years has grown over 300%.

Junior High programming is offered to students in the 6 – 8^th grade. The emphasis for this age group is community and team building, scripture sharing, service to others, and delving more into having a relationship with God. We encourage students to bring their friends. We have used many outside speakers, and parishioners to talk with this age group. Use of skits, games, and food is also critical to this age group.

High School Faith Formation and Confirmation is available to students in the 9^th – 12^th grade. This past year we teamed up with St. Lucy’s Parish for the 9^th – 11^th graders that were in direct preparation for their Confirmation in this past Spring. Confirmation classes included studying the sacraments, group and individual service projects, an overnight retreat, and an afternoon of recollection. For post-confirmation follow-up we will meet with these students on a monthly basis to encourage continued growth and discipleship.

Whole Community Catechesis in our parish has allowed the community to explore the Word of God together and take action. The oldest members learn from the youngest and the youngest appreciate the wisdom of its oldest members. Some of our topics have been: Shells to Bells – looking at the landmine issue in Cambodia, Experiencing what it would be like to live in a refugee camp, and a Hunger Banquet which explored the inequality in the distribution of food. We also have had whole community gatherings which have included a St. Nicholas Day Celebration and Mardi Gras Celebration.

Vacation Bible School is offered for a week each summer at the end of August. Most of our Religious Education students attend as well as other children from the neighborhood and other parishes.

Please contact Denise Weinberger for more information: 
denden2264@aol.com