Faith Formation

Children's Faith Formation

Preschool - Early childhood religious education for children ages 3 years to Kindergarten is held on Sunday mornings during the 9:00 am Mass in the Day Care Center. Our preschool program is experientially oriented. Music, art, prayer, and gesture are an integral part of the program. Our preschoolers come to know and experience our loving and gracious God.

Elementary - Grades 1 to 6 catechesis is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Classes meet from 4:00pm to 5:15pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 10am to 11:15am on Sunday mornings. Throughout the year the students gather for a variety of prayer experiences highlighting the liturgical seasons.

Junior High - Grades 7 and 8 catechesis is offered on Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 11:15am. The curriculum for Junior High covers a series of real life mini courses. Additionally, they meet monthly as a group to reflect on Scripture and share ideas following the Youth Ministry model.

Liturgy of the Word for Children - For children in Grades 1 to 5 takes place during the 9:00 AM Mass, from mid September until the end of May. Children are dismissed from the Mass after the opening prayer to listen and discuss the Sunday readings at an age appropriate level based on the Children's Lectionary. Children re-join their families at the Mass after the Homily.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) - Is a two year process for and youth ages 7 to 13 who have not been baptized. This process prepares the young people for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist - Children in their second consecutive year in Catholic school or the Catechetical Program will prepare for their First Sacraments by attending periodic meetings with their parents.

For Preschool, Elementary and Junior High:

Youth Faith Formation

Youth Ministry - The Parish Youth Ministry Program is for High School youth. It meets on Sunday evenings during the year. The program includes spiritual, social, educational and service activities. Sessions are led by adults with the assistance of youth leaders.

Youth are encouraged to participate in and serve in various ministries at the 6 PM Sunday Mass and then gather in the Lally Center for the evening's program which normally lasts until 9 PM.

For further information or to sign up contact Nancy Pontier at the Parish Office (408) 378-2464.

Confirmation - The parish confirmation program is for all teens in grades 9 through 12 that have been baptized in the Catholic Church. It is a one year program and the class meets on Tuesday evenings and the first Sunday of the month from 7:30 - 9 PM beginning in September.

In addition to the weekly classes, there are two retreats during the year, one overnight and one weekend retreat. All students are expected to do two service projects within and outside the parish community during the year.

For students that have not made their First Communion there are four additional classes to prepare them for this sacrament.

To register or to get further information, contact the Parish Office at (408) 378-2464.

Adult Faith Formation

Adults Preparing for Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - RCIA is an acronym for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a process by which we welcome new members into the Catholic Community and prepare them for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

If you are an adult who a) has never been baptized, or b) has been baptized in another Christian Tradition, or c) a Catholic who has never received the' Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist, this process is for you. It is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the Catholic Tradition as well as to deepen your relationship with God.

If you or someone you know is interested in beginning this journey of faith, contact Sister Rosalie at the Parish Office (408) 378-2464.

Couples Preparing for Sacrament of Marriage - The preparation program includes a process to help engaged couples evaluate their communication skills, four discussion sessions led by married couples on different aspects of married life, and an introductory session on Natural Family Planning. Engaged Couples should call the Parish Office (408) 378-2464 at least six months prior to the proposed date of their wedding to begin this process of preparation.

Parents Preparing for the Baptism of their infant children - The process of preparation for parents includes a meeting with a priest of the parish to discuss the reasons they wish to have their child baptized and how they intend to bring their child up as a Catholic. After this meeting, parents, with the godparents, participate in an evening session during which they discuss with other parents their role as Christian parents and review the meaning of the various aspects of the Baptismal celebration.

Scripture Study - Sessions are held three times a year (Fall, Summer and Spring) on Monday evenings. Sessions are 4 to 12 weeks in length depending upon the subject. Each evening begins with a prayer, then participants discuss the week's lesson, view a 25 minute video, and end with a prayer. Check the Parish Bulletin for when these sessions are held.