Passing the faith down to the next generation? You Bet!
"A FAMILY OF FAITH"
(Registration is filled and has closed for this year due to limited Covid spacing requirements. )
We take our job seriously in helping you form your children in the reality of the faith and discipleship. Let’s work together to help our youth know the Lord.
At Shepherd we empower and support Parents to be the primary faith educators of their children! We have a family catechesis program called "A Family of Faith". It is one lesson for the WHOLE FAMILY! During this time of Covid, parents want to be able to do one meaningful lesson that touches and connects with not only them, but each of their kids, ages k--8th grade. It is a hybrid class, meeting twice a month at church, and the parent doing two lessons at home during the month. At church, in a class, kids are always taught in English on Sunday mornings. Parents can choose to be taught in a Spanish spoken class or an English spoken Class. That is where we teach and support you so you can then be successful at home with your two lessons for the month! We all come back at the end of the month as families to review, celebrate, fellowship, and have community. In covid times, that does include wearing a mask and involve safe distancing in the Hall in family groupings. In this time where everything is virtual and isolating, we feel that church, relationship and community is essential, so whenever possible, we will try to sustain this hybrid program for you.
Registration is filled and has closed for this year due to limited Covid spacing requirements.
*****More information on the Family of Faith Program
*****Schedule for Sunday Family of Faith Program
"A Family Of Faith" in English is from 10:30 am– 12:00 pm – 1st and 4th Sundays
Kinder – 1st grade is held in the Children’s Liturgy Room in the New Church
2nd grade:John Module
3rd grade: Matthew module
4th/5th grade combo: Mark module
Adults: Hall /Church
Middle School Youth group meets during "A Family of Faith" on Sunday
Middle school is in the Luke Modular Classroom. For more information see the “Youth” tab or contact Kelsie Salazar, Coordinator of Youth Ministry.
There are also ongoing adult education classes and events from time to time as well. See Adult Formation and check the bulletin for upcoming classes..
Add up the fees from one or both programs and key and click here to pay!!
(You will co-enroll in A Family of Faith as well as this program, so you will be in TWO PROGRAMS during your 2nd sacramental prep year.)
Costs for THIS program only: $50.00 per first Child
2 Children- $35.00 Each
3 Children- $30.00 Each
You will receive 2 books for the year. The first semester you will receive “Reconciliation” from Loyola Press and you as the primary Catechist and faith teacher of your child, will go over 3 chapters every month. Once a month, YOU AND YOUR CHILD WILL MEET IN CLASS, MANDATORY, at the listed dates and times. Please Mark these times and dates down now in your family calendar and phone for the whole year.
If your child knows their prayers, has successfully completed their book and has an understanding of Reconciliation, they will make their first confession.
In February 2020, they will then move to Part TWO of their Sacramental Year, First Communion!!!!
You will receive your second book, “The Eucharist” from Loyola Press at the Feb. 8th First Communion Orientation Class. Once again, you will go over 3 chapters every month with your child, while meeting once a month at the below listed times and dates.
Per Fr. Fredy, we begin all classes in the church with mass when mass is provided, at 6:30 p.m. Otherwise we will meet in the modules at 6:30 p.m. if mass is not provided. (mass is not provided when priests are on vacation, or away at school, etc.)
Registration is closed for this year.
The Schedule for 2020 Sacramental Once a Month Mandatory Classes: (All Dates are tentative and could be influenced by covid-19)
English Sacramental Prep Classes: Second Monday in Matthew and Mark Modules
All classes begin with mass at 6:30 pm in the church.
Dates: 2020 Reconciliation:
First Reconciliation Retreat: Sunday January 24th, 10-1 p.m
First Reconciliation: Saturday January 30th: 10 a.m.
First Communion Retreat-Saturday April 2? 9 a.m-12 pm
English First Communion-Sunday May 2nd 9 a.m. mass?
Expectations and responsibilities:
Your child will need to know thier prayers, especially the Act of Contrition before their first Reconciliation. They cannot have more than 3 excused Sunday School absenses. The listed classes above are mandatory.
If your child is ill or cannot make it to class, please email or call their teacher. If there are challenges in your home that may be affecting your child, we would be glad to help or support your family if we knew, so please communicate with us so we can.
Families are expected to attend mass regularly. There is an interactive mass journal that will be provided to your child during 2nd year Sacramental Prep.
Commit to adult formation to better prepare your self for your faith journey as well your child’s.
ADULT FORMATON
I am proud of our commitment here at Shepherd of the Valley, where our parents walk the talk of faith. When we have a conventional Rel. Ed program, our parents attend a 90 min. class while their children are in class on Sundays and 30 min during the week in our Spanish programs. We believe as followers of Christ, our conversion and discipleship grows and deepens with fellowship and learning. We are role models for our children. We take this seriously as primary educators of the faith to our children. If we are not following this conventional program, as is the case in the 2020-2021 year, the parents are busy teaching the faith to their children in our sister program, "A Family of Faith". Either way, there is an expectation of being a life long learner and sharer of your faith. We have a rich Adult Faith Formation program in our church. To see what we offer,
click HERE
Want to Volunteer in class?
I am currently looking for help on our Sacramental Prep team to help our children prepare for their sacraments.
We always accept applications for catechists and classroom aids. Call the parish office or e-mail Joyce Marks joyce@shepherdcatholic.com if you feel you might be called to this ministry.
Also, were you aware that we have Catholic Schools in the area? Both schools also have a Middle School component. Here are some links for more information:
Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School
St. Mary Catholic High School