Passing the faith down to the next generation? You Bet!
"A FAMILY OF FAITH"
Registration open August 2022-Register NOW!
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! 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. They also want it as a hybrid class, meeting three times a month at church, and the parent doing a lesson 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.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN THROUGH AUGUST 2022!!
*****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, 2nd 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 2023, 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. 14th 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.
We will meet in the modules at 6:30 p.m.
Registration through August 2022
The Schedule for 2022-2023 Sacramental Prep is here! Once a Month Mandatory Classes:
English Sacramental Prep Classes: Second Tuesdays in Matthew and Mark Modules
SACRAMENTAL PREP. CALENDAR FOR 2022-2023 YEAR ( prayers to have memorized) classes in Matthew and Mark unless otherwise noted
First Reconciliation Preparation (First Confession)
Tuesday, Oct. 11th 6:30 to 8:00 pm-Orientation Glory Be
Tuesday, Nov. 8th 6:30 to 8:00 pm -Chapters 1 and 2 Hail Mary
Tuesday, Dec. 13th 6:30 to 8:00 pm -Chapters 3 and 4 Act of Contrition
Tuesday, Jan 10th 6:30 to 8:00 pm-Chapters 5 and 6 Our Father
January 2023 TBA First Reconciliation Retreat Class & Church
Saturday, January TBA First Reconciliation Church
First Communion Preparation
Tuesday, Feb 14th? 6:30 to 8:00 pm -Orientation Angel of God
Tuesday, March 14th 6:30 to 8:00 pm -Chapters 1 to 4 Meal prayer: Bless us Oh Lord
Tuesday, April 11th 6:30 to 8:00 pm -Chapters 5 to 8
Late April or May TBA First Communion Retreat Class & Church for tour/practice
Sunday, May 7th? First Communion Church
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.
Your child's faith and success is dependent at this age upon your commitment to helping them grow their faith, getting them to class, helping them learn to pray and know God, and most importantly, commiting to adult formation to better prepare your self for your faith journey as well. You can't share what you don't have. It's never too late and we have a God who meets us where we are at!
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 child in Rel. Ed program, our parents attend a 90 min. class while their children are in class on Sundays and 60 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. On Sunday, during the middle of the month, our parents are busy teaching their children "A Family of Faith" in a family setting. 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
To get a free subscription for FORMED.ORG, CLICK HERE. Just type in our parish and get your free subscription!
Want to Volunteer in class?
I am currently looking for Cathechists for our Sunday program for teachers and classroom aids, and for help on our Sacramental Prep team to help our children prepare for their sacraments.
. 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