At Saint Bonaventure, our Faith Formation program offers a rich calendar of catechesis, sacramental preparation, seasonal worship, and fun, family-centered events. We offer Faith Formation to children in grades K-10.
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Family Ministry
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read these inspiring words: "Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents." (CCC 2226) We believe parents are the primary educators of their children. While offering sound Catholic teaching to your children, we also pledge to provide ongoing spiritual support to our parents. Our family-centered calendar includes pizza nights, opportunities to receive the sacraments, praise & worship experiences, a Christmas program, parent book studies, learning stations, and mini-retreats. We place a high priority on relational outreach and are committed to forging friendships with our families. |
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Faith Formation Classes
We offer Faith Formation to children in grades 1-8. To better serve the needs of our families, we’ve chosen a new curriculum, "Word of Life," an updated resource from the Augustine Institute, which includes sound catechesis, sacramental preparation, and digital components. "Word of Life brings together faith and reason and demonstrates how the truths of the faith speak to the human heart." Learn more: overview.wordoflifeseries.org.
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (September 25 -April 30) |
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Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Children prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the second grade as part of our Faith Formation program. Students are required to attend all classes and activities outlined below and on the Faith Formation calendar.
When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (September 25 -April 30) *Please refer to our Faith Formation Calendar for all the important dates, including parent meetings; learning stations; rehearsal; and celebration dates. Confirmation
This year, we will be transitioning to a one-year Confirmation program. Instruction will be offered to both 9th and 10th graders, culminating in the reception of the sacrament at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. In addition to weekly classroom instruction, our program includes guest speakers, sponsor-student gatherings, service opportunities, a question/answer time with our pastor, and a tri-parish retreat for confirmation candidates in November. Confirmation candidates will explore their faith through an exciting curriculum called The Search Begins, a sacramental resource through FORMED. "The Search Begins, hosted by Chris Stefanick is designed to enkindle meaningful discussions with teens searching for answers: What is the meaning of my life? Why am I here? Who am I? Is God real?" When: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (September 25 -April 30) *Please refer to our Faith Formation Calendar for all the important dates, including preparation meetings with candidates, sponsors, and parents; retreat; reconciliation; and celebration dates. |
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Celebrate the Word
We invite children ages 3-10 (who are potty-trained) to join a catechist for Children's Liturgy of the Word during the readings and homily at 10 a.m. Mass on select Sundays. No registration is required. An announcement will be made during Mass inviting children to join our catechists in a procession out of the congregation before the first reading, and they will return to their families after the homily is concluded so they can participate in the Consecration prayer for the Mass with their loved ones. Celebrate the Word brings the Word of God to our children in language they can understand, which helps them to appreciate the Mass and our Catholic traditions. Please encourage your child to participate whenever it is offered at Mass. When: 10 a.m. Mass (during the school year) |
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Faith Formation Volunteers
Faith Formation Volunteers are instrumental in sharing the faith and helping to build the most important relationship in life. Faith Formation Volunteers must complete and maintain E3 credentials for Safe Environment requirements. Contact the Parish Office at 952-854-4733 or [email protected] with questions or to volunteer. |
Who We Are
The leadership of our Faith Formation program is shared by two part-time staff members, Nancy Jo Sullivan and Becky Running. Nancy Jo oversees all aspects of the Faith Formation program, including programming, sacramental preparation, and training of volunteers. Becky provides leadership and support to the families enrolled in Faith Formation and continues to serve our parish family, offering pastoral support to the homebound and facilitating Women in the New Evangelization (WINE).
The leadership of our Faith Formation program is shared by two part-time staff members, Nancy Jo Sullivan and Becky Running. Nancy Jo oversees all aspects of the Faith Formation program, including programming, sacramental preparation, and training of volunteers. Becky provides leadership and support to the families enrolled in Faith Formation and continues to serve our parish family, offering pastoral support to the homebound and facilitating Women in the New Evangelization (WINE).
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