Youth Faith Formation
Welcome to the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Pius X Church
Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. 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.
– #2226, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition
The coordinators support the catechists with ongoing training, materials and suggestions of how to best present the materials and meet the learning styles of all our students. Therefore, it is important that parents share with us any special learning, medical and/ behavioral concerns or disability issues that their child may have so that we can do our best to accommodate their child's needs. All student and family records are held in strictest confidence at all times.
Parental commitment is essential.
It is our expectation that all enrolled children attend the scheduled classes, including special programs and grade level retreats, if applicable. Participating regularly in the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass) and the parish Faith Formation Program instills the Catholic faith in a child. It is important for the child to make connections between what they learn at home, in class and at Mass. Parents are expected to attend program level meetings, especially for Sacramental Preparation Programs.Our Mission Statement and Objectives
Saint Pius X Church offers a welcoming environment for all children who participate in the Faith Formation Program. We strive to complement the family shared experience of love and caring for one another, by bringing God alive in their daily lives. Each child will learn about Catholic teachings, prayers, practices, morals, values, responsibilities and mission helping them grow in their faith and deepen their personal relationship with Jesus.A Journey of Faith
Using a traditional classroom model, our students formally begin in Grade One. Students learn about the Catholic Church and its teachings while developing their faith and personal relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the workings and guidance of the Holy Spirit within them. As a journey of faith, this is accomplished over time with active participation in the faith community as an integral part. Topics are introduced in developmentally appropriate stages. Key topics include: the learning of traditional prayers; how to use and read the Bible; the Ten Commandments; the Trinity; the Rosary; Prayer- types and styles; Catholic Social-Justice Teachings; Church History; and the Marks of the Church- one, holy, catholic, and apostolic and what it means to be a Catholic Christian in our world today. Intertwined within this program is the Parish Sacramental Preparation Programs for First Reconciliation (grade 2), First Eucharist (grade 3) and Confirmation (grade10).All our programs are in conformity with the guidelines and policies of the Dioceses of Norwich. Further, Saint Pius X Church staff and volunteers, who come into regular contact with children, have completed and are current with the requirements of the Diocese of Norwich, Office of Safe Environments.
Special Circumstances
As the Faith Formation Coordinators we do our best to plan for and accommodate each situation with the given resources and volunteers available to us during any academic year. Every situation is regarded as unique. On occasion we may not be able to give you an immediate solution or placement. When this occurs, the situation will be reviewed and discussed as a team and then again with you before placement is made. An explanation will be given if placement isn't possible at the time. The following programs have been designed to accommodate some of the special circumstances and the situations we've encountered.
Placement & Sacraments for Transferring Catechized Students
– All transferring students into our program from another parish must give proof of having been enrolled by providing a letter from the parish along with certificates of Sacraments received. The Confirmation Program is a two year preparation period, offered to High School students beginning in Grade 9 and above. The Diocese of Norwich Guidelines states that a student must attend a full year of Roman Catholic Faith Formation prior to enrolling in an Immediate Sacramental Preparation Program. It remains at the discretion of the Coordinator of Faith Formation, in collaboration with the Pastor, to determine the readiness of a student to receive a sacrament at Saint Pius X Church.Sacraments for Un-catechized Students:
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Adapted for Children
(RCIC) – This process welcomes students who are older, currently in academic Grade Two and above who may or may not have been baptized, and have not been catechized in a traditional parish Catholic Faith Formation Program. These students would prepare in this process for a minimum of two years in preparation for their Full Reception of Initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. In following years students would register to rejoin their peers in the traditional parish Faith Formation Program, continuing on in their formation journey to learn and grow in their faith.Help is Always Wanted and Needed!
Our programs depend upon our volunteers! There are many ways to become involved and we need your help! Please contact us if you are interested in hearing about being a: Catechist, Substitute Catechist, Classroom Aide, Hall Monitor, Office Aide, or a Resource Center Aide. Help is also needed for Special Events such as: Coffee Sunday, Coat Drive, Auction Basket Prep, Holiday Fair, Parish Picnic, Retreats & Workshops, Youth Ministry Events.