Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a compilation of the most commony asked questions regarding our Faith Formation program, Youth Ministry, First Sacraments, and Confirmation. If you have a question that is not answered below please contact us. We look forward to helping you!
When should I enroll my child in Faith Formation for the first time?
St. Luke is pleased to now offer Kindergarten Faith Formation. First grade is the first required year for preparation to celebrate First Communion. Registration begins in late March, early April. Registrations received after the first week of June are considered late and space in a class is not guaranteed from that point on. Click herefor more registration information.
When does a child celebrate First Communion?
Most children celebrate First Communion at the end of second grade. The Diocese requires two successive years of preparation, which is typically first and second grade. For children who have started later or are in older grades, options are available through the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation).
Is Home School an option for Faith Formation?
St. Luke does offer a Home School option for certain grades. Home School is an option for grades 3-6. It is required that the child be on campus for Sacrament preparation classes (grades 1-2, grades 7-9). Be aware that assessments are required for all students who are home schooled, and registration through the Faith Formation office is required.
Why does my child have to attend Faith Formation every year?
When your child was baptized, you promised to raise him/her in the Catholic Faith. This obligation included your responsibility to see that your child is formed in the Faith throughout their formative years. This formation only happens gradually as the child grows in “wisdom, age and grace” and is given the opportunity to learn at the appropriate age level. Of course the child’s faith formation begins at birth and continues through their life at home with you. You, the parent, are the primary teacher of Faith to your children. The parish program is intended to help you fulfill this obligation but does not replace your obligation. This, of course, presumes that you also are growing in Faith according to your age. On-going faith formation is a life-time obligation for all the baptized.
How will I know my child’s schedule?
In September, a yearly schedule is published and every family receives a paper copy. The weekly schedule may be viewed online here. Email reminders are sent to those families who provide their address.
Why does St. Luke not offer more Faith Formation on Sunday?
Faith Formation does not replace a child’s participation in Mass, therefore Faith Formation will not be offered during Masses thus removing the child from the “source and summit” of their Catholic Faith. Also, at St. Luke space is at a premium, the current Faith Formation hallway is used as a nursery for young babies and children, as well as for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. On Sundays the Family Life Center is often used for celebrations, New Parishioner Orientation and other events that would not be conducive for regular Faith Formation classes. At the present time, Faith Formation is offered on Sunday evenings for grades 7-12.
Why are Sunday classes two hours long and the weekly classes are one hour?
Two lessons are taught each week and classes meet three times per month.
Why do I have to pay for Faith Formation?
The parish does not have a large financial support base to pay for the education of the 600+ children enrolled in Faith Formation. The fees currently charged still do not cover the total program cost and are only a supplement to the weekly collection. The program is approximately 20% funded by fees, with the rest of the budget covered by the church.
Why is Sacrament preparation a two-year process?
The Diocese requires a two-year preparation process for Communion and Confirmation.
How often does Faith Formation meet and how long are the classes?
With the exception of Sunday classes that meet for two hours, the remaining classes meet for one hour, each week from September through May. Typically, there are 28 weeks of class. Regular attendance is expected. Our schedule follows a calendar similar to a school year calendar such that there are weeks off for major holidays and school breaks.
Why is Faith Formation no longer called CCD?
CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) emphasized the learning of facts about the Faith such as those in the Baltimore Catechism. Today, the Church recognized that this type of learning does not necessarily promote the formation of Faith of a child. Today’s Faith Formation programs aim at the learning the facts in a context of building a relationship with God. This relationship grows and deepens in the child as their understanding matures and they begin to respond with love to God’s great love for them.