Children's faith formation

“Dear young people,

Jesus wants to be your friend,

and wants you to spread the joy

of that friendship everywhere.”

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 4, 2014

Welcome to Saint Mary's Children's Faith Formation page. On this page you will find information about our Religious Education classes for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. You will also find information about Sacrament Preparation - First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

FAITH FORMATION

Contact: Mona Bausone, Coordinator of Christian Formation | MBausone@stmarysrichmond.org


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for our K-6 Faith Formation program and Sacrament Preparation.

Online registration has closed. Please contact Mona for information & registration.


Faith Formation is for all children, grades Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
(Note: Youth Ministry serves grades 7-12)


We offer the following options for families:

  • Option 1: Sunday, 10:15 am -11:15 am
  • Option 2: Sunday, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
  • Option 3: Wednesday, 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
  • Option 4: NEW PROGRAM: Whole Family Formation – As a dual-parish event with Saint Michael’s parish, we will offer a Whole Family Formation Program for grades K-8. Families meet monthly for dinner, student catechist-led, age-appropriate classes for both elementary and middle school, and adult faith conversations with various speakers and clergy. Older teens are welcome to join the adults. During the month, we provide family-centered activities to help your family dive deeper into topics and incorporate faith into everyday living. Classes will be held monthly at Saint Michael’s, but you can register through our parish. This is a great option to incorporate home study with community.
  • Monthly outline
  • 6:00 - 6:30 dinner (provided), topic introduction, and fellowship
  • 6:30-7:20 Student and adult breakout sessions
  • 7:20-7:30 topic wrap-up and prayer
  • Option 5: Home Study option available for grades K-8. Materials, parent guides, and supplemental online resources are provided quarterly.

 

Download the calendars:


Our Faith Formation Fee is $30 per child.

  • No child will be denied participation due to financial concerns - Please contact the Coordinator of Christian Formation.
  • All payments can be made by credit card at the time of registration or by cash or check on the first day of classes.


FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION


Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is open to all Saint Mary's Parish children who are in the 2nd grade or above. As primary witnesses of the faith to their children, parents participate actively in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. Our preparation program incorporates "at-church" retreats for parents and children as well as "at-home" learning for parents and children to do together. The preparation process at St. Mary’s will guide parents in helping their child(ren) understand both what we believe as Catholics and how to live out those beliefs.


Download the Sacrament Preparation Calendar


Sacrament preparation includes the following:

  • A Parent/Child orientation session 
  • At-Home Reconciliation textbook (6 lessons) to be completed before the January retreat.
  • A Parent/Child retreat focused on preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation 
  • Celebration of First Reconciliation
  • Two Parent/Child retreats focused on preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Communion
  • At-Home Eucharist textbook lessons.
  • A First Communion Mass rehearsal
  • Celebration of First Holy Communion 


Sacrament Preparation Fee: $50 per child.

  • No child will be denied participation due to financial concerns - Please contact the Coordinator of Christian Formation.
  • All payments can be made by credit card at the time of registration or by cash or check on the first day of classes.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for our K-6 Faith Formation program and Sacrament Preparation.

Online registration has closed. Please contact Mona for information & registration.