St. Thomas Faith formation format

Registration for Religious Ed is closed as of 8/21. If you have any questions please contact Fr. Sinisa at frsinisa@gmail.com or Paula Barbosa at pbarbosa357@yahoo.com

Why is the new format family centered?
The most precious treasure you have to give your children is the passing on the riches of the Catholic faith. Parents must be the primary evangelizers of their children. For our children to accept and be nourished by the teachings of the Church, we must be involved directly in teaching the faith to our children. It is a great way to grow in faith together as a family.  Catholic parents must also transmit their Catholic faith by living it. As part of the St. Thomas Religious Ed program you will guide your children through the Bible and the Catechism as well as  participate with them in our Family Holy Hour. A peaceful quiet time to be present with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while enjoying beautiful music.

Calendar schedule is still in progres. 

What is the religious ed format for Grades 1-5?
Students Grades 1-5
a. Children will do some work on Scripture and the Catechism at home. This homework will then be  passed in once a month for a discussion and review class on a Tuesday afternoon from 4-5pm.
b. Children and Parents are asked to attend a monthly family zoom or in person Catechesis with Fr. Sinisa on a Tuesday 4-5pm.
c. Weekly Mass attendance is strictly required to be in our program by parents and students.  

Grades 6-8
a. Scripture and Catechism work at home
b. Attend monthly teen Holy Hour
c. Middle schoolers have to the option to either attend monthly family zoom/in person Catechesis or monthly youth group. 
d. Sunday Mass attendance for parents and students.

What is the religious ed format for Grades 9-10 (Confirmation)?
Students Grades 9-10:
a. Monthly Scripture and Catechism work at home
b. Monthly youth group (on Thursdays)
c. Monthly teen Holy Hour (on Fridays)
d. Attend Weekly Mass by parents and students
e. Yearly Confirmation Retreat on February 18th and Paperwork

Where can I find the schedule? See the side links for each grade. The schedule is on that page. 

What materials are needed?
A Bible, and a Catechism,. Links for required materials click here. Everyone is repsonsible for purchasing their own. 

Is homework assigned for children?
Yes. Children/Students will receive assignments based on the Sacred Scriptures and the Catechism. The point of the homework is to learn the Sacred Word of God, the teachings of the Catholic Church and to habituate a person into a regular prayer life.

Is homework assigned for parents?
No. But please ensure your child's homework has been completed. 

Where can we find the homework?
Go to the specific grade link and you will find the homework there. 

What happens if homework is not done?
One month should be sufficient time to do the homework. We can only be rooted in faith if everyone contributes to their own formation. We will also consider each circumstance individually, however, please know that we expect full participation.

How much does religious ed cost?
A side from acquiring the necessary materials, we do not have a registration fee. We do ask that everyone register for online giving. and become an active member of the Parish.

When does religious faith formation begin?
We are planning to begin Faith Formation in September of 2022.

How do I register a child?
Fill out the registration page. As a reminder, you will be prompted to sign up for online giving if you haven’t done so yet. 

When are registrations due?
August 15th, 2022. After that we will close the registration page and any late registrations will be assessed on a case by case basis for participation into the program.  

FOR CONFIRMATION STUDENTS
Incoming 9th Graders (for year 22/23) will be confirmed in the Spring of 2024. 

FOR STUDENTS PREPARING TO RECEIVE FIRST COMMUNION 
You're child may receive 1st Communion in 2nd grade if they: 

• Pass in all homework and know the First Communion Quiz
• Meet requirements above
• Go to Confession prior to receiving 1st Communion. How to go to Confession, click here.
• Parents have an obligation to rear their children in the faith by attending weekly Mass.