Youth Faith Formation
Family Centered Programs
Youth faith formation at St. Cecilia is meant to support children and their families in their journey to know and Love Jesus Christ through their Catholic faith. Our faith formation programs are ‘family-centered’ and support and form parents in their role as the primary educators of the faith for their children.
Goals
Our programs are grounded in four key goals:
1. Facilitate a personal encounter between participants and each person of the holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
2. Teach the Catholic faith in a a way that helps all participants understand it, live it, and share it with others.
3. Support and equip parents in their role as the primary educators of their children’s faith.
4. Build communities of faith between participants and their peers.
Adaptive Faith Formation
Every child and family is welcome. Because our programs center on at-home lessons led by parents, who know their children best, families can adapt the pace and approach to fit each child / family’s needs.
Parents are always invited to accompany their child during the at-church workshops and help present the material in the way that resonates most. If your child has a disability, learning difference, or would benefit from additional support or accommodations in sacramental preparation, please contact us so we can discuss how we can best support your family.
Sacramental Preparation
The sacraments are milestones in a lifelong journey of faith. Our parish prepares children and youth to receive the sacraments through prayer, learning, and active participation in the life of the Church. This preparation is always in partnership with parents, who are the primary educators of their children in the faith.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Our ‘First Sacraments’ program prepares children for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is typically completed by children in 2nd grade. The program leads both children and their parents to encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of the sacraments as a family through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations. Preparation is offered once per school-year and consists of monthly at-church classes for both children and their parents with weekly at-home family lessons to be done between at-church sessions.
Program resources are created by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries (FFLCM). More information on the First Reconciliation program, called Mend, can be found here (https://www.fflcm.org/mend). More information on the First Communion program, called Nourish, can be found here (https://www.fflcm.org/nourish)
Confirmation
Our Confirmation program strengthens young people with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, equipping them to live as committed disciples of Christ. Following the Archdiocesan norm, preparation for Confirmation typically begins in 7th grade (age 12). The program is a family experience that emphasizes a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, a personal commitment to Christ, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church. Preparation is offered once per school-year and consists of the following: Participation in youth group, an Archdiocesan Confirmation retreat, and three at-church family workshops for both students and parents.
Program resources are created by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries (FFLCM). More information on the Confirmation program, called Zeal, can be found here (https://www.fflcm.org/zeal).
OCIC – Order of Christian Initiation for Children/Youth
For children and youth (ages 7-17) who are unbaptized or have not yet received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), the Order of Christian Initiation offers a welcoming, age-appropriate journey of faith. Children follow a two-year process, and high school youth meet weekly on Tuesday evenings for teaching and small group discussion. Participants learn alongside their peers while receiving individualized preparation and receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Non-sacramental Faith Formation
St. Cecilia offers faith formation programs for children and their families that are between sacramental milestones. These programs are meant to support continued growth in the journey with Christ and foundational and ongoing understanding of the Catholic faith.
Children’s Liturgy (ages 4-8)
Children’s liturgy is held most Sunday’s during the 9am mass. Parents can sign in their children at Conger Hall before mass. Children’s Liturgy is meant to facilitate community building among our younger children and provide an environment where they can act like kids. Children hear simplified Sunday readings especially focused on the gospel and engage in age-appropriate reflections and activities. The children join their family in the sanctuary just before The Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Foundational faith formation (ages 6-11)
Family experience that explores the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Moral Life, and Prayer. The program consists of monthly at-church workshops that reinforce topics and support families as they meet at home throughout the month.
Program resources are created by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries (FFLCM). More information on the program, called Root, can be found here (https://www.fflcm.org/root).
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 5–8)
Our monthly Life Nights are structured like the Mass. We gather as a community, proclaim the Word and the teachings of the Church, break into small groups for discussion, and are sent out with prayer and a challenge to live the Gospel in our daily lives. And yes, there’s pizza.
High School Small Groups
Built on the YDisciple model, our high school small groups bring together 6–8 teens of the same gender, led by a same-gender adult leader trained in discipling teenagers. Groups gather monthly on Sunday evenings for dinner, community, and conversation, including video testimony from peers their own age and discussion of how the faith applies to their lives. Teens also take on Advent and Lenten service projects and take an active role in parish life. Small groups help young people build a faith they will carry with them into life beyond high school.
Contacts
If you are interested in any of our youth faith formation programs or have any questions, please reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!
Dan Braus
Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation, St. Cecilia Parish
danb@saintcparish.org
Kate O'Brien
Parish Life and Formation Coordinator, St. Cecilia Parish
kateo@saintcparish.org
Youth Faith Formation
For children entering 2nd grade, 7th grade, and high school with one year of faith formation experience
The sacraments are milestones in a lifelong journey of faith. Our parish prepares children and youth to receive the sacraments through prayer, learning, and active participation in the life of the Church, always in partnership with parents, who are the primary educators of their children in the faith.
First Holy Communion
Children prepare to encounter God's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. This preparation builds upon their ongoing participation in Faith Formation and invites families to grow together in prayer and worship.
Confirmation
Confirmation strengthens young people with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, equipping them to live as committed disciples of Christ. Preparation emphasizes a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, a personal commitment to Christ, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church.
OCIA for Children & Youth
For children and teens who are unbaptized or have not yet received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), OCIA provides a welcoming, age-appropriate journey of faith. Participants learn alongside their peers while receiving individualized preparation to enter fully into the sacramental life of the Church.
PK - 5th grade Faith Formation
Weekly classes September through early May. Students explore Bible stories, the lives of the Saints, the Mass, and core Catholic prayers while journeying through the Liturgical year alongside peers.
Middle School Formation
For kids entering 6th - 8th grade and not in Confirmation classes. Deeper conversations about the Gospels, lived faith, and what it means to follow Christ in everyday life. A bridge between childhood faith and mature discipleship.
High School Formation
Our High School Faith Formation program helps teens grow as disciples and leaders through Scripture, prayer, service, and mentorship. Rather than another classroom experience, teens put their faith into action by serving alongside our parish partners and helping guide younger children in our faith formation program.
If you're looking for a place where your teen can belong, grow, and make a difference, we'd love to welcome them.
Adaptive Faith Formation
A newly added program for families with children who benefit from an adaptive curriculum. Parents deliver content with a small cohort of other families in a shared formation community.
For more information, contact:
Diana Bolstad
diana@stolafschurch.org
St. Cecilia Registration below!
For St. Olaf, please call the office or email Diana at diana@stolafschurch.org
