Welcome to the St. Mary by the Lake
2023-2024 Faith Formation Program
"Let the little children come to me." In Christ's own words we are beckoned to draw closer to Him. It is in this spirit that the St. Mary by the Lake Faith Formation Program strives to find each “little one” where he/she is and encourage them to take steps closer to God.
ST MARY BY THE LAKE FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
- We promote knowledge of our faith
- We catechize Church teachings
- We catechize facts about Jesus, Scripture, and Liturgy
- We promote Christian moral formation
- We encourage discipleship
- We stimulate Christian attitudes and behaviors
- We promote prayer and worship
- We emphasize the importance of the Mass and the Sacraments
- We invite students to have a deeper relationship with Jesus
St. Mary by the Lake and St. Matthew’s Child and Youth Ministries offer many opportunities for faith formation for children from age 3 through young adults preparing for confirmation. We recognize that the parents are the first and most important teachers of their children, therefore what we offer is a supplement to the faith that is lived in the home.
For more information on Religious Formation for grades Preschool through 5th grade, please contact Carol Daun. or 414-762-4200 ext. 113
For more information on Religious Formation for grades 6-11, please contact Karin Felske, or 414-762-4200 ext. 114
Role of the Parents
Parents are the primary educators in the faith. Together with them… all members of the family play an active part in the education of the younger members…The family is defined as the “domestic Church”… General Directory for Catechesis, #255
We believe that formation in Catholic Christianity employs a partnership between parents and the parish. While the parish can provide formal formation in faith, we encourage, and provide support for, parents to take an active role in their children’s ongoing faith development. Our Catholic tradition sees weekly participation in the Mass to be an essential practice for this to take place.
Role of the Catechist
Catechists in our Faith Formation Program are Catholic persons of faith who volunteer their time and talent to share that gift of faith with the youth of the parish. Catechists strive to build up a community spirit among the youth which will strengthen and nourish them, and which will call them to discover, internalize, proclaim, and live the Gospel message, and to grow in faith.
Grades 1-8 Monday Night Classes - 6:30-7:30pm - most Mondays @ St. Matthew
Monday night formation classes follow what might be considered a traditional model. The children meet in a class with other children their age, along with their catechist. Classes meet from 6:30-7:30pm using a grade leveled curriculum.
Grades K5-6 Wednesday Night Classes - 6:00-7:15 pm - most Wednesdays @ St. Mary by the Lake
Wednesday night formation classes follow what might be considered a traditional model. The children meet in a class with other children their age, along with their catechist. Classes meet from 6:00-7:15 using a grade leveled curriculum.
Grades 6-8 Sunday Morning Classes- 8:30-11:00 am twice a month @ St. Matthew
This is an alternative to our Monday night classes for our middle school children who might have extracurricular events on Monday night. Sunday middle school meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 8:30 am-11:00.
Families of Faith Program - 8:30-11:00 am twice a month @ St. Matthew
A great alternative to our Monday/Wednesday night classes; this program is designed for the entire family to attend. We begin at 8:30 in the cafeteria with a lite breakfast and family discussion of the Mass readings. Around 9am children ages 4 - grade 8 are dismissed to meet with their peers and a catechists while the parents remain in the cafeteria for an adult learning session. At 10:00 we go upstairs to celebrate Mass. This program meets the first and third Sundays of the month from October through April.
9th and 10th Grade Sunday Classes - 11:00am-12:00pm @ St. Matthew
Our 9th and 10th-grade classes combine both learning about faith in a classroom setting as well as service opportunities. In the past, students have served by making sandwiches for Guest House, helping serve a meal at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, bingo at Elizabeth Residence Nursing Home, and serving breakfast to residents at Guest House, among other opportunities. Our goal for service is to be the example of Christ and see Jesus in everyone!
High School Confirmation Classes - 11:00am-12:00pm once a month
High School students who are 16 years of age by their Junior year of high school and who have completed the formation and service requirements in 9th and 10th grade, can enter into immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Classes begin in late Fall and Confirmation is celebrated during the early Fall of the following year. Sponsors must be 16 years of age and a Confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Classes are held once a month.
2023-2024 FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION MATERIALS:
2022-2023 Faith Formation Catalog (click here)
2023-2024 Faith Formation Registration (click here)