Our parish catechetical programs for children seek to create opportunities for young parishioners to become active disciples of Jesus Christ and to deepen their understanding of our Roman Catholic faith.

As you well know, you are the first catechists of your children; you echo the Good News in word and example.  Our role is to be your partners in this journey.  Through the diverse programs offered we aim at helping all the members of our parish to learn more about God, in order to participate in the Sacramental life of the Church in a fuller way, and to embrace Christ’s way of life more closely.  In other words, we want to provide you with many opportunities to live out your baptismal call to be disciples of Christ.

The idea behind using the word “formation” in our program is to give the clear message that it is an on-going process.  Formation does not end when Confirmation and First Communion are received; it does not end when one finishes high school, it does not end when one completes a marriage preparation program.  In fact it never ends, we are continuously being formed; we are unfinished Christians.

This page outlines the programs available to  families with children ages three to eighteen.  Families with children in public, private, and home school settings are encouraged to participate in the programs which best address the spiritual needs of their family.  Included with each program description is a parish contact person.  Please contact us if you have additional questions.
 

Pre-School (Ages 3 to 6)

Children ages three to six will gather once a week for one and a half hours on a weekday afternoon or weekday evening from September through May.  Sessions are held in the atrium at the Formation Center.  This program is based on Scripture and Liturgy.  This program encourages the pre-school child to grow in his or her relationship with God through listening, reflection, and prayer.

Please download the registration form and return to the Parish Office along with a fee of $35.00 per child no later than September 12.  A maximum family fee of $80.00 is offered for families who register three or more children.

For more information, please contact Sara Thomas at 724.834.3710 or sthomas@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

 

Elementary School (Kindergarten to 6th Grade)

The children in elementary grades will continue their journey of faith as they learn the teachings of the faith which are presented in the four pillars of Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed – what we believe, Sacraments – how we worship, Morality – how we live, and Prayer – how and why we pray).  These teachings are reinforced on every grade level every year and are presented in greater depth each year, thereby using a spiral learning approach.  The children will also be provided with the opportunity for reflective moments in the contemplative atmosphere of the atrium.

This program will help the children continue to develop their Catholic identity as they learn about the faith through Scripture, Tradition, and Sacred Music.  This approach will encourage the children to connect the Sunday sessions with the life of the Church as the Liturgical Year unfolds.

Classes will be held Sunday mornings from 10:05 AM to 11:05 AM in Aquinas Academy (red brick building next to the church).  The program will start on Sunday September 21 and will end on Sunday May 3.  A calendar of activities for the year will be provided after registration has been completed.

Please download the registration form and return to the Parish Office along with a fee of $35.00 per child no later than September 12.  A maximum family fee of $80.00 is offered for families who register three or more children.

For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck at 724.834.3710 or xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

 

Middle School

Early adolescence is a time of multiple changes in the life of a child. Sensitive to these needs, but aware of a continuous need for faith formation, we have included a program for Middle School.  Their sessions will include a continuing study of the faith, along with opportunities to read and reflect on Sacred Scripture.  The formation sessions will be held Sunday mornings, 10:05 AM to 11:05 AM at the Formation Center.  

Please download the registration form and return to the Parish Office.  The fee is $20 for new students and $10 for returning students.

For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck at 724.834.3710 or xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.


High School

Faith formation is a journey of a lifetime.  It does not stop after the Sacrament of Confirmation is received.  In the high school years, there is a greater potential for critical thinking which is needed for the development of a mature faith.  Our high school students will meet weekly and discuss faith and moral issues that will encourage them to apply the principles of our faith in their daily lives and guide them as they journey to Christ.  They will also have opportunities to study and reflect on Sacred Scripture. TThe formation sessions will be held Sunday mornings, 10:05 AM to 11:05 AM at the Formation Center.  

Please download the registration form and return to the Parish Office.  The fee is $20 for new students and $10 for returning students.

For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck at 724.834.3710 or xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

 

Home-Based Catechesis

This is a parent-directed study process that uses the "We Believe" texts.  The home-based option requires a strong commitment of parents and children but it can also accommodate very busy schedules and provide opportunity for quality family time.  The student text along with the "At Home" text is designed to provide guidelines for catechesis at home.

The cost per child is $35.00.  A maximum family fee of $80.00 is offered for families who register three or more children.

For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck at 724.834.3710 or xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

 

Adult Catechesis

Sunday Catechesis is offered in the Parish Hall on Sundays during the time that children and youth meet for faith formation.  Topics include Catholic beliefs and teachings, introduction to Scripture, morality, and prayer.  Registration is not necessary.  You are welcome to come any Sunday.

Faith Sharing meets every other week to explore the Word of God and its connection to our lives through the Sunday Gospel.

Scripture Study meets every other week to deepen the understanding of the Scripture passages corresponding to the 1st and 2nd readings of Sunday Mass.

 

Sacramental Preparation


Baptism Preparation Team
  (Visit page here)

Parents who wish to have their child baptized receive preparation for Baptism from a team of ministers.

For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey at 724.834.3710 or wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.


Marriage Preparation Mentors

Engaged couples journey with mentor couples as part of their marriage preparation.

For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey at 724.834.3710 or wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.


Sacramental Preparation for Children
  (Visit page here)

Volunteers are needed to assist children in preparing for their sacraments through retreats and parent sessions.

For more information, please contact Sara Thomas or Ximena DeBroeck.


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
  (Visit page here)

A team of catechists and sponsors journeys with those who will be baptized or fully initiated into the Catholic faith.

For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey at 724.834.3710 or wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.

 


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