Faith Formation for Families and Children

 Parents, grandparents and guardians are the primary teachers of our children in the faith.   In partnership with those who care for our children, St. Mary's offers a classroom model of religious formation and includes opportunities for Christian service, liturgical participation and modeling the Christian life.  The process also incorporates retreats and other gatherings considered part of the comprehensive experience.  We encourage all families, including those who home-school, to take advantage of these opportunities for their children by enrolling them in the parish faith formation process.  

All preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion will take place within this classroom setting. Parish Faith Formation programs employ approved materials of both the American Bishops and each diocesan authority.

To Enroll

Contact: Kate Johnston (General Faith Formation) or Bridgette Shepardson (Youth Ministry)      607.432.3920 x204

Printable Registration forms can be found HERE

Schedule

Homeschooling

It is a unique vocation when parents and guardians take on the responsibility of their children’s academic life. Homeschooling parents deserve our respect and support when they assume responsibility for their children’s education.   It takes a strong and dedicated adult to educate a child.
However, the dynamically communal nature of Church requires full, conscious and active participation in the midst of church life. With this understanding, the parish staff believes that the best tradition and practice of passing on the Christian Faith (evangelizing) to each child is to participate in the communal parish Faith Formation process.  Here, with other young Christians, the children will learn through the shared experience of the community to live out charity, common worship and our beliefs.   Families who homeschool their children are therefore expected to enroll them in the faith formation process.  Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion also takes place within this communal setting.  Parish Faith Formation programs employ approved materials of both the American Bishops and each diocesan authority.