CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION

Jo Engert, Director of Children’s Faith Formation
 Kathy Lackamp, CFF Assistant and Sunday School Coordinator
                                                                                                     

The Children’s Faith Formation Office is located in the school building.
 Phone:  Jo Engert 251-1135 or  251-1146
Email: jengert@olpls.org 

Contact the Children’s Faith Formation Office for matters related to:
Children’s Faith Formation for parish children in grades 1-8 (Wednesday sessions),
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-6),
Sunday School for children of ages 3 ½ through kindergarten;
Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Mass;
and sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
It is our policy that all families be formally registered as members of
Our Lady of the Presentation Church in order to participate in our programs.

OUR PROGRAMS

Children's Faith Formation Program (Grades 1-8) Wednesday Evenings

Grades 1-8: Children in grades one through eight who are enrolled in Children’s Faith Formation attend weekly sessions on Wednesday evenings from mid-September through the first of May. Two session times are available. The early session is 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. The late session is 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. Registration is in April. Adult volunteers serve as teachers, substitute teachers, evening office assistants, hall monitors and in many other areas. Training and materials are provided.

Sunday School

Children ages 3 ½ (by Sept 1) through kindergarten age who are enrolled in Children’s Faith Formation attend Sunday School during the 10:00 a.m. Mass from mid-September through the end of April. Registration is in April. Adult volunteers serve as teachers and helpers. Training and materials are provided

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in scripture and liturgy. We have a Level I Atrium for those 3 1/2 to 6 years old. The Atrium sessions are held once weekly during the school year beginning in September and ending in May. Registration is in August.

At Home Study

If your child is not able to attend Children's Faith Formation on Wednesdays, you may participate in our Home Study Program. This is available for grades 1-8. You will receive a textbook for your child and a At Home Parent Guide to present the material in your home. You are also asked to participate in Parish Events at least once per quarter. For this option, please contact Jo Engert at jengert@olpls.org.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

All parish youth in kindergarten through third grade are invited to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday Masses. The children are dismissed from the sanctuary to hear the Word of God proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary, then discussed and reflected upon at their level. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered between mid-September and end of April. No registration is required.

Sacramental Preparation   

Generally, those preparing for the sacraments must be registered members of our parish. If necessary, registration may be completed at the Parish Office at the time of the request for sacramental preparation.

Reconciliation and Eucharist Preparation:  In the fall, students prepare to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The typical age for reception of this sacrament is second grade. Parents prepare their children for sacraments with the support of their classroom teachers. Parents whose children are enrolled in the  Children’s Faith Formation Program or attend Presentation School will be notified of meeting times, dates, etc. by mail. Information may also be obtained by request from the Children’s Faith Formation Office. Children take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist.  In January, parish children begin preparation for celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. The Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated during special liturgies between Easter and Pentecost.