Mission: The Children’s Faith Formation Program at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church strives to participate in the mission of the Catholic Church by leading students to a full and ever deepening realization of God’s love for them. We strive to be a community of faith in which the Christian message, the experience of community, worship and social concern are integrated into the total experience of the students.
Goals: Students will internalize and manifest their belief in God through:
The Children’s Faith Formation Program at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church is comprised of students in Preschool through Grade 6. All Children’s Faith Formation classes begin on the first Sunday in October and end on the first Sunday in May. Registration is held on the last Sunday in August and the first two Sundays in September. Classes fill up fast, so we encourage families to sign up early.
The Elementary Faith Formation Program is offered on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM and Thursdays 6:30-7:30 PM. This program is designed to help young people experience their Catholic identity, integrate their Catholic values and express their Catholic beliefs. The same seven themes are covered each year, but geared in a new way for each grade level. The purpose is to help students have a firm foundation in the basics of their Catholic faith. Themes include: Creation, God, Jesus Christ, the Church, Christian Morality, the Sacraments and Salvation History.
Students are also encouraged to participate in outreach and/or service projects throughout the year as well. This gives the student an opportunity to put their faith into practice.
Our Kinder-prep Program is offered on Sunday mornings from 9:30—10:30AM. Children ages 3 and 4 are in the Preschool Class and children ages 5 and 6 are in the Kindergarten Class. This program is designed to give young children a positive experience of the presence of Christ and the Church in their lives. In addition to the textbook material, Scripture, storytelling, music, audio-visuals and other activities are used to help students know Christ at their level.
Children in Grades 2 — 6 may prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. These classes are designed to help students and families prepare for this grace-filled opportunity received in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Parent, as well as parent/child, sessions are offered which are designed to help families integrate this experience of faith into their daily lives.
A First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Class for older children in Grades 4 — 6 is offered at the same time as the class for Grades 2 and 3. We welcome their desire to receive these sacraments at any age.
On the first Sunday of each month there is a Children’s Mass at 10:45 AM with our Pastor as the Celebrant. The children are encouraged to participate in the Liturgy and to take an active role as readers, greeters, gift bearers and in the children’s choir. This has been a great blessing for our program and parish community.
Children who have reached the age of reason (seven years of age) who desire the opportunity to be initiated into the Catholic Church participate in the RCIA process adapted for children. This process, like the RCIA process for adults, is designed to guide young people through a period of prayer, preparation, and reflection for full-initiation into the Catholic faith. Classes begin in October each year and, when children are ready, they receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Celebration. After this time of preparation, students are expected to continue their faith journey by participating in the regular Faith Formation Program.
During the summer (when schedules are a little lighter) children have the opportunity to attend our week-long Vacation Bible School Program. Each year we are able to expand on a particular topic that enriches the faith life of our children. The theme each day is enhanced with prayer, Scripture, a brief lesson, skits, music, games, arts and crafts and much, much more. Many children find this to be fun and meaningful, something they look forward to each year. Adults and teens that volunteer their time enjoy it as well.
For additional information concerning the Children’s Faith Formation Program, or for volunteer opportunities, please call the Pastoral Assistant for Children’s Faith Formation at 360-779-6558 ext. 108.
We look forward to talking with you.