When does registration open?
Registration for both programs begins on May 15, 2026.
Note: Enrollment is automatic for all first-time families as well as new families whose oldest child is entering first grade.
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Welcome to a new year of growing together in Christ! We have updated our programs to better serve the diverse rhythms of our parish families. This document provides a comprehensive guide to our two distinct paths: Pathways of Faith and Christ in Us.
1. General Information & Registration
What are the program fees?
| Group | Fee |
|---|---|
| Pre-K | $75 |
| 1 Child (Grades 1-10) | $200 |
| 2 Children (Grades 1-10) | $375 |
| 3+ Children (Grades 1-10) | $475 |
| Grade 11 (Sacramental Fee) | $75 |
Can I switch programs or times later in the year?
To maintain consistency for children and respect our space and volunteer capacity, we cannot accommodate changes to programs or time slots once the year begins.
Important: Please choose the schedule that best fits your family's rhythm at the time of registration.
2. Program Comparison: Which is right for us?
We offer two different styles of learning to meet your family's needs:
Pathways of Faith (PreK-8th Grade, Parents and Grandparents)
The Vibe: Experiential, relationship-based, and family-centered.
The Goal: Moving away from "school-style" lessons to create spiritual habits within the home.
The Commitment: Meets once a month at church, supplemented by "Faith in a Box" activities at home.
Christ in Us (Grades 1-8)
The Vibe: Traditional, academic, and structured.
The Goal: Mastering essentials of faith through the four pillars of the Catechism.
The Commitment: Meets twice a month at the parish (Sundays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays).
Looking Ahead: Please note that this traditional model will be phased out within the next 1-2 years to move toward more family-integrated models.
| Feature | Pathways of Faith | Christ in Us |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Frequency | Once a month | Twice a month |
| Learning Style | Experiential & family-centered | Traditional classroom |
| Home Component | "Faith at Home" box activities | Optional digital portal |
| Parent Role | Primary faith guide | Support & monthly discussions |
| Grade Levels | PreK - 8th Grade | 1st - 8th Grade |
3. Pathways of Faith
Pre-K through 8th Grade | Parents & Grandparents
Who is eligible to enroll in Pathways of Faith?
Enrollment is open to returning families with children of all ages, from PreK through 8th grade. Additionally, enrollment is automatic for all first-time families and new families whose oldest child is entering first grade.
What makes Pathways of Faith different from a traditional classroom?
Unlike a school-style setting, this is an experiential, journey-based model. Instead of academic lessons, the focus is on creating a space for your entire family to have a personal encounter with Jesus and building spiritual habits that last a lifetime.
Who leads the faith formation in this program?
You do! As a parent or grandparent, you are the primary guide. The program is designed to empower you to weave faith naturally into your daily "rhythms," such as mealtimes, car rides, or bedtime.
How often does the group meet at the church?
We meet once a month at the parish. These sessions provide parent-to-parent discussion and relationship building, ending with meaningful communal prayer alongside your children.
What do the children do while parents are meeting?
Children are grouped by age level to explore the same topics the parents are discussing through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
- Pre-K – Grade 3: Engaging, VBS-style lessons.
- Grades 4 – 5: Act as "crew members," practicing leadership by mentoring younger children while they learn.
- Middle School (6–8): Peer-led discussions modeled after the adult faith-sharing sessions.
How is the 90-minute session structured?
Every session follows Sunday at 8:45 AM Family Mass. Here is the breakdown:
| Duration | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15 min | Gather: Post-Mass snacks and hospitality (Community Room) |
| 10 min | Settling In: Transition to rooms and tables |
| 50 min | Lesson Time: Core educational and breakout sessions |
| 15 min | Communal Prayer: Families rejoin for prayer and blessing |
What is the "Seek" Series?
When: October and November
Schedule: Meets four times across these two months
Focus: An introductory period to help families begin their shared journey of faith.
What is the "Root" Series?
When: December through May
Schedule: Meets once a month on Sundays
Focus: A deeper dive into the Creed, providing a thorough understanding of our proclamation of faith.
How do we continue the conversation at home?
Because every age group (from Pre-K to Adult) explores the same topic simultaneously, families can easily transition the Sunday lesson into daily life using the at-home resources provided by the program.
What is the "Faith at Home" box?
The "Faith at Home" box is a specially designed kit that allows families to foster faith formation within their own household. These kits move away from traditional textbooks, featuring tactile and user-friendly activities that make Catholic teachings accessible and engaging for the whole family.
What kind of materials are included in the box?
Each box contains high-quality, hands-on materials designed for experiential learning. For example, you might find twine to help explain Reconciliation or wooden tokens for lessons on the Eucharist. These items are intended to make complex spiritual concepts tangible for children.
How much preparation is required for parents?
Very little! The kits are ready-to-use and include easy-to-follow parent guides, family activities, and prayers. They are specifically designed for busy families, requiring almost no prep time to lead a meaningful discussion.
How does the at-home work align with what is taught at church?
There is total curriculum alignment. The same topics explored during our monthly church sessions are reinforced through the activities in your "Faith at Home" box. This ensures consistency for all ages and helps your family grow together.
When are we supposed to do the home sessions?
One of the key benefits of this program is flexibility. Parents can conduct home sessions according to their own family schedule. This allows you to integrate faith into your life in a way that feels natural, supporting a consistent, lifelong practice of faith.
Are the kits appropriate for all my children?
Yes. The kits are geared toward families and are often broken down by age to remain relevant. For example, the Root box features specific tracks for ages 6–10 and 11–13.
Do these kits cover Sacramental preparation?
Yes. The program includes offerings with specific Sacramental and Topical focuses, such as:
- Mend: Preparation for Reconciliation
- Nourish: Preparation for the Eucharist
- Core Pillars: Dedicated materials covering Prayer and the Creed
4. Christ in Us Details (Our Traditional Classroom model.)
Our Traditional Classroom Model
For families who prefer a school-like environment with trained catechists. It focuses on the four pillars of the Catechism - Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Prayer. Your child will have a traditional workbook, but they'll also have access to a digital portal full of videos, music, and games to keep them engaged.
Phasing Out: Please note that this traditional model will be phased out within the next 1-2 years to move toward more family-integrated models.
Format Options:
- Sundays: 8:45 AM Mass + 60-minute class
- Wednesdays: 6:00 PM Class + 7:00 PM Mass (Minimum of 10 families required)
- Saturdays: 4:00 PM Class + 5:00 PM Mass (Minimum of 10 families required)
Session Structure (Sunday Format):
Every session follows Sunday at 8:45am Family Mass. Here is the breakdown:
| Duration | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15 min | Settling In: Transition to rooms, attendance, technology set up |
| 45 min | Core educational session |
Parent Involvement
While kids are in class, parents meet monthly for peer support and discussions on raising children in today's world.
Digital Portal
No required at-home assignments, but a digital platform is available for multimedia reinforcement.
5. Sacramental Preparation
How do we prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist?
Regardless of which program you choose, all 2nd graders use the Together in Jesus series.
Focus: Biblical stories, stickers, and family-centered activities.
Events: There are special mandatory events and parental guidance meetings throughout the year.
Pathways Families: 1st graders begin their journey in Year 1 of Pathways, with formal Sacramental prep starting in Year 2.
The Journey Continues: Confirmation
While our Pathways of Faith and Christ in Us programs (Grades PreK–8) focus on cultivating 'rich soil' where faith can take root and grow, the Confirmation program (Grades 9–10) is designed to help our teens branch out and take ownership of their faith through authentic community and personal encounter.
When is the Confirmation Mass and Worship held?
We gather for a Monthly Sunday 7:00 PM Mass. This specific time is set aside to help teens transition into their week with a sense of peace and a reminder that they belong to a larger community.
Is there a social component for the teens?
Absolutely. Hospitality & Community are vital at this age. We provide food and fellowship immediately after the Mass, creating a space where they can be themselves and build friendships outside of a formal classroom setting.
How does "Interactive Faith" differ from traditional classes?
These sessions are dynamic and move away from "school-style" learning. Each session features:
- Witness Talks: Real stories from people living out their faith
- Lively Discussions: A safe space for honest questions and peer-to-peer engagement
- Hands-on Activities: Interactive projects that turn abstract concepts into tangible experiences
What is the core goal of this new format?
Our goal is to move from simply "teaching" faith to helping teens "experience" it. By focusing on Encounter, Accompany, and Witness, we ensure that no teen feels they are walking their faith journey alone.
6. Attendance & Mass Participation
For families in Pathways of Faith, regular attendance is vital. This program is uniquely designed for parents to build deep, lasting relationships within their cohort groups. Because these connections are the heart of the program, excessive absences can significantly diminish the bond-building experience for everyone involved.
The Golden Rule: Consistent attendance is vital. If you miss a session, you are expected to attend one of the following weekend Masses to receive attendance credit.
Make-ups
We cannot accommodate "session swapping" (e.g., attending a Wednesday class because you missed Sunday). If a session is missed, attend any of the following weekend Masses as a make-up.
Excessive Absences
May result in a delay of receiving Sacraments (Reconciliation, Eucharist, or Confirmation) to ensure the child is properly prepared.
Mass Expectations
Families should attend Mass regularly. If your schedule changes (e.g., a child attends a 7:00 PM teen Mass), that counts toward your family's participation.
7. Leadership & Extra Opportunities
Choir School
Children can take a leadership role in liturgy by studying sacred music.
Schedule: Meets bi-weekly at 8:00 AM, followed by the 8:45 AM Family Mass.
Seasonal Family Events
During Advent and Lent, we host special gatherings for families in both programs. Every family attends at least one event per season to dive deeper into the liturgical year.