Pre-K through Grade 8:

After a two year discernment process with the Catechetical Leaders in our PCA, we are pleased to announce that we are going to adapt the intergenerational family model for the Faith Formation/Catechesis of the children in our PCA this year by reintroducing break out sessions by age, so children can be with their peers and engage in age-appropriate content. Last year was our first year moving to this new Family Catechesis Model. We went into it knowing there would be a large learning curve. We feel much more confident growing into this model in the coming year. After our
experience of Faith Formation/Catechesis during the pandemic, we believe that this new model will allow us to reach more homes and more families in our parish communities. We would like to use A Family of Faith to help develop strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of our Faith through the witness of Christian life given by their parents.

Studies tell us that parental involvement in the faith-life of their child is by far the most important element in ensuring that a child develops into a practicing Christian. A Family of Faith provides both the parish catechist and the parent with an easy-to-use, turnkey solution to catechizing the whole family and helping parents lead their children to Heaven. Many parishes are looking for ways to help families practice their faith and participate fully in the parish. With A Family of Faith, families come together regularly  growing in relationship with one another and learning the truths of the Catholic Faith and how to apply them in their lives. In the parish and at home, parents and children have the opportunity to build strong relationships through discussion and reflection on topics that matter in their lives. The home becomes the place of deep learning as families desire to follow Jesus more closely. Families are introduced to the spiritual treasures of the home, the domestic church. Each month parents have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities and discussions that they can do as a family to explore the concepts that are taught in each lesson. Families using A Family of Faith attend Mass
regularly, learn and practice prayers together, and engage in spiritual conversations at home, helping them to grow in holiness.

If you would like to find out more about this new model of Faith Formation/Catechesis for our parishes, please visit: https://sophiainstituteforteachers.org/shop/family-of-faith. Fr. Hage would like to cordially invite all parents/guardians to join him for a Family Catechesis Parent Meeting on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:30pm over Zoom. This will be for all interested parents/guardians who would like to know more about our new Family Catechesis Model and where we hope to take it this year. You can register for this Zoom meeting by emailing PCA Catechetical Leader K-8, Stacey Miller at smiller@syrdio.org.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Update

Children’s Liturgy of the Word for Pre-K, K, & Grade 1 has concluded for the 2021/2022 year, but will resume in the fall. A heartfelt thanks to those who shared their time and talents with our children, making possible for them this special opportunity to learn the lessons of the Gospels.  Check our Weekly Bulletin and Facebook page for upcoming summer events!

1st Holy Communion

First Holy Communion Celebration was celebrated Sunday, May 1, 2022 at St. Bernard’s in Waterville and St. Mary’s in Hamilton. It was a joyful occasion (stay tuned for photos from these special Masses, coming soon!)

If you have questions regarding the Sacrament of 1st Holy Communion, please email
PCA Sacramental Coordinator (First Penance and First Communion) Shannon Jones (sjones@syrdio.org)