Welcome to Children's |
|
|
A Note from the Diocese of Dallas on Children’s Sacraments and Religious Education:
Please be aware that only a parent or legal guardian may arrange for the sacraments, or religious education, of a minor child. It must be confirmed that any person registering a minor child for continuing religious education, or sacramental preparation, has the legal authority to do so. If that adult’s name is not reflected on the child’s birth certificate, or in the case of an already baptized minor child, on the baptismal certificate, the person must provide the proper documentation that shows he/she has the legal right to arrange for the spiritual needs of the child.
|
|
Sacramental Preparation (Grades 2nd-12th) |
|
Preparations for the sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation begins with weekly Mass attendance as well as active participation in a formal faith formation program. These Sacraments are taught and celebrated in the context of family and community. Per the Diocese of Dallas, children should receive two consecutive years of catechesis and Sacramental preparation before receiving any Sacraments. Generally, children are prepared for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (1st Confession & First Holy Communion) in the 2nd grade, as long as they participated in an approved Faith Formation program the previous year. For those students who have not been baptized or who have not received their First Communion by the 2nd grade will be placed in an appropriate Sacramental class. | |
A parent, grandparent or godparent of each student enrolled in Sacramental Preparation must attend the weekly Sacramental Preparation sessions along with their child(ren) during the 2nd year of classes. Attendance at addional classes may be required. A student must not have more than three absences in his/her first or second year of Sacramental preparation. | |
For more information contact PCL, Sherri Williams at (972) 279-6581, ext. 108 or email her at swilliams@stmichaelgarland.org |
Children must be three years old and potty trained by September 1 in order to begin the program. Children are placed by age/grade level so that when they begin elementary Faith Formation, they are in the correct class.
The program is designed to gently introduce children to the Catholic faith while teaching basic bible stories, Saints, and prayers that they will use for a lifetime. The program also introduces children to giving and helping those less fortunate.
Each class is one hour and fifteen minutes on Sundays only. Incorporated into each class is a Bible lesson, coloring/activity sheets, music, crafts and sometimes games and special activities or events.
Some of the special events/activities are:
The three-year-olds learn basic bible parables/stories, Saint and Holiday background, and basic prayers such as the sign of the cross and beginning of "The Lord's Prayer".
The four-year-olds review the very same stories/parables in more depth. They learn more detail about the holidays and the Saints. They also continue learning "The Lord's Prayer" and move on to the "Hail Mary".
Kindergarteners go over most of the same information, but also begin to understand the Catechism of the Catholic Church as it applies in different areas. They learn much more details about the Saints and learn to become comfortable with prayer and the different ways to pray. They also begin learning the Rosary and various other prayers.
In the month of March, Current Faith Formation Families, By appointment only, registration for new families. Early bird rates (discount rates) until the end of March.
May 8-18, 2023 New & Current Families Registration, by appointment at regular rates.
In the month of April & June,
NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE TAKEN.
September 10, 11 & 13 of 2023
Parent Orientation
September 17, 18 & 20
1st day of classes
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a program designed to welcome adult people into our Catholic community as fully initiated members of the Roman Catholic Church. RCIA classes are held Sunday mornings or Tuesday nights throughout the fall, winter, and early spring, and culminate in catechumens (those not baptized) and candidates (Catholics that have not completed the three sacraments of initiation and people from other Christian denominations who have been validly baptized) being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. These classes are based on the Scriptures, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other documents that will assist people in developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and his church.
Classes are available in September
Sunday at 9 AM or Tuesday at 7 PM
contact the Faith Formation office for registration information.
972-279-6581