Director: Glory Hartdegen
Phone: 760-758-4100 x110
Email
Pay Faith Formation / Religious Education Fees
Genesis
Ages 4 and 5 (Pre-K and K)
When parents present their child to the Church for Baptism, they accept the responsibility of training him or her in the practice of the Catholic faith. It is the duty of the parents, with the help of the Godparents, to teach their child to keep God’s commandments as Jesus taught us, loving God and neighbor.
As a parent, you are the first teacher of your child. Your child will learn from you what is important about our faith. Before they reach school age they have already learned from you the importance of unconditional love, and the concepts of right, wrong and forgiveness—some of the foundations of our faith. In addition, attending weekend Mass, bedtime prayers, traditions such as using an Advent wreath, saying the rosary, Lenten sacrificing, saying grace before meals, etc. all teach your child very important lessons at an early age.
Faith Formation
Grades 1 – 5 Faith Formation Level
Typically, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion are conferred on children at the age of 7 or 8 years. Because the children are receiving three sacraments during these years, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist, Sacramental Preparation is a 2-year program. Year 1 covers basic information about the Catholic Faith. In year 2 students study the 3 Sacraments in more depth.
For parents there are several required meetings spread over the 2 years. It is very important to attend these meetings as dates are given for other activities, such as the retreats, rehearsals etc. as well as information on how to raise your child in the Catholic faith.
A person must have proof of their Baptism before they can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Copies of Baptismal certificates will be collected at the first parent meeting.
If you have an older child who has not been baptized, please call our office for more information. If your child has not received Reconciliation and Eucharist and is in grade 3 or above, we will work with you so that your child can become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Children preparing for these sacraments need to be registered in and regularly attending the Parish Faith Formation program or attending one of our area Catholic Schools.
OCIA for Children
Faith Formation
Intended for children not baptized as infants, who have attained the use of reason and are of catechetical age (deemed to be about the age of 7). “The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and developed in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need.