St. Jude Children’s Faith Formation

Religious Formation for Pre K (3yr & 4yr), Kindergarten and 1^st – 6^th grade

All God’s Children – religious formation for children with special needs

Summer Vacation Formation

Christian Initiation for Children

1^st Reconciliation & 1st Eucharist preparation

Religious Formation for

Pre K, Kindergarten and 1^st – 6^th grade

We offer open enrollment throughout the year for children Pre k – 6^th grade. Our regular session meet September through May.  We also offer a summer Vacation Formation (VBS) week in July.   

Choice of days and times

Pre K (3/4 yr olds) & Kindergarten                    Sunday at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM

(We offer a Nursery for toddlers to 3 yrs)          Sunday at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Grades 1^st - 4^th  

Monday 4:15 PM,

Tuesday 7:00 PM

The 5th and 6^th grade combo class meets at 7:00 PM on Tue evenings.

Our Pre K-6^th grade religious education spiral curriculum uses a text actively supported by the publisher.  I encourage you to explore the “Call to Faith” series at Harcourt’s interactive website. http://your.harcourtreligion.com/ctf/nsmedia/menu.html  The publisher’s website offers parent information and lectionary link resources.  A multimedia faith word glossary, interactive chapter reviews and faith & fun games are available for children. 

In addition to the “Call to Faith” text, the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grades use the Catholic Youth Bible ® Revised, published by St. Mary’s Press.  This Bible, approved by the USCCB, is written in a language/style appropriate for youth.

5^th/6^th Grade: 5^th and 6th grade children have interaction in a combo-class environment (opening prayer and activities); however, they receive grade appropriate text religious formation.  This introduction into a multi-age environment facilitates a smoother transition into St. Jude’s Teen program.  Service and social justice activities, applying our Catholic faith in real life, are a focus of this age level.

Communication: Primary communication with parents is facilitated through a weekly “Family Envelope.”  The Family Envelopes are located in parish hall by the classrooms on days/evenings we have classes.  Updated each week, the Family Envelope contains a variety of materials including: announcements, monthly newsletter and family activities, many of which are not suitable for electronic transmission.  I ask that parents check their family’s envelope frequently to ensure you are aware of important information.

Home School: To support parents who choose to home school their children’s religious formation, we offer the opportunity to use the same US Catholic Bishop approved curriculum that we use in our regular sessions.  By registering your home school child(ren) your family will be included in our communications and informed of all religious formation activities( Parade of Saints, Christmas Eve Liturgy/Children’s Choir, Children’s Stations of the Cross, Service activities etc.) 

Christian Initiation for Children

We also offer a Christian Initiation process for young people (age 7 – 17) who are interested in joining our Catholic faith. (Contact the Faith Formation office for meeting times) A parent and sponsor are required to attend each session with their child.  Siblings and grandparents are also welcome to take part in our sessions. This intergenerational arrangement benefits both the child and their family, as parents also develop a better understanding of our Catholic faith and practice.  The teaching team works closely with Deacon Carl in coordinating, activities, rites and celebrations.  The children and teens participate in all of the rites traditionally celebrated by the adult catechumenate.   

All God's Children - Religious Education for Children with Special Needs 

St. Jude Children’s Religious Formation offers religious education classes for children with special needs.  This formation program is not age or ability based, but assist children of all abilities in developing a closer relationship with God.  If you are the parent of a special needs child, or if you are interested in assisting us with the program, please contact Mary in the parish office for more information.      

Sacramental Preparation for 1^st Reconciliation & 1st Eucharist

The preparation for the sacraments of 1^st Reconciliation and 1^st Eucharist is offered for children in second and third grades. 1^st Reconciliation is celebrated during Advent.  1^st Eucharist celebrated in May during regularly scheduled liturgies.  Parents are considered the primary educators of their children concerning the faith.  To assist parents, both Reconciliation and Eucharist preparation are offered during formation sessions.  In addition, families participate in four experiential workshops during the year. If your child is over third grade and has not celebrated 1^st reconciliation or 1^st Eucharist, please contact Mary 

I look forward to meeting you.

Blessings,

Mary Kellison

Pastoral assistant for Faith Formation

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR

Contact Mary @ 425-883-7685 x121

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Many hands are needed to run our Faith Formation programs and activities. 

We are in need of co-teachers (the lesson plans and supplies are prepared for you) and volunteers to support us in other tasks:

gathering supplies needed for each grade level, sewing, music, drama, bulletin boards, preparing activities at home etc.)

If you would like to share your gift of teaching (co-teaching is a great way to learn) or assisting us with our other tasks, Please contact Mary