Faith Formation
Faith Formation is the religious instruction for public school students, preschool through Grade 10. The foundation of our program is to promote a close relationship with God through the gifts of His presence in scripture, sacraments, and people; and to offer a Catholic information blueprint for our youth to use as they build their faith through adulthood.
Students receive their faith instruction based on Holy Scripture and Catholic Doctrine handed down by the Holy See and the Catholic Magisterium. This mission is carried out through the service of many dedicated volunteer catechists and the commitment of faithful parents and students.
Preschool-5th Grade Faith Formation
Catechists (teachers) and children meet at St. Dominic Church on Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 p.m., from September to May in grade-designated classes.
Middle School (grades 6-7-8) Faith Formation
Catechists (teachers) and youth meet Wednesday evenings, 6:45-7:45 p.m., at St. Dominic School, September to May. Four topics per grade are presented to students who rotate from catechist to catechist every 7 weeks.
First Reconciliation and First Communion
St. Dominic Faith Formation Program and St. Dominic School children in grade 2 prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008) and Holy Eucharist (weekend Masses on May 2/3, 2009). Classroom meetings for students as well as special sessions for students and their parents are a part of the interactive learning experience of sacramental preparation.
Older students who have not received these sacraments are encouraged to participate in the program at their grade level with additional, individualized sacramental preparation arranged through the Director of Faith Formation.
Confirmation Preparation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year program of spiritual formation and study of the Catholic faith beginning in the fall of 9th grade leading toward Confirmation in the spring of the 10th grade year. Confirmation this year will be on Friday, April 24, 2009, at St. Dominic Church.
In addition to meetings in homes of group leaders, the program includes scheduled times of reflection in the Chapel, a retreat, community service projects and social gatherings. The emphasis is not placed so much on receiving the sacrament as to enabling students to live their sacramental commitment after being confirmed.
Special Celebrations
St. Dominic Faith Formation plans and presents the following special celebrations to which all parishioners are invited:
- Christmas Pageant and potluck dinner, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, 6:00 p.m., potluck; 7:00 p.m. pageant
- Mardi Gras with dinner, games, music, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Living Stations of the Cross, Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the church
- May Crowning, Wednesday, May 5, 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m. May crowning, Mass, with outdoor BBQ, weather permitting, at the church.
All celebrations listed will be held at the church.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children ages 4 through 8 are led in children’s liturgy during the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. The young people go to the Chapel following the opening prayers of Mass and return to take part in the procession at the preparation of the gifts. The Word of God is taught on their level with the aid of worship pages, music and dramatizations.
Youth Mass
Youth from our parish assist as lectors, greeters, ushers, choir members and bringing up the gifts at Mass once a month.
Contact: Mara Mangan, Director of Faith Formation, (507) 645-8816 ext. 205
Faith Formation Registration Form