Children's Faith Formation
 

INTRODUCTION
   Children's Faith Formation is one in a series of religious education programs offered at St. Albert's. Here, children are lead on a spiritual journey specifically tailored to their respective grade levels. A variety of programs are offered, ranging in scope from those focused on general concepts and principles to those specifically focused on the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.


OUR PROGRAMS
          Faith Formation Programs For Preschool through Grade 5
          First Eucharist And Reconciliation (for 2nd graders)
          Christian Initiation For Children
          Children's Liturgy Of The Word
          Volunteer Opportunities


Faith Formation Programs For Preschool (must be 4 years old by Sept 1)
through Grade 5

   The central focus of our religious education for young children can be found in our Faith Formation programs, as the teachings of Jesus and our Church are explained in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion. Our programs are held from September through April for preschool through fifth grade. Parents may choose either Sundays, 9 –10:15 am or Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00 PM, as long as there are openings. For the schedule of classes please click below.

Faith Formation Class Schedule

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First Eucharist and Reconciliation (for 2nd graders)
   St. Alberts holds a Sacramental Parent Meeting on January 6th at 9:00 AM and January 7th at 7:00 PM to register the children who will be receiving these sacraments in spring.  (Parents choose one meeting to attend.)  These meetings also provide parents with materials to use at home to prepare their child for receiving these sacraments.  Children enrolled in Children’s Faith Formation or Sacred Hearts School are in partnership also preparing in their classes with the help of their teachers, catechists, and aides.  
   Our date for First Reconciliation is Saturday, March 8th, 2008 at 10:30 am in church.  We have two dates available for First Communion, Sunday, April 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm or Sunday, April 27th, at 1:00 pm.  A First Communion Retreat is held the day before on Saturday, from 8:00 am to 12 noon.  At the retreat children will prepare to receive the sacrament of First Communion.  Parents need to attend the Sacramental Parents meeting in winter to participate in these celebrations.
 
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Christian Initiation For Children (CIC)
   We extend a special welcome to any child who chooses to celebrate Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Reconciliation in less traditional years. If your child has missed a sacrament, we'd be more than happy to accommodate his/her special needs. Please
don't hesitate to contact Julie (below) for further information.

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Children's Liturgy Of The Word
   See "Volunteer Opportunities" below.

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Volunteer Opportunities
   Our program needs over 100 volunteers. Please prayerfully consider sharing your gifts with the children of St. Alberts. Your help as a volunteer in the Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) Program is truly needed!

Catechist (teacher): As the catechist you will be the primary person who will plan each session. You will be provided a teacher manual that accompanies the student text. You’ll be given the curriculum that outlines what chapter/topic is taught during each session. Use your gifts to creatively decide how the curriculum will be taught. Catechists generally utilize the text, group discussion, crafts and activities, guest speakers (Fr. Terry); there are endless possibilities! Classroom supplies are provided as well as craft supplies. There is a resource library with children’s books for classroom use as well as materials for catechist’s own spiritual growth.

Aide: As a classroom aide you will work with the catechist to help out in the classroom. Some aides are simply an extra pair of hands during class time. Other aides share more of the responsibilities by working cooperatively with the catechist to carry out the curriculum plan for each session. One example might be that the aide plans and leads the craft or an activity related to the lesson. This is decided between the catechist and the aide. Some classrooms have two aides.

Nursery Help: Help is needed to care for our volunteers' youngest children. This includes playing and interacting with children with the possibility of changing a diaper as needed. A minimum of two adults needed each time.

Substitute Catechist/Aide: Substitutes are needed for both Wednesdays and Sundays when a volunteer is absent in a classroom. Classroom plans are usually arranged by the catechist for the substitute to follow.

Attendance Caller: The attendance person picks up attendance sheets outside each classroom and calls the homes of children who are absent and the parent has not notified the church.

Special Projects: This could include helping with one or more of the following: the Jelly Drive, bulletin boards, First Communion, First Reconciliation, or any special project.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: (during Mass times): Help the children in grades K –5 experience Sunday’s Scripture with simplified readings, special songs, the Creed, prayers, and reflection geared toward their age.

Volunteer Application
 

Julie Wiedmeyer
Coordinator of Children's Faith Formation
837-3798 Ext 24
julie@saintalberts.org


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2420 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Phone 608-837-3798   Fax 608-837-8576

For additions / deletions / changes to this website, e-mail paul@saintalberts.org