"Restore, Renew, Proclaim the Hope that is Christ" is the diocesan initiative to actively engage in strengthening the commitment to lifelong faith formation in all our parishes, schools and home schools. In our diocese, two years ago we began the Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation. This means that we are celebrating the sacraments of Christian initiation in the order originally intended: Baptism, followed by Confirmation and then Eucharist.

Under the Restored Order, children in Grade 2 receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and children in Grade 3 receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.  We continue to offer Sacramental Formation Sessions in the parish to prepare children to receive these sacraments.

If your child has not been Confirmed, it's not too late!  Although the Restored Order of the Sacraments will remain in effect in our diocese, children who have received their First Communion can be Confirmed regardless of their grade/age.

In order to better engage in strengthening the commitment to lifelong faith formation, our parish is committed to Family Faith Formation.  At the heart of Family Faith Formation is the church's teaching that parents are the primary educators of their children.  For 2021-22, we will be using Sophia Institute Press, A Family of Faith, Volume III: Life in Christ.

How does this work?  In the Parish, parents and children attend a monthly workshop, where they learn through teaching, discussion and activities.  At Home, parents teach their children with clearly designed lessons and activities that involve the whole family.

A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle:  one pillar of the Catechism is covered per year.  Parents are given a detailed picture of authentic and vibrant Catholic family life, the tools to implement this life in their home, and age-appropriate readings, games, crafts and other activities to help them deepen their children's love for Christ and His Church.

For more information, please contact the Family Faith Formation Office: dre.st.peter@gmail.com