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SBattlesststephenslife.comChildren’s Programs - Director of Faith Formation
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Children's Sacraments: baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist
(2nd-5th Grade)Welcome to Children's Sacraments at St. Stephen's!
Children preparing to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist are on a faith journey that will affect their whole life. We help them understand the sacraments in light of their relationship with Jesus, their families, and their faith community.If you're not sure where to start...
Are you new to St. Stephen's? We're glad you're here!
read below, then begin by completing the registration form. (The form will be ready mid-August.) We'll guide you through the rest! If you need help with the form, let us know. We are happy to help. -
How long does it take?Formation for sacraments takes two years:First Year: Gives an overall foundation.
Sacrament Year: Gets children ready for the sacrament(s).First Year (1st - 5th Grade)
For their first year, they can either take K-5 classes with us or they can take classes at a Catholic school. To sign up, use the online form at the bottom of this page. If you first want more information about K-5 formation at St. Stephen's, click HERE.Sacrament Year (2nd-5th Grade)
This is the First Sacraments Class. All the children in First Sacraments join together, no matter what they did the year before. The first half of the year they learn about First Reconciliation. After Christmas, they start learning about First Eucharist. If children need Baptism, they will receive their sacraments at Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday). -
Class elementsK-5th Graders are grouped in classes based on their grade and level of sacramental preparation. Classes will either be Wednesday night or Sunday morning, according to the following (tentative) schedule:
- Kindergarten and 1st Grade - Wednesday, 1/mo., 6:00-7:30 pm
- First year of Classes (2nd-5th Grade) - Wednesday, 1/mo., 6:00-7:30 pm
- First Sacraments Year (2nd-5th Grade) - Wednesday or Sunday, by registration
(Wednesday, 1/mo. 6:00-7:30 pm OR Sunday 1 or 2x /mo., 9:40-10:50 am) - 3rd-5th Grade (after receiving First Sacraments) - Sunday, 2x/mo., 9:40-10:50 am
Parents Help Teach their Children
At all levels, this program includes parents, who are the first and most important teachers of faith to their children.- For Kindergarten through reception of Sacraments:
Parents teach at home - 2-3 times a month. They open the Bible and talk about faith with their children. (We provide simple materials.) If they like, parents can add extra, more varied activities.
Then, once a month, parents attend class at church with their child. All family members are welcome. This includes fun activities and learning with other families, class time for children, and parent break-out sessions. - For 3rd-5th Graders, who have received First Eucharist:
Parents join their children between the morning Masses. (average 2 Sundays/month)
They then choose how to follow-up with their child.
SuppliesPick up books and schedules at Opening Night, 6:00-7:30 pm, September 23. You'll need these to start the following week.
Opening Night:
All families must attend the Opening Night on Wednesday, September 23. Plan on celebrating Mass with us, right after that. Join us in the Sanctuary!
6:00-6:30 Orientation, Supplies and Parent Meeting (come at 5:45 to beat the crowd)
6:30-7:15 Mass -
parishionersThis ministry primarily serves children and families from St. Stephen the Martyr and St. Anthony, the parishes that make up our Parish Family. If you belong to a different parish, you will need permission from your pastor to join us. We can help you with this if you like.
If you are new to the Catholic church, looking for a parish, or just wondering about God, we can help you find what you are looking for. That is why we are here. -
Schedule
The schedule is still being developed.
The first night for ALL Classes is Wednesday, September 23. (See above for Opening Night.)
Calendars will be ready by September 23, likely sooner. -
to registerK-5th Grade Faith Formation
Registration will open by mid-August. (We will announce it on this page.) Once registration opens, use the online form. It will be at the bottom of this page.
First Eucharist (First Sacraments), K-5th
If you want to learn more about Sacrament Preparation, click HERE.
(Registration information will also be on that page.) -
Contact Us!
Office: Maria Trejo, Support Coordinator: [email protected] or (253) 631-6175.
Director: Shannon Battles, (253) 480-7112 or [email protected].
Program Coordinators: Pat Madison/Brenda Wallace/Christina Rafferty, [email protected].