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Faith Formation

Catholic Faith Formation refers to the process of learning, growing, and deepening one's understanding of the Catholic faith. It involves education and spiritual development to help them live out the teachings and practices of the Church. The goal is to help individuals grow closer to God, understand Church teachings, and be more active members of the faith community.

Key components of Catholic faith formation include:

  1. Catechesis: The formal instruction in the principles of the Catholic faith, including the teachings of Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Church's doctrines. 

  2. Sacramental Preparation: Preparing individuals for the reception of the sacraments, such as First Communion and Confirmation.

  3. Prayer and Spiritual Growth: Encouraging personal prayer, participation in Mass, and the development of a deeper relationship with God. Spiritual formation also encompasses practices such as reading Scripture, devotion to Mary, and understanding the role of saints in the Catholic faith.

  4. Community and Service: Catholic faith formation emphasizes the importance of being part of a faith community, participating in parish life, and engaging in acts of charity and service to others as a way of living out the Gospel.

In essence, Catholic faith formation is about nurturing a lifelong journey of faith, understanding, and spiritual growth, fostering a deeper connection to God and the Church.

​Parishes of St. Thomas the Apostle and Ss. Peter & Paul are combined. Classes run from September through May at St. Thomas from 6:15-7:30pm. Please note: Due to limited space, enrollment in this program is only available to St. Thomas and Ss. Peter & Paul registered members.

  • ​Age 4 - Grade 1: ​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is used. Trained Catechists teach children about the Mass and the Gospels using the Montessori method.

  • Grade 2: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is used and includes Reconciliation and Holy Communion.​

  • Grades 3 - 6: Word of Life by the Augustine Institute is a comprehensive curriculum that calls children, parents, teachers, and catechists to conversion and transformation in Christ.

  • Grades 7 - 8: YDisciple is used. Youth in grades nine and above who have not yet received this sacrament are welcome! ​

  • Family

    • Join us each Wednesday for a free-will offering family dinner! Dinner is served from 5:30-6pm in the St. Thomas Parish Center—all are welcome! Students must have at least one parent with them, and all meals must be eaten in the dining hall. 

    • ​Holy Hour and confession are available each Wednesday night in the St. Thomas the Apostle church while the children are in class. All are welcome to visit with our Lord.​​

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Tuition

  • Early Bird Rate (ends July 30, 2025)

    • $75/Child

    • $220/Family 

  • Normal Rate (July 31-August 27, 2025) 

    • $85/Child

    • $250/Family

 

Pay by check (made payable to "St. Thomas") or cash at the Parish Office (drop-off or mail), or pay online using the link below. Questions? Contact Julianne Leighton.
St. Thomas the Apostle

Attn: Faith Formation

20000 County Road 10

Corcoran, MN 55340​

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Registration

Please print and complete the Registration Form by August 27 and return it to the Parish Office (Attn: Julianne Leighton), or complete the form below online.

2025-2026 Faith Formation Schedule

2025-26 Faith Formation Registration

Must be a registered parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle or Ss. Peter & Paul to enroll.

Family Information

Child/ren live with:

Student Enrollment Information (PreK-Confirmation)

If receiving a new sacrament (2nd grade or Year 2 Confirmation), a physical copy of the student’s Baptism Certificate must be submitted to the Parish Office at the beginning of the program year. Certificates must be obtained directly from the parish office where the Baptism took place. Photocopies are not accepted.

Choose one:
Sacrament(s) Completed
Choose one:
Sacrament(s) Completed
Choose one:
Sacrament(s) Completed
Choose one:
Sacrament(s) Completed
Choose one:
Sacrament(s) Completed
For Confirmation: which year (Year 1 or Year 2)? Confirmation Prep is for 7th and 8th grade, other grades welcome and exceptions apply.
For PreK-Grade 2: has student been in atrium (CGS) (Yes or No)? If No, the new CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) student orientation is on Wednesday, September 10. Students are advised to attend at least one year in the atrium (CGS) before 2nd grade.

Student Medical Information (this section must be completed)

Please indicate if the student(s) has any ALLERGIES or special needs (ADHD, medications, etc.)

Schedule & Attendance Policy

Wednesday evening schedule: 5:30-6pm dinner (open to all); 6:15-7:30pm Class

First day of class + opening parent meeting: Wednesday, September 17, in Parish Center dining hall

Students are expected to attend class on a weekly basis. A limit of three unexcused absences is allowed. Reasons for excused absences include (but are not limited to) sickness, poor weather, and family obligations. Sports practices do not count as an excused absence. If a student is unable to adhere to the attendance policy, make-up options are available. I understand and agree to the attendance policy.

I, __________________ (enter Parent/Guardian name below), grant permission for my child(ren), who is/are named above, to participate in the Faith Formation program at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. In consideration of my child(ren)’s participation, I agree to indemnify the parish and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis from any claims or lawsuits brought against the parish and Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis by myself, my child(ren) or others that arise out of any behavior by my child(ren) in the classes and activities included in this program. I also agree to pay reasonable attorney’s fees or expenses incurred by the parish and the Archdiocese in defense of such a claim/lawsuit. Should photos or video be taken, I grant permission for the use of the image and/or likeness of my child in any promotional or other marketing activities related to the event/activity or our parish Youth Ministry without compensation to me or my child.

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If you do not want your child’s image and/or likeness to be used to promote parish youth ministry events, contact the parish office to receive a version of this form that does not include the previous clause; however, some events/activities may require this clause.

Thanks for submitting!

Questions? Contact Julianne Leighton.

Volunteer

Adult volunteers are always welcome and needed! If you're interested in helping teach the next generation about their faith, please don't hesitate to reach out. Faith Formation needs teachers, assistants, substitute teachers, a personal safety teacher, an office monitor, and cooks. â€‹If any dads in particular would be willing to help with the older students, they would greatly benefit from your example. Contact Julianne Leighton.

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