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 church's teachings and practices. 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:
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Catechesis: The formal instruction in the principles of the Catholic faith, including the teachings of Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Church's doctrines.
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Sacramental Preparation: Preparing individuals for the reception of the sacraments, such as First Communion and Confirmation.
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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. View common Catholic prayers.
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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.
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Age 3 - Grade 1: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is used. Trained Catechists teach children about the Mass and the Gospels using the Montessori method.
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Grade 2: Word of Life by the Augustine Institute is a comprehensive curriculum that calls children, parents, teachers, and catechists to conversion and transformation in Christ. The curriculum also includes Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
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Grades 3 - 6: Word of Life is used.
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Grades 7 - 8: YDisciple and FORMED are used. Youth in grades nine and above who have not yet received this sacrament are welcome! View the 2026-27 Confirmation brochure.
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Family
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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.
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Holy Hour and confession are available each Wednesday night at St. Thomas the Apostle Church while the children are in class. All are welcome to visit with our Lord.
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Questions? Contact Claire Lenz, Director of Religious Education.
Raising Catholic Kids
A new study aims to demonstrate the practices of parents who successfully raise children to be practicing Catholic adults. At or near the top of almost any Catholic parent’s list of things they want for their children is for them to continue practicing their Catholic faith into adulthood. But recent statistics paint a sobering picture: In the United States today, only about 15% of children raised in Catholic households grow up to be faithful Catholic adults. Read the full article from EWTN News.
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. If any dads, in particular, would be willing to help with the older students, they would greatly benefit from your example. Contact Claire Lenz.