Family faith formation is a ministry in which parents and children learn about the Catholic faith together and with other families. It focuses on evangelizing the parent AND the child. It integrates Sunday Mass, weekly lessons and everyday family life while fostering a community among families. 

Faith is best taught and lived out in the family. Children are more likely to put into practice the faith they see lived out day-to-day at home. Family centered faith formation (Family catechesis) will equip parents to pass on the Catholic faith to their children and grow their faith together as a family. 

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Family Faith Formation is open to ALL families at Mater Dolorosa. School age children are divided into age-appropriate small groups beginning with pre-school (ages 3-5) through high school (up to age 17). Teens in high school who have received Confirmation can continue their faith journey in our High School Discipleship group. Young adults in families are also encouraged to participate. 

YES! Family Faith Formation is for ALL families in our parish. Whether your child attends public or Catholic school, all are welcome to be a part of this community. Our goal is to establish a family community growing and living our Catholic faith together. 

Yes, absolutely. Family Faith Formation is for the entire family not only for those preparing to receive First Holy Communion or Confirmation. There are small groups all school aged children and high school teens. We recommend that children continue to attend Family Faith Formation even after the reception of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. 

Family Faith Formation begins in September and runs through May of each year. It is designed to integrate liturgical and family activities with age specific lessons for children and teens. Families gather every week for Sunday Mass at 10:00 a.m. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month Mass will be followed by hospitality, a large group family activity and small faith sharing groups. Parents will gather in a parent group while the children are assigned to age specific groups with a catechist. Family home lessons and activities will be distributed for the remaining weeks of the month (2nd,4th and 5th weeks). There will be special family retreat days focusing on the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent as well as special gatherings to celebrate the Feast Day for Our Lady of Sorrows, All Saints Day, the Feast of the Holy Family, St. Joseph’s Feast Day and Pentecost. Children in their second year of preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation will have direct preparation for these sacraments integrated into these activities.

Ideally if both parents are available both parents are welcome to attend however, if only one parent is able to attend that is acceptable. One parent should be in attendance at every 1st and 3rd Sunday gathering. If a parent is not available, an older responsible sibling or family member (grandparent, uncle, aunt, god-parent) may represent a parent.

Topics discussed are based on the lessons in the children's small group or by request of parents .  On occasion guest speakers will be invited to share their knowledge and be a witness of faith with parents.

Direct preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation will be integrated into weekly discussions. Children who have completed the first year of Family Faith Formation in the Promise small group and Conf 1 in 2023-24 will be placed in groups for direct preparation of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Reception of these sacraments will be received in May/June 2025. 

Registration for Family Faith Formation is now open. Registration will be accepted through August 31, 2024. First family catechesis gathering is September !

CLICK HERE to register online.