Resurrection of Our Lord's Faith Formation Programs for Children

PHILOSOPHY

Canon Law, the law of the Church, states that "parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of Christian life by word and example; godparents and those who take the place of parents are bound by an equivalent obligation" (Can. 774 §2). The General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis resound the same sentiment. Resurrection of Our Lord's Office for Parish Faith Formation recognizes and embraces parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children as they strive to fulfill this special role. Our mission is to assist parents in providing sound catechesis on the catechism and teachings of the Catholic Church so that their children will be formed in the faith of the Catholic tradition. This is accomplished by providing parents with a variety of resources and programs that will enable their children to cultivate a deep appreciation for and understanding of what it means to be a Catholic Christian in today's changing world. Our program attempts to provide children with ample opportunities to live and experience their faith through catechesis, service, worship, and fellowship. The Office for Parish Faith Formation is committed to improving its programs so that we may better assist parents in providing their children with the fullest experience of living their Catholic heritage on their journey of faith and deepening their relationship with God.

CCD FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine)

The CCD Program assists parents in providing a sound foundation for the faith formation of their children to develop. The program is for children attending public or private schools in grades 1 to 6. Sessions are held every Tuesday afternoon from 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM in the school annex. Sessions begin the third week of September and conclude the third week of May.

Enrollment in the CCD Program for a minimum of two consecutive years is required for children to begin sacramental preparation for Eucharist and or Confirmation.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAM

All baptized children from grade two and up who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church with the reception of Eucharist and/or Confirmation are eligible for this program provided that they have successfully completed a minimum of two consecutive years of formation in the Catholic Faith. First Penance is celebrated during Advent for children in grades 2 and up. First Eucharist is celebrated in late April or May for grades 2 and up. Confirmation is celebrated yearly in the Fall.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Resurrection of Our Lord parishes embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We will make every effort to accommodate the needs of participants with special disabilities and provide them with an inclusive environment in our programs. However, in order to provide the best accommodations possible, it may be necessary for the participant to attend another parish program that is better equipped to meet the participant's needs. If your child has a special need or disability you are encouraged to contact John Scafidi to discuss your concerns and enrollment options.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (Adapted for Children)

The RCIA is the rite through which children of catechetical age and adults enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The RCIA adapted for children takes place on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the school annex. The RCIA adapted for children is designed to assist youth and teens who: have never been baptized, and wish to be baptized in the Catholic Church, have been baptized in another Christian religion (Lutheran, Evangelical, etc.) and wish to become Catholic were baptized Catholic, but have not received First Eucharist and/or Confirmation

NOTE: Children that enroll in our Faith Formation Program at a later age without having received any prior catechesis or formation, may be required to participate in the RCIA adapted for children during their first year prior to being enrolled in the CCD program.