Their Faith Journey Continues: Registration Now Open for Grades 7–10!
Dear Parish Families, Faith Formation does not end when our children complete Grade 6. As they enter adolescence, the way we accompany them changes but our commitment to helping them know Jesus Christ, understand our Catholic faith, and grow as His disciples only deepens. That is why I am excited to announce that registration is now open for Faith Formation for Grades 7–10!
As our young people move beyond Family Life Catechesis, their journey continues through two distinct stages designed specifically for these important teenage years.
Grades 7 & 8: Faith Formation through Youth Ministry Nights For students in Grades 7 & 8, formal parish Faith Formation continues through a special track integrated into our weekly Youth Ministry Nights.
At this age, we want our young people to experience faith as more than another class. Through catechesis, prayer, Scripture, service, conversation, activities, friendships and plenty of fun they encounter Christ within a vibrant Catholic community of their peers.
Youth Ministry Nights take place Monday evenings from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Seton Center, beginning September 14.
Because these gatherings serve as the primary setting for Grade 7 & 8 Faith Formation, registered students are expected to participate regularly throughout the year.
Grades 9 & 10: Teen Formation & Confirmation Preparation Beginning in Grade 9, our young people enter Teen Formation, which is our parish's formal sacramental preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation preparation is a two-year formation journey encompassing Grades 9 & 10, and both years are required for candidates preparing to receive the Sacrament.
Most importantly, Confirmation is not simply another requirement to complete or a graduation from Faith Formation. Through prayer, catechesis, service, retreat experiences, sacramental life, and direct preparation, our teens are invited into a deeper relationship with Christ and greater openness to the Holy Spirit who seals, strengthens, and sends them forth as missionary disciples.
Our Teen Formation program is offered collaboratively with Greater Utica Area parishes, providing flexibility for busy families while maintaining a meaningful and intentional process of sacramental preparation.
And if your family has been away from Faith Formation for a time, please know that you are welcome! We would be happy to walk with your family and help your teen begin again. It is never too late to take the next step in the journey of faith.
Please see the accompanying Grade 7 & 8 Faith Formation and Grade 9 & 10 Teen Formation flyers for additional information, important dates, and next steps.
Parents: Register Your Teen Today!
If you have a child entering Grade 7, 8, 9, or 10, now is the time to register!
As we embrace this year's theme, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18), let us help our young people discover that they, too, are called, loved, and sent to live the Gospel with joy.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!