Respecting the role of the parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith, the Church of St Patrick's works to support families in this journey by offering the Family Formation Religious Education program for families of children in kindergarten through grade 5. Family Formation is a unique program which offers catechesis to parents, catechists and children recognizing that formation in the faith is a life-long process. Family Formation is supplemented with further opportunities to grow in Christ-Centered friendships such as Shamrocks, a monthly social opportunity for children in grades 3 - 5 and Totus Tuus, a week long, parish wide summer program.
K - Grade 5 Programs
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January 11 - May 30 on “Lifeteen” Wednesdays
7-9:00 PM in the Youth Room
For all Lifeteen, EDGE or Family Formation parents
​Family Formation 2011 - 2012 Class Schedule
Family Formation is a K-5th grade Catholic religious education program that is based on the fundamental principle that parents are the primary educators in the faith of their children. The program, which was created, developed, and tested locally for over twenty years at the Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake, MN, is used by parishes and families across the US and Canada.
The Family Formation program is centered on weekly family gatherings where lessons, provided by the church, are worked on and discussed by parents and their children at home. Those weekly home lessons are then supplemented with monthly meetings at the church where students, led by a trained catechist, gather to learn about a topic in a classroom setting, while their parents meet to receive instruction on the same topic. Ideally, this shared learning experience spills over into the family’s everyday life and leads to discussion in the home about the Catholic Faith, and ultimately, to fuller growth into the life of the Church.
- A great Catholic curriculum!
- Brings the Faith alive through dynamic lessons, activities, and audio CD’s
- Follows the three-year liturgical cycle and points families to what is happening in the Church year
- Is driven by Sacred Scripture
- Is faithful to the teaching of the Magisterium (The teaching authority of the Church)
- References the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Received the Imprimatur of Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
- Provides adult formation and grade specific classroom curriculum
- Provides weekly family home lessons, which enable parents to be the primary educators of their children in the faith
Registration is required for participation in the Family Formation program, and there is a fee.
Many volunteers are needed to make the Family Formation program possible. Please consider becoming a volunteer catechist or catechist assistant and accept the challenge of helping our families pass the faith on to the next generation. Training is provided by the church. Volunteers are required to attend a monthly meeting in addition to the classroom sessions.
Recurring Schedule:
- 2011 - 2012 Class Schedule
- Families may choose either the First Sunday of each month from 9:00 am until Noon (includes the 11:00 am Mass), the First Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm or the First Wednesday of the month from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
How to Join Us:
- Register a child for the program by scheduling a meeting with Danielle at the parish office or email her at dcbudnick@st-patricks.org.
- Sign up as a volunteer Catechist or Catechist Assistant by calling Danielle at 763.753.2011.
More resources:
The goal of Shamrocks is to provide opportunities for our young people to build solid friendships centered on Christ, in the context of the Church.
Shamrocks is a brand new program designed for all 3rd-5th grade youth at St. Patrick’s Church.
Shamrocks will meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month after the 5 PM Mass. We will begin with dinner provided by the Knights of Columbus and will then move into an activity. Monthly activities will range from scavenger hunts and bingo to cookie decorating and tie-blanket making. Look for more information and sign-ups at each Family Formation session.
** We are looking for parent volunteers to help chaperone and coordinate Shamrocks events. Please see Kelly Kohnen or Danielle Budnick- dcbudnick@st-patricks.org – for more information.**
Totus Tuus, Latin for “Totally Yours”, was the motto of Blessed Pope John Paul II and represents the desire to give oneself entirely to Jesus Christ through the hands of His Immaculate Mother. In its twentieth year, Totus Tuus is a Catholic youth program that calls upon college students and seminarians from across the United States to carry out this mission as teachers visiting parishes across the country to conduct a week long “Vacation Bible School” style, parish-wide summer program. St. Patrick Catholic Church hosts a Totus Tuus team for one week during the summer.
Totus Tuus strives to help young people—preschool age to 12th grade—grow in their understanding and faith in Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel, promoting the Catholic faith through catechesis, and participating in the Sacraments of the Church. Special emphasis is placed on prayer, including Eucharistic and Marian devotion, and participants have the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation every day.
Totus Tuus is considered a full-parish program, and there are many ways for adults and families to get involved! Two parish families have the opportunity to host the Totus Tuus team by providing lodging and breakfast for the visiting young men and women. And additional families are asked to host the team for dinner. There is also a potluck supper for the young people participating in the program, their families, and all parishioners on one evening during the week.
Pre-registration is required for participation in the Totus Tuus program and training is provided for all volunteers.
Additional Resources:
