Family Faith Formation
walking together with Jesus striving for Holiness
"Hear, O Isreal: The LORD our God the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-7)
REGISTRATION FOR FAITH FORMATION IS OPEN
A Journey for the Whole Family
At St. Patrick, Faith Formation is more than classes — it is an opportunity for the whole family to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ together. Because parents are the primary teachers of the faith, our elementary program is family-based: parents and children participate at the same time in age-appropriate small groups, exploring the same themes and growing together as disciples.
📅 Key Dates
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Registration Deadline | August 1 |
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Classes Begin | Wednesday, September 16 |
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Session A | 4:45–5:45 PM |
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Session B | 6:30–7:30 PM |
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Kerygma Retreat | Saturday, August 22, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Families select the session time that works best for them on the registration form. Preparing for a new year takes significant planning — forming catechist teams, organizing small groups, and preparing materials — so thank you for registering on time!
Questions? Contact Nancy Longo, Director of Faith Formation, at ff@stpatrickhutto.org, or Luisa Lerma (Spanish) at ffadmin@stpatrickhutto.org.
Your Family’s Formation Experience:
RCIA adapted for children- If you have a child or children 7 years or older who need to be baptized, they will be fully initiated into the Church and receive Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Parents and children complete sacrament preparation together.
Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First Communion)- As you register your child for Faith Formation, you'll notice the questions: "Is your child ready to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist?" View the chart above to see if you think your child is ready for these sacraments.
Teen Confirmation - Teens are part of the St. Patrick Youth (SPY) ministry. Parents/Sponsors and Teens complete Confirmation Readiness together.
Lifelong Faith Formation opportunities - If you and your family have already received these sacraments and want to grow as disciples - we offer Discipleship small groups.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Longo, Director of Faith Formation at ff@stpatrickhutto.org or Luisa Lerma (Spanish) ffadmin@stpatrickhutto.org.
The Pathway for Your Family’s Faith Journey
Steps to Register:
Step 1: — Register for Faith Formation Classes
Elementary Faith Formation (K–5) and sacramental preparation for children and middle schoolers meet Wednesdays, with two session options (see dates above). Register using the link above.
Step 2: — Family Faith Sharing Interview
After registering, parents are invited to a 20–30 minute conversation with a team member. This isn't a test — it's a welcoming opportunity for us to hear your family's faith story, learn about your sacramental journey, answer questions, and help place your family in the formation pathway that best supports your spiritual growth. Every family's journey is unique, and this conversation helps us walk with you well.
Step 3 — Kerygma Retreat: Encounter the Good News
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Before the year begins, parents are invited to a special one-day Kerygma Retreat. Kerygma means the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ — His love for you, His sacrifice for your salvation, and His invitation into a life-changing relationship with Him. This retreat is more than learning about faith — it's an opportunity to personally encounter Jesus, renew your relationship with Him, and prepare to lead your family with renewed joy and purpose. As parents, you give so much to your families; this day is a gift for you.
Because we want parents fully present, childcare will not be provided. Please arrange care for your children for the day.
We look forward to walking with your family this year as we grow together in faith, friendship, and discipleship.
What We Offer
- RCIA Adapted for Children — For children 7+ who need to be baptized: full initiation into the Church with Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Parents and children complete sacrament preparation together.
- Reconciliation & Eucharist (First Communion) — During registration, you'll be asked if your child is ready to prepare for these sacraments.
- Teen Confirmation — Teens are part of St. Patrick Youth (SPY) ministry. Parents/sponsors and teens complete Confirmation Readiness together.
- Lifelong Faith Formation — For families who've already received these sacraments and want to keep growing as disciples: Discipleship small groups.
The Pathway:
- Pre-Sacrament Preparation — typically 1st–2nd graders
- Immediate Sacrament Preparation — after completing step 1
- Post-Sacrament Preparation — 3rd–5th graders who've completed steps 1 and 2
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Jesus Called the Original 12 to follow Him. They did not know what that would mean, but they said "Yes". When Jesus was ascended into heaven, he left us a continued mission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
This call continues from Jesus to us! Who disciples you? Who are you discipling? Parents disciple their children. This is our mission.
How can YOU help?
We Need Your Help — Current Ministry Opportunities
Jesus called the original twelve to follow Him. They didn't fully know what that "yes" would mean — but they trusted Him and followed. Before ascending, He left us a continuing mission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." — Matthew 28:19–20
At St. Patrick, we believe disciples make disciples. Parents disciple their children, catechists accompany families, the Church walks together — and training is provided. You don't need to be a theologian. You just need a willing heart that loves Jesus.
Session Times (Wednesdays): 4:45–5:45 PM · 6:30–7:30 PM · Teens may assist and earn service hours · English and Spanish opportunities available
Children's Faith Formation Ministries
Our Littlest Ones (Under Age 5)
- Childcare Team — Help care for our youngest children while parents participate in Faith Formation.
Early Elementary (Kindergarten)
- Child Small Group Catechists (Grades 1–2) — Walk with children in small age-based groups (5–8 children): lead weekly faith discussions, offer prayer and encouragement, stay connected with parents, help children grow in relationship with Jesus.
- Sacramental Preparation Catechists (Grades 1–2) — Walk with children in the same small-group format.
Year 1 Foundations Team — Accompany children (usually 1st grade) beginning their faith formation journey: building a relationship with Jesus, learning the foundations of the Catholic faith, prayer and Scripture.
Year 2 Sacramental Preparation Team — Help prepare children and families for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist: family preparation sessions, retreats, sacramental interviews, prayer experiences, event coordination. Beautiful work for those who love helping families prepare for sacred milestones.
Young Disciples (Post-Sacrament, Grades 3–5)
- Young Disciples Children's Team — Help children continue growing after First Reconciliation and First Eucharist: prayer, Scripture exploration, hands-on learning, chapel prayer time, interactive youth-ministry-style experiences.
Older Children Sacramental Preparation (Age 7 through Middle School)
Some children/teens begin their sacramental journey later — we're committed to walking with them intentionally.
- Year 1 Foundations Team — Same focus as above, plus accompanying both children and parents.
- Year 2 Sacramental Preparation Team — Same responsibilities as above.
Parent Faith Formation Ministries
Parent Small Group Catechists — Parents accompany their children on the journey of faith by participating in small groups with other adults, exploring the same weekly lesson, Scripture, and themes in an adult-focused format. Responsibilities: leading weekly discussion, prayer and encouragement, walking with parents through joys and struggles, guiding parents on sharing faith at home, following up with absent families, interviewing families as they enter the process. This is less about teaching — and more about accompaniment.
Hospitality & Support Ministries
- Hospitality Team — Create a warm, welcoming environment through setup, cleanup, and hospitality for Wednesday nights.
- Administrative Team — Support the mission behind the scenes: registration, attendance, newsletters, communication, organization. Much of this can be done from home — perfect for detail-oriented servants.
- Spanish Coordinators — Help with Spanish lessons and communication with catechists and parents.
- Interviewing Team — Interview sacrament families at the beginning of the year and before each sacrament (usually after the retreat).
"Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will." — Psalm 40:8
Sometimes the most beautiful ministries begin with a simple yes. You don't need to be perfect — only willing. God forms the hearts of those who say yes.
Interested in serving? Contact Nancy at ff@stpatrickhutto.org, or sign up here.
Here are ongoing needs - prayerfully consider if God is asking you to help us:
- Parent Small Group Catechists- Lead a small group, connecting with them by calling and/or emailing if they miss a week, or if someone is going through trials and needs prayers. Each group should have 4-6 parents.
- Parent Companions - Mentors for families who begin after deadline. You will start with the Kerygma Overview for first 4 weeks as you get to know the family. Then you will find out where they are in their faith walk and follow the curriculum that fits their pathway.
- Child Small Group Catechists- Work with children by age groups. The groups will be between 5-8 children. Weekly communications with parents to check in and connect with them in a faith-filled, intentional manner.
- Older Children Sacrament Preparation Team (over 7 years through 11th Grade) Wednesdays - We will work together praying, and planning a curriculum and planto help our children and parents be properly disposed to receive the sacraments of Initiation. Spanish and English. Parent Group Catechists and Children Group Catechists.
- Children's Activity Team - this team will take the lesson theme for the week and help provide various hands-on activities for our Kindergarten and 1st grade children to help make the lesson fun and spiritual. Spanish and English. Children Catechists only.
- Sacramental Prep - Year 2 team - Help coordinate the special activities for our Year 2 children and families (retreats, interviews, etc) Spanish and English. Parent Catechists and Children Catechists.
- Post Sacrament Children’s Team – for Grades 3-5 - This team will take the lesson theme for the week and help provide various hands-on activities and prayer activities for our third, fourth and fifth grade children to help make the lesson more relevant and spiritual as they grown into their pre-teen years. This will be Youth Ministry/VBS Style – with different modules – including Opening Check in & prayer, Overview of the Scripture of the Day, Understanding the Scripture and teaching – hands on, active learning styles and closing with prayer and time with Jesus in the chapel. Spanish and English –children small group catechists.
- Post Sacrament Parent Groups – for parents whose children have received Sacraments – Spanish and English.
- Hospitality Team - this team will plan, coordinate and execute the food for the Wednesday Faith Formation Nights. They are responsible for set up, tear down, and clean up.Childcare Team - This team will be responsible for the care of younger children not old enough for the program. English and Spanish. Teens can help earn service by helping with Childcare.
- Admin Team - This team helps with attendance, registration, newsletters, etc. This is background work and can be done mostly at home.
- Coordinating Home Group Team - Help coordinating the follow-up and outreach for these home group parents connecting them back to the church community. English Only.
- Interviewing Team - Interviewing Sacrament Families at the beginning of the year and for each Sacrament (usually after the retreat). Spanish and English
Has the Lord been speaking to you through these opportunities? Please reach out the Nancy at ff@stpatrickhutto.org if God is calling you to help with our Faith Formation Team or sign up here:
The Sacraments:
Gifts of Faith
Through the sacraments, Heaven comes, not just to visit, but to live with us and in us. In the sacraments we are graced.
Living a sacramental life is the great gift and calling of every Catholic. In a busy and demanding world, sometimes we forget how powerful and healing they can be and how much we really need them.
Even if you and your family have received sacraments, come and explore in greater depth the goodness of the Lord.
