Religious Education

  • Raising Your Children in the catholic faith

    In an effort to assist parents in their role as primary teachers in the ways of faith, we offer a variety of options for children and families to grow and learn.
    PRE K – GRADE 7
    G.I.F.T. Program:  Families with children in grades PreK - 7th are welcome to join our Faith Formation program, called Growing in Faith Together (GIFT).  Kids attend two sessions per month in grade-level groups; Parents attend the adult session 1x /month. GIFT runs September through May. Registration packets for the 2020-2021 school year will become available in March of 2020 and are due by May 3rd.

    Liturgy of the Word for Children:  All youngsters are invited to attend the Sunday 9:30AM Mass where they are dismissed as a group to hear the Sunday Gospel at an age-appropriate level.


    Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:  This is a nationally recognized, Montessori-based approach to faith formation for children 3-5 years old. Our CGS trained facilitators bring the deepest truths to our youngest disciples through hands-on experiences in the Atrium on Sundays during G.I.F.T. sessions, and on Thursday afternoons from 12:30pm-1:45pm. Registration packets for the 2020-2021 school year will become available in March of 2020.

     
    Vacation Bible School:  Children in grades PreK-6th will sing, dance, learn scripture, make crafts, and play games when they attend this year’s VBS program, offered August 10th – 14th. Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway! On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. Teens in 7th grade and higher may volunteer as small group leaders. Adult Volunteers (17 and up) are needed to lead station activities.
     
    Volunteers are needed at every level of Faith Formation!
    Are you interested in donating your time and talent to enrich the lives of our young parishioners? All teen and adult volunteers must be CaSE trained, sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct, and pass a background check. Whether you have a long- or short-term commitment in mind, call our Faith Formation Coordinator, Julie Bailey at the Parish Office at (585)352-5481 or Julie.bailey@dor.org to find out more.
     
     
    GRADE 8 AND ABOVE
    Teen Programs (Youth Group) and our Two Year Confirmation program work closely with the Faith Formation program to somewhat align programming. Registration forms are below for Confirmation. Our Teen Activities Newsletter speaks to the variety of programs available throughout the year.
    We partner with parents to offer age appropriate tools and resources and encourage you to read the 
    Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2221-2226) for this and other pertinent information. This book is available through our parish center or for sale in our Divine Mercy Gift Shop. For more information about either of these teen programs, contact  the Parish Office (585)352-5481