Faith Formation 2024-2025
We are about to begin our 2024-2025 Faith Formation program and are looking forward to meeting our young peolpe where they are and offering them a chance to grow and learn about our faith in an age appropriate manner.Register now. 2024-2025 Registration Form
Our Faith Formation programs will begin on October 6th, 2024, for all students with an opening Mass at 9:30 a.m. for Grades 1-8. Classes will begin at 10:30 a.m. following the Liturgy. The first class for the Confirmation groups will be held on October 15th, 2023 as well at 5:30 p.m.
Classes for all grades will be held on two Sundays each month and the scheduled dates will be available within the next few weeks and posted here.
We have come to realize God's Word, Scripture, which is the essence of our faith, may not be as significant and life-giving as it could be for our children, and their families. To know about Jesus is important but to "know Jesus" is essential for living our faith. Faith and worship go hand in hand, so this year we are again using the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies in all of our Faith Formation classes. This program is based on the liturgical calendar. The readings at Mass each week will be reflected in our classroom lesson plans, and reinforced, at an age appropriate level for each child. A handout booklet will be sent home after each class to involve parents and to foster attendance at Sunday Mass.
Good News in Grades 1, 2 and 3, guides the children to more involvement in Sunday worship as they see how the readings tie into their own lives. Venture in Grades 4, 5 and 6, leads our young people to make moral choices and explore an expanding faith through Gospel dramatizations, current events, and original stories linked to the Gospel and children's own lives. Visions in Grades 7 and 8, emphasizes social justice, moral reasoning and service to others through current-interest articles and life-dilemma stories. Discussion starters help young teens explore links between today's issues, the Sunday readings and their own lives. The Confirmation program, for Grades 9 and 10 will focus on prayer, the Sacraments, and service. Under the guidance OF our new Youth minister, Rudy Flores, we hope to provide the young people of the West Roxbury parishes with more opportunities to rediscover and live their Catholic faith.
Now, more than ever, we need to follow the Gospel message of love and acceptance of all people, and it is imperative to share this with our children! We hope these programs will inspire you and your family to really "know Jesus" and His message!
Confirmation Changes Throughout the Archdiocese
In January 2024, Cardinal Sean O'Malley announced that the Archdiocese of Boston would lower the age of Confirmation for Catholic children from 10th grade to 8th grade, which is around the ages of 13-14. This change is expected to be implemented in local parishes over the next two to three years.
In an interview with the Pilot, Scott Morin, Confirmation Committee member cited a 2018 study that young people stopped identifying as Catholic at the median age of 13 with many people viewing Confirmation as a burden rather than a sacrament. Fellow Confirmation Committee member Jaye Russo added, “The newfound freedoms and responsibilities that come with high school, such as driving, relationships, and jobs, pull teens away from the church. Students often have to choose between going to Mass and going to work or sports practice. We now realize that middle school may be a better age to receive Confirmation because parents are still involved in their children's lives and can participate in the Confirmation process. This change is intended to make Confirmation something kids and families want to be a part of which can help strengthen the faith of the entire family and strengthen their ties to the church.
Preparation will now begin earlier in middle school, and the changes will be completed within the next few years. If you have children in grades 7-10 and are interested in the sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Ellen Murphy or Marie Sullivan, Confirmation Coordinators in the Collaborative Parishes of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John Chrysostom at 617-323-4410. Our programs will begin in October. Class schedules and registration forms are available online in both parishes. Our youth minister, Rudy Flores will be offering and supervising many exciting service and prayer opportunities throughout the year for the students as well. We anticipate that students in grades 8, 9, and 10 will receive the sacrament within the 2024-2025 academic year.
In today's world, our young teens are constantly exposed to materialistic and selfish attitudes. The Confirmation program will offer your young adult an opportunity to explore and understand their place and purpose in the world guided by Christian morality. Our staff and catechists are committed to the families and children in our collaborative parishes of St. John Chrysostom and St. Theresa of Avila. We will work hard to ensure that every child who desires to receive this important sacrament will be able to do so. We look forward to the affirming energy that the children and families seeking the sacrament of Confirmation will bring to our parish communities.
Cancellations
When classes are cancelled due to snow or other emergencies are announced on television stations 4, 7, 56, 38 and WBZ1030 radio. Check online at:Back to Top Home
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