Articles by Mary Foy
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Question: How many years is “Children’s Faith Formation”?
Answer: Your children’s formation in our faith begins at birth and continues throughout their lives. It is your responsibility as a parent to raise your children to be faithful Catholics, which you promised at their baptism.
But what about our parish Children’s Faith Formation program? “Formally,” we being with First Grade, about age 6, and continue until Eighth Grade. We help prepare children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
But how many years are “required” for these sacraments? “Required” is a word packed with meaning and, sometimes, with negative connotations. In order to excel in playing an instrument or a sport, a certain amount of instruction and coaching is necessary. If you skimp on this, or not practice, then you may not become the musician or athlete you are hoping to become or achieve the level you were meant to reach.
In order to prepare for Reconciliation and Eucharist, the Diocese of Metuchen says at least two years of instruction is necessary. This is usually first and second grade. To prepare for Confirmation, when your child will become a full member of the Catholic Church, the Diocese says more coaching is necessary. This is accomplished in Grades 3-8, with Confirmation celebrated at the end of eighth grade. If your child is not enrolled in our program, or if other accommodations are not made (e.g. attendance in a Catholic School or similar program), then they will have to take another path to receive these sacraments, and may not receive them at the “usual” ages with their peers.
So, what can a parent do to make sure their children and family benefit from all our formation program have to offer? IF YOUR CHILD IS ENTERING FIRST GRADE THIS FALL, PLEASE REGISTER THEM NOW FOR RELIGIOUS FORMATION IN SEPTEMBER 2021. There is info on our website, www.blessedsacramentnj.org, or you can email [email protected].
IF YOUR CHILDREN HAVE CELEBRATED FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION, PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY ARE RE-REGISTERED FOR NEXT YEAR. Again, check our website for more info. IF YOUR CHILD IS ENTERING GRADE 2 OR HIGHER THIS FALL IN SCHOOL AND HAS NOT YET CELEBRATED RECONCILIATION OR EUCHARIST, PLEASE CONTACT US NOW TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEM TO RECEIVE THESE SACRAMENTS.
We are here to walk beside you and your family as your children grow in faith. We will do whatever is needed for your family to make this work. If you have a special family situation, a child with special needs, or other circumstances that may present a challenge, please let us know asap.
May God bless us all in our efforts to bring His little ones to Him!
Mary Foy, MPS, Director, Children’s Faith Formation
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A Question to ponder... by Mary FoyA Question from the Children’s Faith Formation Office: When should a child begin learning about their faith?
So how did you answer our Children’s Faith Formation question: When should a child begin learning about their faith? 3 yrs. old, 6 yrs. old,12 yrs. old? The answer is: AT BIRTH!!!!! Just as we all coo and talk to newborns in our families and even at the grocery store, we can begin to help them experience being part of the Family of God. Sure, they don’t know about going to Mass or saying the rosary or prayers before meals, but parents and all of us can set that example early on. When you attend Mass as a family, take Baby along when possible. Maybe they will cry and fuss, but it will be the start of teaching your child that Mass is what we do as a family, and we do it to join with our parish family and praise God.
One priest even said once that when babies cried at mass, perhaps they were praying “in tongues” as the early disciples did, using languages often no one could interpret but God. This is also a good time to put some religious images in your home and safe ones in Baby’s room as well. Many of us remember that painting of the Guardian Angel guiding the little children across the bridge in a rainstorm. Babies love to see pictures of other babies, so it’s a great time for a simple board book of the Nativity Story. You can explain how Jesus was a baby just like they are, and he had a mommy and a daddy, too. There are also teething toys in the shape of a rosary or a cross that can help children learn to recognize these wonderful symbols of our faith.
Later, reading bedtime stories from a child’s bible or watching videos of these stories online can help make faith come alive for little ones. Videos often contain some great easy tunes for children to remember. Anyone who doubts this hasn’t been treated to toddler’s soulful rendition of “Baby Shark” repeatedly in the grocery store while their mom or dad shopped. Why not expose them to “This Little Light of Mine” or “I’ve Got the Love of Jesus (down in my heart)”?
The goal in these early years is not to raise theological scholars or future clergy or lay ministers, but to make the faith a part of the fabric of your family and your child’s life from the first days. This is a lot easier than trying to explain to a 12-year-old why, suddenly, they need to take classes to prepare for Confirmation when he is used to having every evening and weekend free for sports or activities with friends.
Parents, you made a promise to God at your child’s baptism to bring them up in the Church. Don’t wait until it gets hard to do this. Start early and often, and you might see a little more light in your own lives as well.
And if you’re not a parent, or your little ones are grown and out of the nest, how can you help? When you see harried parents with one or more little people, hold the door for them. Offer to grab the diaper bag if their hands are full or pick up that dropped toy or blanket. And if a baby should decide to “pray in tongues” at Mass when you are there, and you look over at the poor parent trying to calm them, give a smile or a nod instead of a glare or a pout. Pour love on the situation instead of more gasoline to feed the flames. These children are still children of God and members of OUR parish family.
It has been said that the children are the church of tomorrow. Actually, they are the church of TODAY, and we will afford to send them away hungry from our pews.
For more info on raising Catholic kids, see….
www.Catholicmoms.com A website devoted to Catholic parenting including webcasts, ideas for activities at home, and articles on the weekly Sunday Mass readings for families.
https://teachingcatholickids.com/best-practices/ Article on steps shown by researchers to help keep faith in your family’s lives.
https://www.catholicscomehome.org/your-questions/marriage/parenting/ A short article on current trends with great resources at the end.
Mary F. Foy, Director of Children’s Faith Formation
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