Faith Formation

The faith development of a child is a journey shared between families and the parish community. Our Catholic Church believes parents are the primary educators of their children. The Children's Faith Formation department at St. Andrew by the Sea seeks to support parents in this lifelong journey of faith formation by providing catechetical instruction in scripture, doctrine, prayer and worship. We also assist in preparing children for their sacraments, all in the hopes of fostering personal and spiritual growth. With this is mind, and in keeping with our mission to know, love, serve, and worship the Lord together so that we will love one another, as Christ loves us, we have several sessions available for Children's Faith Formation.
 

Dear Parents/Guardians:
 

Welcome to our 2023-2024 Religious Education and Faith Formation Program. 

Faith Formation is one of the most important gifts you can give your child and your family. Our Religious Education Team is very excited about the upcoming year. 

At St. Andrew by the Sea we offer Religious Education classes for grades K through 12th grade. We are eagerly looking forward to helping your child grow in their love for Christ Jesus, their faith formation and spiritual development.

Blessings,
Cheryl Hooper
Director of Religious Education
standrewdreoffice@gmail.com

 

All Classes meet Sunday mornings 9:45 - 10:45
 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Grades K - 2nd)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.

You may be wondering how these materials help the religious life of children? If an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, the adult might take a Bible, find the passage, and read it slowly again and again. He or she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer. But a little child, too young to read, needs another way. In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, place in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God. 

 

Discover!  Finding Faith in Life Faith Formation Program
(Grades 3 - 6th)

With the Catholic Children's Bible as the core text, children will be immersed in Scripture from 
Day 1.  Each chapter is anchored to a Scripture story.  Children will dive into the Bible in order to complete an activity.  Family pages brind the chapter themes to life in fun, family-friendly ways.  And weekly feature personso f faith provide inspiring Catholic hereos for focus.

 

Jr. High and High School (Grades 7th- 12th)

Meet Sunday mornings to break open the Word of God and for lively discussions on the Catholic Faith, Saints, Social Justice issues, Morality and to spend time in deep prayer and adoration.  Our youth participate in several "Angel Project" service projects each year.  Friends are welcome to come to class with your youth. 


 

Additional Information
 

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
is a consecutive 2-year process, normally beginning in 1st grade (preparation
classes for older students are available).   Students must be registered in our
Religious Education program.  Weekly attendance in our parish CCD classes
is required unless the student is attending a local parochial school.  If your
child is enrolled in Sacramental Preparation, please provide a copy of his/her
baptismal certificate to the Religious Education Office. 

R.C.I.C.

Students who are in grades 3-12 who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism,
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are invited to participate in the
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (R.C.I.C.).  Please contact the Religious Education
office at standrewdreoffice@gmail.com for more information.

CONFIRMATION

Any 9th -12th grade student who wishes to recieve the Sacrament of Confirmation
must be enrolled in our Confirmation program. Confirmation preparation is a 2-year process.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation normally begins in 9th grade. If your child is
enrolled in Confirmation preparation please provide the Religious Education Office
with a copy of his/her baptismal certificate. 


 

Registration

You may register online  
 

Instructions for K through 12th grade Registration
Please fill out a separate form for each child you are enrolling.

1. Fill out the entire form for each child.
2. Make your tuition check payable to “St. Andrew by the Sea”.
3. Tuition payment arrangements are available.
4. Late fee of $5.00 per child begins after September 19th.
5. Baptism certificates are required for Sacrament preparation classes.

 

ATTENDANCE/BEHAVIOR

• Students must respect the Catechists, other students and property.
• Punctuality is expected. 
• Regular attendance in class greatly enhances your child’s faith formation.
• Students, who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, should have no more than 3 excused absences per year. 
• Parent and child attendance at scheduled Parent/Student classes for Sacramental Preparation is required.