Welcome! Our Faith Formation Program uses a family-centered model, designed to facilitate a personal encounter with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Our goal is for families to develop and sustain a deeper more meaningful relationship with each other and God, create lasting friendships with other families and better understand our shared faith.
We are so excited you’re interested in joining or returning to our family faith formation program for grades K-8th in the 2026/2027 year. Below you will find what to expect as part of our family faith formation and sacramental preparation programs.
Family Faith Formation (K-8th grade)
Weekly Mass
The primary formative experience for families each week is Celebration of the Eucharist (weekly Mass). We understand family life is chaotic and schedules can be difficult to juggle, which is why we encourage you to set this time aside each Saturday evening or Sunday for rest and renewal with your family and church community. We view the Mass as more than just a ritual or duty, but a dynamic, personal encounter with the living Christ and we are committed to helping you experience Him in our parish each Sunday.
Weekly Packets (one per family)
Each week, we will prepare an at-home packet for families that should be done together in conjunction with a reading from “The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics,” that you will receive at the start of the program. These packets will be designed to make your faith interesting and accessible for all ages, with practical ideas of how to practice it in meaningful ways as a family. Through prayer, conversation, and connection we pray this year transforms your relationship with God and each other. The packets will be available each weekend for families to pick up after any of the weekend Masses.
Monthly Gatherings (K-8th)
Each family is asked to attend one in-person gathering monthly from September – May. Our theme this year is “Living Intentionally as a Family – A Distraction-Free Life Through Prayer” Gatherings will be held on a Wednesday evening at 7pm and a Sunday morning at 9:15am, so that families can choose the most convenient time to attend. We hope this will be a time for families to connect, build friendships, grow in their faith together and experience a growing and lasting relationship with Christ.
Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation & First Communion (2nd grade)
“Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me'” (Luke 22:19).
Our 2nd graders will participate along with their families in Family Faith Formation (as described above). In addition, starting in December our 2nd graders will meet on Sundays at 9:15 for 6-weeks leading up to First Reconciliation and 6-weeks leading up to First Eucharist.
Confirmation (8th grade)
“Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17).
Our 8th graders will be preparing for Confirmation, meeting approximately twice a month on Sunday at 4:30pm followed by 6pm Mass (dinner included). In addition they will attend two retreats held on a Saturday, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. All 8th graders and their families are welcome to attend the Monthly Gatherings!
Registration
New Parishioners
New families are asked to register as parishioners at St. Mary of the Bay prior to participating in Family Faith Formation. Please provide records of Baptism and First Communion. If the sacraments were received at a parish other than St. Mary of the Bay, St. Jean Baptiste, St Thomas the Apostle or St. Casimir. If you do not have a copy of your child’s sacramental records, please call the church where the sacrament was celebrated and request that it be sent to us. If your child has not been baptized, you are still most welcome to participate in Family Faith Formation. Please contact the Director, the Deacon or the Pastor to discuss baptism.
Cost
Suggested donation is $60 for the first student and $30 for each additional student with a maximum payment of $120 per family. Donations may be made by check or credit/debit card online. If using the online registration, you will be directed to the giving platform for payment, upon completion and submission of the form. If the suggested donation is burdensome, please contact the Director or the Pastor.
Questions, please contact:
Jennifer Smith
Faith Formation Director
401-245-7000 ext. 21
SMBFaithFormation@gmail.com