Search
FAMILY FORMATION
-
Family Formation 2025-2026
Family Formation is a dynamic program where parents and children learn and grow together in their faith through both home and church catechesis. It is not your typical drop-off program. Parents and children gather once a month.
Children meet with their age-appropriate groups where they will receive formal catechesis. At the same time, parents gather together and are engaged in the same topic through talks, discussion, and fellowship. Parents and children will complete their home lessons as a family for the remaining weeks of the month.Family Formation gatherings are as follows:Sept. 28, Nov.2, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 1, March 1, April 12, May 3
Please direct any registration questions to Erin Antosh: [email protected]First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for Children:
Sacraments strengthen our faith and improve our relationship with God. We are blessed to be able to help you guide your children on this beautiful journey.
For incoming 1st and 2nd graders:
Generally, two consecutive years of faith formation are required for Sacramental Preparation: Sac Prep 1 and Sac Prep 2. The Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion are celebrated in Sac Prep 2.
Incoming 2nd graders without formation the year before are placed in Sac Prep 1.Incoming 3rd graders and up, who need to prepare for sacraments (and were not actively involved in a faith formation program the year before), are placed in a class called TIPS.What is TIPS?
TIPS, "Together in Preparation for Sacraments," is an OCIA class adapted for children, and comprised of students 3rd grade and up. This is a class for children who need to prepare for Sacraments, and have not had prior faith formation, or it has been more than a year since last active in faith formation. This class meets every Sunday at 9:15am (a parent is required to attend these weekly classes). Students are assessed on an individual basis. Children could be celebrating the Sacraments of First Reconciliation in March 2026 and First Holy Communion in May 2026. If your child is also needing Baptism, that will be celebrated in January 2026.
Special Needs
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a Special Needs class for all grade levels during the First Session. Please reach out to Erin Antosh, [email protected], for additional information.
For more information, or if you have any questions regarding the PreK – 6th grade program, contact Deacon Andy Pena at [email protected].
After much prayer and discernment, and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we have decided to move our Family Formation program to the Upper School starting this year.We are thrilled about this change for several reasons:- Family Formation will no longer be separated from the STA community. We are all one Body in Christ, and this move allows us to celebrate and grow in faith together.
- The Eucharist is at the heart of our faith. This new format will make it easier for families to participate fully in Mass and the Sacraments.
- We have the full support of Fr. Ryan and the Upper School staff in this transition.
How will the sessions look?- First session families will attend the 9:00 AM Mass and then dismiss to classrooms afterward.
- Second session families will attend the 11:00 AM Mass and then dismiss to classrooms afterward.
- With this new format, class times will extend by only 20 minutes. The first session will end at 10:50 AM and the second at 12:50 PM.
We are so grateful for your continued support and partnership in passing on the faith to our children. We cannot wait to begin this new year with you!Your Servant in Christ,Deacon Andy PenaDirector of Family Formation