FAMILY FORMATION
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Family Formation 2026-2027Family Formation is an engaging program where parents and children grow together in their faith through both home-based and parish catechesis. Unlike traditional drop-off programs, Family Formation actively involves the whole family in the learning process.
Families gather once a month after the 1:00pm Mass at the Upper School from 2:15-3:30pm. During these sessions, children meet in age-appropriate groups to receive formal catechesis, while parents participate in sessions that explore certain topics through engaging talks, discussion, and fellowship.
Throughout the rest of the month, families continue learning at home by completing lessons together, helping to build a strong, faith-centered family life.Family Formation gatherings are as follows:
Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4, May 2 after the 1:00pm Mass from 2:15-3:15pm at the Upper School.
Please direct any registration questions to Erin Antosh: [email protected]gSacramental Preparation for Children
Through the Sacraments, our faith is strengthened and our relationship with God is deepened. We are blessed to accompany your family as you guide your children on this beautiful journey of faith.
Sacramental preparation typically takes place over two consecutive years of faith formation: Sac Prep 1 and Sac Prep 2. The Sacraments of Reconciliation (“Confession”) and First Holy Communion are celebrated during the second year, Sac Prep 2.Incoming 2nd graders who were not enrolled in a faith formation program the previous year will be placed in Sac Prep 1.
Incoming 3rd graders and older who need to prepare for the Sacraments—and were not actively involved in a faith formation program the previous year—will be placed in a class called OCIC.
OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children)
OCIC is a faith formation program inspired by the OCIA and designed for children in 3rd grade and above. It is intended for those preparing to receive the Sacraments who have not previously participated in faith formation or who have been inactive for more than a year.
Through this program, children embark on a meaningful journey of faith, growing in their understanding of the Catholic Church and preparing spiritually to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation).
Please see the program details below.
Program Schedule
3rd Grade - 6th Grade
Sundays from 9:15am-10:15am
Upper School Drama Room
Parent attendance is required to foster a shared and enriching faith experience. Children in 3rd-6th grade will receive their Sacraments of Initiation at Pentecost.
For OCIC (3rd grade-6th grade), parents must register for OCIC class through the Young Disciples (Family Formation) registration below. Please contact Erin Antosh at [email protected] for any questions.
Special Needs
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a Special Needs class for students of all grade levels, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for faith formation. 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].