Dear Faith Formation Families,
We hope you are enjoying a restful start to what will hopefully be a rejuvenating summer! We are excited to share information about a new year of religious education activities in 2023 – 24!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the family and parents are the PRIMARY educators of the faith for their children. It is through your word and example that your children first come to know God and begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When children are baptized, the Church community promises to help parents foster their faith. Our Faith Formation program is designed to assist and support you in this important duty.
For the 2023-2024 school year, St. Patrick Catholic Community Faith Formation Program will have two options for grades 1 – 7. Option 1: Sunday mornings from 9:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. Option 2: Wednesday evenings from 5:15 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. Classes will be held at St. Patrick School.
Eighth grade religious education is combined with Confirmation Preparation and will be offered on the Sunday morning schedule from 9:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. Class will be held in the library in Building #4.
Faith Formation classes will meet approximately three times a month from August 2023 – May 2024.
We ask you to encourage regular attendance and participation in Faith Formation classes, activities, and Sunday Mass. Please see the Faith Formation Calendar and Sacramental preparation dates enclosed.
The goals for our program are:
- To develop an understanding of the Catholic faith and practices in the lives of our families.
- To foster a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer.
- To prepare students to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
The textbook we will be using is Faith and Life: A Catechetical Series by Ignatius Press. Textbooks and supplies are covered by the Faith Formation fees. Please Note: Tuition is $130.00 per student up to $225.00 per family. For children receiving the Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation, there will be an additional fee of $25, 1st Communion – $35, and Confirmation – $45 in order to cover expenses. Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable.
We will begin taking registrations on May 16, 2023. Registrations can be turned into the Faith Formation Office (Parish Office) Monday through Thursday from 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. and Friday 8:30 – 12:00 PM. The registration can be found below. There will be a late fee of $10 after August 10, 2023.
We look forward to seeing you and working with you as we join in guiding our children to know, love, and serve Our Lord. May God bless you and your family this coming year!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization:
Pastor:
Father Jon Plavcan
Faith Formation Secretary:
Mrs. Tracy Oliver
toliver@stpatsparish.org
St. Patrick Catholic Community
Faith Formation Office
638 N. Calumet Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46304
219-926-1282
Mission Statement
St. Patrick Catholic Community Faith Formation focuses on six elements of catechesis in forming Catholic disciples young and old: Knowledge of Faith: what we believe, Sacraments and Liturgy: how we celebrate, Moral Formation: how we live as Catholic Christians, Relationship with God: how we pray, Education for Community Life: how we live in society in response to our baptism call, and Service of God: how we live out our faith in our community and world.
St. Patrick Faith Formation seeks to assist and support the family and parents, the primary educators of the faith for their children, to know, love, and serve our Lord.
Faith Formation Calendar
Calendar 2023
Sunday Morning Class Schedule – Grades 1-8
9:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
- August 20, 27
- September 10, 17, 24
- October 8, 22
- November 5, 12, 19
- December 3, 10, 17
- January 14, 21
- February 4, 11, 25
- March 3, 10, 17
- April 7, 14, 21
- May 5
Wednesday Evening Class Schedule
Grades 1-7
5:15 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
- August 23, 30
- September 13, 20, 27
- October 11, 18
- November 1, 8, 15
- December 6, 13, 20
- January 17, 24
- February, 7, 21, 28
- March 6, 20
- April 10, 17, 24
- May 1, 8
News
Become a Catechist! If you have thought “I’d like to help out at Church but I’m not really sure how” this is your invitation! Our Faith Formation Department is in need of Catechist Substitutes, Catechist Assistants, Safety Monitors, Office staff on Sundays. For more information please call the office at 219-926-1282.
Resources
- Faith Formation Information
- 2023-24 Registration Form
- Parent Handbook
- Jesus and Me Information and Registration Form
- Photo Release
- Safe Environment and Virtus
Catechist Communication
Religious Education Office Hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cancellation of Classes
Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather. If a class must be canceled, you will be notified by email, it will be posted on the St. Patrick Catholic Community Faith Formation link on our website, at our parish app, and there will be a recording on our Faith Formation office voicemail. As a rule, we will follow all Duneland School cancellations.