St. Charles Borromeo
Christian Formation Program

Christian Formation Opportunities and Sacramental Preparation Christian Formation Opportunities Sunday School Our Sunday School program is offered September-April from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the school at St. Charles. We invite all 3, 4, and 5 year olds to join us as we learn more about Jesus through stories, song, and prayer. Child Church Liturgy of the Word for children in grades 1-4 is offered at the 9:30 Mass from September to June. After the opening prayer, children participating in Child Church will go to the school at St. Charles, where they celebrate God's presence in the Word. The children return to church after the prayers of the faithful. There is no fee or registration required. Children’s Liturgies All children and their families are invited to join us for Children's Liturgies. They are celebrated once a month beginning in October. Dates and times can be found in the bulletin as well as on our website. Summer Camp/Home Study There are two different religious education options for families with children in grades K-8. Summer Camp is a two-week curriculum-based program in July. It includes opportunities for prayer, art, music and drama. It is held in the school at St. Charles from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The Home Study program is for parents who would like to teach their children at home. Children’s texts and parent guides are also provided. Opportunities for support and community are offered during the year. Families in both programs are expected to attend Family Enrichment Sundays. Family Enrichment Family Enrichment Sundays are opportunities for faith sharing for the whole family. We gather in the Parish Center from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to reflect on a theme, participate in a craft activity, share refreshments, and enjoy the company of one another. Dates are published in the bulletin and are also listed on the St. Charles website. For registration or more information regarding any of the above programs, please contact the Christian Formation Office at 663-8000. Sacramental Preparation Sacraments are joyous celebrations of our children’s deepening relationship with God, and their commitment to the Christian journey of faith. The foundation of our sacramental preparation program is the conviction that parents carry out the primary role in the faith formation of their children simply by being parents - the most important Christian adults in their children’s lives. Our programs support parents in this important role. Registration with the St. Charles parish community is required for sacramental preparation. Please call the Parish Office to register. Baptism A preparation class for all parents is required prior to the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. The classes are held once a month. Please call Sister Miriam at the Parish Office (663-3230) three months before the anticipated date of the Baptism to register for a preparation class and schedule the Baptism. First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation Celebrations of First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation, in accord with Diocesan guidelines, are not determined by grade or age but by a child’s "readiness" and their personal faith journey. Determination of readiness is made by the parents in consultation with the Christian Formation Office. Preparation for Reconciliation is in the fall; preparation for First Communion and Confirmation is in the spring. Registration required. Call the Christian Formation Office at 663-8000 for registration or more information. Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Rites of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) Rites of Christian Initiation are for adults and children after the age of reason (7 years old) seeking to be baptized as Roman Catholics. This process is for anyone who has been baptized in another faith tradition but now seeks to join and worship in the Roman Catholic tradition. It is also for anyone baptized a Catholic who hasn’t completed the other Sacraments of Initiation, namely Holy Communion and Confirmation. Separate sessions are held for children and adults. Registration and an interview process is required. Call Sister Miriam at the Parish Office (663-3230). Marriage Marriage ceremonies are scheduled at least six months in advance of the wedding date by calling the Parish Office. An important part of your preparation is participation in Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter. This requirement of the Bishop is designed to help couples in their growth as maturing individuals. The Priest, Deacon, or Pastoral Associate assisting in the preparation process will meet with you. Part of this process includes the administration and interpretation of FOCCUS, a tool facilitating couples communication. It is recommended that couples participate in either Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter at least six months prior to their marriage. The FOCCUS instrument is a requirement of all couples seeking the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Charles. Information regarding these programs as well as our guidelines for celebrations of marriage are available through the Parish Office.

Christian Formation Calendar 2009-2010 Family Enrichment Sundays 2:00-3:30 PM October 25, 2009 Church Tour Church November 29, 2009 Advent Wreath Making Parish Center December 13, 2009 Gingerbread! Parish Center February 14, 2010 Mardi Gras Parish Center April 11, 2010 Teaching Mass Church Summer Camp July 12-23, 2010 9:00 A.M.—12 Noon The School at St. Charles Children’s Movie Nights November 22, 2009 March 14, 2010 6:00-7:30 P.M. School Library Sacramental Dates First Reconciliation November 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. Church Parent/Child Meetings: October 4, 2009 10:45 A.M. - Gym November 1, 2009 10:45 A.M. - Parish Center ***************************** First Eucharist Celebration Dates May 1 & 2, 2010 4:30 P.M., 9:30 A.M., 11:30 A.M. Mass of Enrollment January 10, 2010 9:30 A.M. Meetings: February 7, 2010 10:45 A.M. - Gym March 14, 2010 10:45 A.M. - Parish Center April 11, 2010 2:00 P.M. - Church ********************************* Confirmation Date of Confirmation: TBA Mass of Enrollment January 10, 2010 9:30 A.M. Meeting: February 2, 2010 Parish Center 7:00 P.M. Candidate/Sponsor/Parent Children’s Liturgies 9:30 A.M. Mass October 4, 2009 November 1, 2009 December 6, 2009 Advent Toy Collection January 10, 2010 Mass of Enrollment February 7, 2010 March 14, 2010