Children's Faith Formation

The goal of Holy Spirit’s Children’s Ministry is to introduce young people (ages 3 years through 6^th Grade) to God in a meaningful way, one that gives significance and direction to their lives.  The program teaches the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God.  We follow the RCIA Model of catechesis beginning with God, family and community (Old Testament) transitioning to liturgy, sacraments and morality (New Testament).  Our Preschoolers are introduced to basic Catholic prayers, traditions and Bible stories helping to lay a strong foundation as they progress to the primary grades.  Older grades share the Christian story in a balanced approach that invites children to discipleship, teaches scripture, doctrine and celebration and challenges children to integrate faith and life.
 
Children’s Faith Formation utilizes RCL Benziger’s Be My Disciples as classroom lesson planning guides.  We do not use student textbooks but rely on Grade Level Coordinators to develop age-appropriate lesson plans and activities, providing catechists with guidance, support and ensuring classroom continuity.  We also offer the Catholic Children’s Bible for Grades 1-3, the BreakThrough! Bible for Grades 4 & 5 and the Catholic Youth Bible for 6^th Grade.  Parents are encouraged to purchase their young person a Bible, as it will become a valuable resource as they continue their faith journey into Youth Ministry (Grades 7-12).
 
Our Catholic Church believes that parents are the primary educators of their children.  Home is where children first experience the love of God and continue to experience how God unconditionally loves and forgives them. The domestic church (family) is crucial to bringing the Spirit of God alive.  We have only a few hours with the children for faith formation.  Parents have every single day with their young person to form their faith.  Our goal is to assist and aid parents in that endeavor.  And, to give them some viable “teaching tools,” Children’s Faith Formation incorporates Mornings with Mom & Dad Sessions into the yearly schedule.  Twice per year (Fall & Spring) per grade, parents are invited and encouraged to join their child in class for a Sunday full of prayer, faith-sharing activities and more of a hands-on faith formation experience. It allows parents an opportunity to actually witness what is being taught in the classroom. Mornings with Mom & Dad have proven to be a favorite gathering for both the parents and children alike. 
 
Other areas of Children’s Faith Formation include outreach, community building and special celebrations, such as the Halloween Spooktacular, Breakfast with St. Nicholas, “Souper” Bowl Sunday Mardi Gras, DOVE Pantry Project, Easter Egg Hunt, Mother & Daughter Tea and the widely popular Vacation Bible School, all done in collaboration with the various parish ministries at Holy Spirit. 

Children’s Faith Formation meets on Sunday mornings 9:15-10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  This enables families to attend Mass prior to or after Faith Formation class and we follow the Duncanville ISD school/holiday schedule.  Classes generally begin the last Sunday in August and end the first Sunday of May.

We are also  pleased and proud to announce the development of a Special Needs Program this year!  The class will be held from 10:30-11:15 a.m.  Anyone wishing to take advantage of this program should contact our office to register.  We have a fantastic group of certified ladies who have been waiting for this opportunity to serve in this area.

For more information concerning Children’s Faith Formation, please contact Deborah Pearson, Coordinator, x14, or deborahpearson@holyspiritcc.org.