Faith Formation Programs for Children

PHILOSOPHY

Canon Law, the law of the Church, states that "parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of Christian life by word and example; godparents and those who take the place of parents are bound by an equivalent obligation" (Can. 774 §2). The General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis resound the same sentiment. St. Richard's Office for Parish Faith Formation recognizes and embraces parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children as they strive to fulfill this special role. Our mission is to assist parents in providing sound catechesis on the catechism and teachings of the Catholic Church so that their children will be formed in the faith of the Catholic tradition. This is accomplished by providing parents with a variety of resources and programs that will enable their children to cultivate a deep appreciation for and understanding of what it means to be a Catholic Christian in today's changing world. Our program attempts to provide children with ample opportunities to live and experience their faith through catechesis, service, worship, and fellowship. The Office for Parish Faith Formation is committed to improving its programs so that we may better assist parents in providing their children with the fullest experience of living their Catholic heritage on their journey of faith and deepening their relationship with God.

CCD FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine)

Wednesday Evenings 5:45 - 7:00 PM
in the School Building

The CCD Program assists parents in providing a sound foundation for the faith of their children to develop. The program is for children attending public schools in grades 1 to 6. Sessions are held every Wednesday evening from 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM in the school building. Sessions begin the third week of September and conclude the third week of May.

Enrollment in the CCD Program for a minimum of two consecutive years is required for children to begin sacramental preparation for Eucharist and or Confirmation.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAM

All baptized children from grade two and up who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church with the reception of Eucharist and/or Confirmation are eligible for this program provided that they have successfully completed a minimum of two consecutive years of formation in the Catholic Faith. First Penance is celebrated in early spring for children in grades 2 and up. First Eucharist is celebrated in April for grades 3 and up. Confirmation is celebrated every two years for children in grades 5 and up.

HOME SCHOOLING PROGRAM

The home schooling program was developed to affirm parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children and to accommodate families that have special circumstances that render them incapable of participating in the other programmatic options available. Parents electing this option will be provided with a manual, guidelines, and the appropriate workbook materials for their child. The exact requirements and expectations for those wishing to participate in the home schooling program will be reviewed with the parents during a detailed training session. Please contact Dennis M. Mueller @ 215-468-4777 or dmueller@strichardchurch.org for more information.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

St. Richard Parish embraces all of its children regardless of special need or disability. We will make every effort to accommodate participants with special needs and provide them with an inclusive environment in our programs. Parents with children who have special needs should contact the program director prior to registration so that we may ensure proper and adequate support is in place before classes begin.