Faith Formation at St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook
Faith Formation classes have already begun for the academic year. If you would like to inquire about class availability, please email JoEllen Cattapan.
Complete details about the programming, schedule of classes, tuition costs and the volunteer opportunities are included in the pdf below.
Complete details about the programming, schedule of classes, tuition costs and the volunteer opportunities are included in the pdf below.
| 2025-26_registration_information_for_k-8_ff_programs.pdf |
About the program |
St. Norbert & Our Lady of the Brook parish hopes to be a source of Christ's love, strength, comfort and joy for your families. We are here for you and your children and are committed to journeying together with you to develop and deepen your relationship with Christ.
Our Faith Formation program not only teaches children about our Catholic faith, traditions and Jesus’ love, it also engages the entire family on the journey of faith. Beginning this year, we will offer parent formation opportunities during Sunday mornings, and we will send weekly messages to parents describing what their children are learning in the classroom and ways to continue the conversation and lessons at home. Parents and other members of your family play an important role in helping form your children in the Catholic faith and prepare them for the sacraments. It is important that you attend Sunday Mass as a family and to pray with your children every day. An active prayer and faith life is a practice—it requires our movement, action and repetition to notice the benefits. Praying together as a family at bedtime is a simple way to teach your kids some of our common Catholic prayers. Download the common Catholic prayers (found below) to get started. Our Programming K-6 Faith Formation Program Our K-6th grade program (except 2nd grade) uses the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies curriculum that combines a complete catechesis of our Catholic faith with the liturgical life of the Church. The content of the program flows from each Sunday’s Gospel and students learn about their faith within the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year. Every lesson goes home to involve parents (who hear the same Gospel on Sunday) making it easier for you to discuss topics with your children. Classes are held two times per month on Sunday mornings after the 9:30 Mass (10:45 am – 12 noon) and on Tuesday late afternoon (4:30 pm – 5:45 pm). Parents select their preferred class day at registration. We try to avoid scheduling classes over school breaks and long weekends. We follow the District #28 school schedule. First Communion and First Reconciliation Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation is an exciting time for your children. They will finally get to sit at the Big table and receive the Eucharist along with the members of their family and friends. During the academic year they will learn about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and how Jesus nourishes us in the sacrament. Likewise, they will learn about their responsibility of keeping their hearts open to the love of Jesus and how the sacrament of Reconciliation helps with that. We will use a combination of resources for the sacramental preparation: Together in Jesus lesson sheets and Blessed First Reconciliation & First Communion videos. Traditionally, these sacraments are received during a child’s second grade year. For those students who missed preparation in second grade, we will work with you to help your children make these sacraments. Parents should email JoEllen at [email protected] to arrange a discussion about the options. Called Confirmation Program for 7th and 8th Graders Called Confirmation, our 7th and 8th grade program, is a youth group style experience. They meet for a pizza dinner after the 5pm Sunday Mass in the Parish Hall and then transition into small groups for lessons and conversation. Called Confirmation is a two-year program, and we use several curricula during the two years: Gifted in the Spirit (Confirmation specific lessons from Pflaum Publishing Group), YDisciple (small group discussion resources from NET Ministries), and some videos from Youth Alpha. Our Called Confirmation Program is designed to help our students…
The sessions are held twice a month and begin after the 5pm Sunday Mass with pizza at 6pm in the Parish Hall (church lower level). They end at 7:30pm. During most sessions, all the students and volunteers will walk to the school after pizza for small group programming. Some sessions will be held in the church with the large group when we have special guest speakers. Students are expected to attend weekly Sunday Mass with their families. We purposely position Called Confirmation sessions after the 5pm Sunday Mass as an easy option for attendance. Confirmation is a two-year program. In order to be Confirmed in the 8th grade, a student must have been enrolled in a Catholic Faith Formation program or a Catholic school in the 7th grade. If your child missed the 7th grade instruction last year, we will work with you and your student. Contact JoEllen Cattapan at [email protected] for more information. Study at Home Programs Study at home programs are available for families whose schedules do not permit regular class attendance. Approval for registration into the programs is required. Parents who are interested in pursuing this option should email JoEllen Cattapan at [email protected] to arrange a time for a conversation. The price for study-at-home programming is the same price for in-person classes.
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Important Dates to Remember
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