At St. Anne’s, we embrace the truth that parents are the first and the primary educators of their children in the faith. On each couple’s wedding day, before they were able to say vows, the Church asked each couple if they were willing to bring children up “according to the laws of Christ and His church.” And then again, at the child’s baptism, the same couple was asked if they understood the responsibility of rearing their child in the faith. To form a soul to follow and know Christ is a noble and beautiful adventure.
Accordingly, we make a firm commitment to help each parent by partnering with them but not replacing them. For this reason, we provide a blended family formation process with formation for children and adults separately and together. We want to walk with you and your child and help you and your child walk together.
We endeavor to accompany each family as best we can, to meet them where they are and to bring them to Christ. We accomplish this accompaniment through two primary means: Archbishop Maurice Muhatia and our parish Faith Formation Process.
Our Lord made numerous covenants with the people of God, each deepening and expanding the relationship between God and Man. With each new covenant God promised more and man was expected to follow God more closely. Like a marriage, this means several clear expectations and boundaries for the good of all. Our Faith Formation process has two elements that we hold up that we believe are derived from God’s own expectations and desire to bless each family abundantly.
Parent Attendance and Participation
Parents are required to take part in the formation and sacramental preparation of their children. We will make allowances for gurdians or other close family members but each child is to be accompanied by a family member critical to their formation as a person.
Mass Attendance
Attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is required as part of proper formation for those receiving sacraments. The best place to learn and to be formed by God is to be with him and there is no substitute to worship of God on Sunday and the Holy Days of Obligation.
Formal preparation for first communion and confession begins in the second grade. Time required is evaluated on an individual basis and depends on an the demonstration of attaining an appropriate level of formation. Please work with our Catechist to best know when your child will be ready.
Confirmation preparation begins in High School, typically as a sophomore. The youth will participate in youth nights to receive necessary formation focusing on confirmation and ensuring essential and basic truths and practices of the faith are evident in each person. Details are always available at the parish office.
