Faith Formation

Faith Formation Through Whole Community Catechesis

For information on registration, schedules, lessons, or content:

All grades, OCIA and OCIC: contact Teresa Neuman, director of Faith Formation

Link to staff page

Printable Registration Forms - 2024 to 2025

Helpful links for parents and catechists

Be My Disciples

The Vatican

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

The Church of St. Patrick follows Whole Community Catechesis. It is based on a directive from the General Directory of Catechesis (GDC) a document called forth at Vatican II. It brings our programs beyond the learning the fundamentals of the faith by:

Refreshing the adults’ knowledge of the faith.

Reinforcing and building upon what is learned each year.

Relating what the adults learn to what the children learn.

Building up the Domestic Church.

Engaging learners of all ages in Social Justice Activities

Providing the opportunity to learn from others of various ages and experiences.

Family Faith formation is encouraged for all children in grades Pre K through Confirmation.

We are continually improving our Faith Formation programs based on feedback from parents and children who participate.

Click HERE Information about Liturgy of the Word for Children

** NOTE: Requirements for all those desiring to work with our youth and vulnerable adults include :1) Completing online training at www.VIRTUSONLINE.org per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) guidelines, 2) signing a Code of Conduct agreement , and 3) completing a criminal background check. All training, documents, and information are provided.

See the link to the Archdiocese Requirements: Archdiocese Safe Environment Requirements
Victim Assistance Hotline: 651-291-4497

RCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) - Are you seeking to come into community with the Catholic Church? Do you have a family member of friend who is a baptized Catholic but never received the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation? Do you know someone who is seeking to learn more about the Catholic Faith? Then the RCIA journey may be the answer to their/your questions about a faith filled life. If you know anyone who has questions or may be interested in the RCIA journey please contact Teresa Neuman, Director of Faith Formation at 651-455-6624 ext. 1565 or e-mail at tneuman@churchofstpatrick.com

Faith Formation Volunteer Opportunities
Contacts: Director of Faith Formation: Teresa Neuman

Works in conjunction with staff Faith Formation Director. Using the model of lifelong faith formation and community catechesis, we strive to inform the parish of its role in continuing to learn and grow in faith as each person strives to deepen his/her relationship with the Trinity

Faith Formation Commission Member
Meets monthly – Offer input and support to the Director and Faith Formation staff for the development of parish learning and educational needs.

Catechist – Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Typically meets once every 3-4 weeks - 20 minutes/week during 10:30 a.m. Mass (September – May) and 9:00 a.m. Mass (June – August)
Lead parish children in grades K-4 from the Children’s Lectionary. Training and homily reflections provided. **

Catechist – Confirmation
Meets for 1-2 sessions/month.
(1 hour preparation/session; session time 1½ hours)
Leaders willing to journey with a small group of Confirmation candidates. Education training is provided for classroom management, curriculum adaptations, and lesson ideas. Must be a Confirmed Catholic. Meets September through May. **

Catechist – Elementary School
Meets for 2-3 classes/month - September – April - 3 hours/class session for preparation, catechist newsletter, and teaching class
Share your faith with learners in a classroom setting in grades pre-K - 5. Classes meet September through April either Sunday or Wednesday. Training is provided for prayer interactions, discipline, and lesson plans. All lesson plans are provided. Options to co-teach exist. **

Catechist - Middle School
Meets for 2 classes/month on Wednesdays. September– April - 2½ hours/session for preparation and class time
Lead a Faith Formation session for learners in grades 6 – 8 to build faith appreciation through an understanding of the Church and Scripture. Education training is provided for classroom management, curriculum adaptations, and lesson ideas. **

Catechist – OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children)
Meets 2-3 Sunday mornings/month from September – April – 9 hours/month Lead the catechetical journey of RCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) by developing sessions with the Director of Faith Formation including Lectio Divina, formal learning, prayer, and discernment. **

Catechist - Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Meets Sunday – Thursday evenings -during the summer – 15 hours (3 hours/evening)
Share your faith with children during a week-long faith journey including bible study, crafts, snacks, games, and prayer. **

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Coordinator
8 hours/year Helps recruit and train catechists with the Faith Formation Director.
E-mails ministry schedule. **

Confirmation Sponsor
2-3 Confirmation sessions per year plus relationship building - September – May Commitment is only if contacted and paired with a Candidate
If interested in being a Confirmation Sponsor for a Candidate who does not have his/her own, you must be 1) Confirmed in the Catholic faith, 2) An active, practicing Catholic as well as good role model of Christian living, 3) 16 years of age, and 4) Accessible to the candidate for questions and guidance. If interested, your name will be placed on a list of potential sponsors, and you will be contacted when needed. **

Epiphany Performance Director
Meets Sunday mornings - October –January - 20-30 hours total Coordinate, manage, direct, and build the music and play incorporating the
Epiphany story for grades pre-K-5. **

Grandparent Ministry
This ministry welcomes new and seasoned grandparents to expand their horizons in order to support their role as Catholic grandparents. Join us as we pray and discuss ways to build the faith in our children and grandchildren. Watch the bulletin for monthly meeting dates and times.

Music Helper
Meets monthly - 30 minutes Teach liturgical music to learners in grades pre-K - 5 on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings during Faith Formation sessions. **

Parish Library Help
Weekly - 1 hour - September – May
Organize and maintain parish library inventory and materials.

OCIA/OCIC Sponsor
(Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) and (Order of Christian Initiation of Children)
2-3 sessions/month plus relationship building September - April Commitment is only if contacted and paired with a Candidate
Candidates are required to have a Sponsor to journey with them throughout the process. However, Candidates need not recruit their own sponsor; a sponsor will be matched and provided for those needing someone. Sponsors must be 1) A Confirmed Catholic, 2) An active, practicing Catholic as well as good role model of Christian living, 3) 16 years of age, and 4) Accessible to the candidate for questions and guidance. If interested, your name will be placed on a list of potential sponsors, and you will be contacted when needed. **

Youth Group – St. Patrick’s Youth (SPY)
Check weekly bulletin and website for opportunities and more information Available to all students in grades 6-12. Youth ministry is centered on Christ. We are inclusive of all youth - including non-St. Patrick’s church youth members - always inviting and seeking youth in everything we do. Programming incorporates service, social, and action based catechesis including mission trips and Summer Stretch.

Youth Group (SPY) Adult Chaperone
Commitment is variable and on as needed basis For some youth group events and activities, adult chaperones are required. **