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Our Mission
Our mission is to assist all children in finding God in their lives and growing in the awareness of God’s great love for them through Jesus; and to celebrate this truth with endless joy as a community of believers. This is a life long journey!
We Offer
Programs for Faith Formation
Sacramental Preparation
Rite of Christian Initiation Of Children
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (On hold during this time of Coronavirus)
Youth Ministry Opportunities at our sister parishes of Sacred Heart Church in Groton City and Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry.
Faith Formation of Children Preschool through Grade Eight
Parents and families are the most effective catechists and the primary religious educators of their children. The family provides the basic understanding of faith formation through their daily- lived experiences. It is only through a cooperative partnership that we as a parish community and parents can foster the formation of the child or youth on their faith journey. We, as a staff, are committed to support the families on this journey.
Classroom Model
All classes for both St. Mary and Sacred Heart Church are held at Sacred Heart School. The formation of children takes place in an informal classroom setting with a Catechist and Assistant. Children experience their faith through the use of texts, including quizzes, tests and take home Activity Books. Formation in Catholic doctrine, tradition and scripture are all major components of the program in a Diocesan approved curriculum. Children experience liturgy and a variety of prayer styles preparing them for a life long journey of faith. We are currently using the Faith and Life Series, Ignatius Press
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation for the celebration of sacraments involves the family, community and the parish or school systematic catechetical effort. Parents are required to enroll their children in Faith Formation sessions as part of the on-going catechetical process. Children need to be enrolled and attending a Diocesan approved program one year prior before beginning preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist as well as Confirmation.
It is through a partnership with the school, parish and family that children are prepared for the celebration of sacraments. Parent Orientations for all the Sacramental Programs are announced in the early Fall.
Reconciliation
Immediate catechesis for the sacrament of Reconciliation is separate from catechesis for Eucharist. Parents, school families and the parish community work in partnership toward the formation of the child for the celebration of this sacrament. Once a child has reached the age of discernment (usually age 7) the child is invited into the preparation for the sacrament. This is such so that the child may celebrate Reconciliation prior to Eucharist. This is the norm of the church but in cases where the child due to immaturity is not ready for celebration of Reconciliation every effort will be made to continue to foster the formation process. A Child/ Parent Preparation Meeting will be held in the fall in order to assist them in preparing their children for the celebration of Reconciliation.
All children planning to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation will be expected to participate in a day of reflection/ retreat. The day focuses on the aspect of forgiveness in our lives. All crafts, songs, scripture study and games focus on forgiveness. We as Catholic Christians celebrate forgiveness and are welcomed back to the loving arms of the Father when we stray! This special day is usually held in the January.
Eucharist
Preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist is done most effectively in the home with reinforcement in the parish community. Therefore, the parish and school community will provide the parents with information in order to assist their children at home. A Parent Preparation Session will be scheduled in late winter.
All children planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist will be expected to join a day of reflection/ retreat. The day is held in the beginning of May
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: (On hold during this time of Coronavirus)
Children age 4 through Grade 5 are invited to “break open” the Word during the 9:00am Mass. CLW runs year round.
Nicole Lawton (Director of Religious Education)
dre@sacredheartgroton.org
Additional DRE Information Link – https://sites.google.com/view/shsmreligiouseducation/home?authuser=1
For information about Faith Formation, the program and/or registration procedures, please contact the church office at: 860-445-1446.