Liturgy of the Word for Children
New at St. Mark! Children are invited to participate in Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 9:30am Mass. This is a drop-in program. Children are dismissed from Mass just prior to the Liturgy of the Word and return following the homily. During this time of catechesis, children will hear the Gospel in age-appropriate language and will then unpack its meaning in a simplified way for them to understand. For children between the ages of 4-6. Please join us as you're able!
Elementary (Grades 1st – 5th)
At St. Mark we use the Faith and Life series for those in grades 1st-5th. The Faith in Life Catechetical Series is a traditional religious education model that promotes comprehensive knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, education in community life, missionary initiation, and formation in prayer. Each grade level has a specific focus within the context of the narrative of salvation history, the story of salvation found in scripture. These classes are for all children –those preparing for sacraments and those that have already received sacramental preparation. Classes meet Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
The cost for Faith Formation is $40 per child. Sacramental Preparation is an additional $30 per child per year for the two-year program. Payment may be cash, check or credit card (on the website through the Online Giving tab).
Sacramental Preparation-Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist
Sacramental Perp Yr 1 Sacramental Perp Yr 2
"The world needs saints. Even as our society becomes more distant from faith and forgetful of God, it still hungers for joyful witnesses who have been transformed by Christ. At the same time, new generations of Catholics need grace to sustain them in a non-Christian environment. To answer these needs, I have decided to restore the Sacraments of Initiation to their original order: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This will make available every sacramental grace the Church has to offer to children who have reached the age of reason."
-Saints Among Us: The Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation; A Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Aquila
"Restored Order," refers to celebrating the sacraments of initiation in the order in which God designed them to be given, administering the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist when a child reaches the age of reason (generally seven). Our sacramental preparation program lasts two years. Children in second grade or above who need these sacraments, are to attend regular Faith Formation (Religious Education) concurrently as they begin preparation for the sacraments. Parents participate directly in the preparation process. Each sacrament has a corresponding workbook that is completed at home. There is also a half-day retreat for each sacrament and three parent meetings over the course of the two years. Call for program details.
Baptism for older children - RCIC
RCIC stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. The sacraments of Christian initiation-Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist- "lay the foundations of every Christian life." (CCC 1212). The RCIC program is intended for children who have reached the age of reason (7 years or older). Children are instructed for one year about the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation, as well as other aspects of the Catholic Church, particularly the Creed, our profession of faith. After proper instruction these young people will receive all three sacraments of Christian initiation at the Easter Vigil the following spring. This program requires a high level of parent participation, as well as attendance at specific Masses throughout the year. Classes begin in September and continue through April. Please Contact Bridget Decker to discuss the requirements of this program.
Director Religious Education
Beverly Ketchel
303 466-8720 ext. 116
To Register print packet fill out return to office or email to Beverly bketchel@saintmarkcc.org
To Register print packet fill out return to office or email to Beverly bketchel@saintmarkcc.org
St. Mark Catholic Church
Faith Formation Classes
New Program for Children 3 - 6 years old
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 is for children ages 3-6 years old and will be offered on Mondays from 9:30 – 11:30 am. The children work in a space called an Atrium. The methodology of the Catechesis utilizes Montessori teaching principles to help children develop an informed and genuine relationship with God.
