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.
This program is currently delayed due to COVID. Please watch the bulletin for Restart Information.
Children's Group
The Children’s Group is for students in grades K-3 who are registered and attending Family Faith Formation. They will meet approximately one Thursday per month from 6:30-7:30 PM. Students will gather with their peers to play games, do crafts, and pray.
Pre-Youth Group
Pre-Youth Group is for students in grades 4-5 who are registered and attending Family Faith Formation. They will meet approximately one Thursday per month from 6:30-7:30 PM. Students will gather with their peers to play games, participate in hands-on activities, and pray together.
Middle School Youth Group
Middle School Youth Group is for students in grades 6-8 who are registered and attending Family Faith Formation. They will meet approximately one Thursday per month from 6:30-8:00 PM. Students will gather with their peers to socialize and play games, share their faith, and pray together.
Parent Discovery Faith Study
Parent Discovery Faith Study is for parents of children in grades K-8 who are registered and attending Family Faith Formation. They will meet on the first six Thursdays of each semester in small groups from 6:30-8:00 PM. Workbooks are an additional minor fee. More information will be available when you register.
Children's Sacramental Preparation-Reconciliation, Confirmation, Eucharist
"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 Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist when a child reaches the age of reason (generally seven).
Children in first grade or above who need these sacraments that are registered with their Families and participating in Family Faith Formation can register for our sacramental preparation program. Preparation is a 2 year program that begins in January. Parents participate directly in the preparation process. Children and their parents will attend monthly classes, work on assignments at home, and participate in retreats while also continuing with Family Faith Formation. After proper instruction, these children will receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in year 1 and the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at a Restored Order Mass at the end of year 2. Registration forms will be distributed after registration for Family Faith Formation is completed. Please contact Beverly Ketchel for further details. bketchel@saintmarkcc.org
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) and have not yet been Baptized.
Children in second grade or above who need these sacraments that are registered with their Families and participating in Family Faith Formation can register for our sacramental preparation program. Preparation is a 2 year program that begins in January. After 2 years of instruction, these children will receive all three sacraments of Christian initiation at the Easter Vigil. This program requires a high level of parent participation, as well as attendance at specific Masses throughout the year. Please contact Beverly Ketchel for further details. bketchel@saintmarkcc.org
Director of Children's Faith Formation
Beverly Ketchel
303 466-8720 ext. 116
bketchel@saintmarkcc.org
St. Mark Catholic Church
Faith Formation
Family Faith Formation (families with children K-8)
Family Faith Formation at St. Mark strives to empower our parents and families as the primary educators of their children. Families will meet regularly on Sunday mornings between the 9:00 and 11:30 AM Masses. Our mission is to build community, form disciples, and equip saints primarily through participation in the Sunday liturgy. Additionally our gathering time will include opportunities to share faith with other families, to grow in relationship with God and others, to form families who live virtuous lives in the domestic church and the world, and to learn about saints, scripture, and Catholic tradition. Family Faith Formation also includes breakout groups for various ages, as well as a parent Discovery Faith Study.
The cost for Family Faith Formation is $25/child. Payment may be cash, check, or credit card (on the website through the Online Giving tab).
