Family Faith Formation

The Goal

We believe that faith formation begins in the home and that parents are the primary source of faith education for their children. To that end, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is here to offer resources and guidance for sacramental preparation, but encourages parents to dedicate time at home to grow in faith with their children and prepare them to receive the sacraments.

In 2015, Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila called for the implementation of a restored order of the sacraments of initiation in the Archdiocese of Denver. The restored order means children will receive first Reconciliation in the second grade, and Confirmation and First Eucharist in the third grade. It points to the Eucharist as the height of Christian initiation, and provides children with a deepening of the graces received in baptism at a much earlier point in their lives.

As such, our faith formation program includes three different groups: a class for third-graders who have already been baptized to prepare for Confirmation and First Communion; a class for older students who have already been baptized and received First Communion, but are still looking to receive the sacrament of Confirmation; and, a class for parents in which themes and topics similar to those being taught in the student classes will be presented by a diverse roster of teachers.

Because we are convinced that parents are essential to the formation of their children, we require parents who enroll their child in one of the student classes attend the parent seminars.

If you have a student who has not yet reached third grade, we have resources available for you to begin faith formation at home until they are of the appropriate age to join our parish program. At this time, we do not have classes available for students outside the above outlined categories.

All classes will take place the first Wednesday of the month from 6–7:30 PM,  September through April. Registration will open in mid August. Because we only meet once a month, we allow one absence per class (barring extreme circumstances), and require you to schedule a time to meet with the faith formation coordinator to cover the missed material.

Childcare will be provided for younger children, but we ask that you register your child ahead of time so we can be sure to have an appropriate number of childcare providers on hand.

Topics that will be covered:

1. How we know God exists

2. Who is Jesus?

3. The Holy Spirit

4. Catholicism — the church of Jesus Christ

5. The Sacraments of Initiation

6. Prayer

7. Mary and the Communion of Saints

8. The Moral Life

What if only one parent is able to attend?

While we encourage both parents attend, it is fine if only one parent is able to come.

If my other children have already received sacraments, are they able to attend?

Yes! If your child is in 3rd through 8th grade, they are welcome to attend with their participating sibling(s). Attendance is encouraged, but not enforced unless your child is planning to receive a sacrament(s). We plan to offer childcare for children 18 months and older. Please R.S.V.P. for childcare services by August 28, 2019.

Am I able to miss a class?

If your child is planning to receive the sacrament of Confession, Confirmation, or Holy Communion in spring 2020, either a parent or child is able to miss up to one class. If either a parent or child misses more than one class, the person(s) who misses the class is required to schedule a meeting with Anya Petty to cover what is missed.

Who do I contact if I/my child is unable to attend a particular night of class?

If it is the first class you/your child is missing, there is no need to contact anyone. If it is a second or third class missed, please contact: Anya Petty at anya@lourdesdenver.org. Anya will respond with next steps in planning a time to meet to review materials missed.

Why are parents required to attend?

Because growth in faith is a family affair, and we aim to see our parents’ experience and renewal at the same time as their children!

Do I need to bring anything?

No need to bring anything! Materials will be provided for every class.