We are dedicated to promoting excellence in catechesis, that is, the lifelong Christian formation of the total person in heart, mind, and will to prepare young people to live Christ’s message through formation in education, faith, prayer, worship, community, moral development, and service. Our Family Catechesis program has several options to help families pass their faith on to their children.
St. Mary Family Catechesis Program
There will be a mandatory Parent Meeting Sept. 10 at 6pm. Our first Family Catechesis session will be Sept. 14. Family Catechesis meets the 2nd Sunday of each month.
Parents and children will participate in monthly parent and child catechesis using an updated, easy to follow curriculum. We will be using Year 4 of Sophia Institute’s a Family of Faith, focusing on prayer, and catechists will incorporate Theology of the Body (primarily through the understanding that they are a gift, and their entire selves are a gift) into their teaching as well.
Additionally, we are continuing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) a program which will be offered for pre-K3-1st grade (Level 1) AND 2nd-3rd grade (Level 2). This will run concurrently with our monthly sessions to provide sound catechesis to our youngest members. First communion prep will be part of CGS level 2. Parents still need to attend the parent sessions if their children are in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
To begin, everyone meets in the multi-use room for prayer, snacks (potluck style), and coffee. All families and those in the parish who are joining as well pray together. Catechists then bring the children to their sessions, and begin formation using the curriculum explained above. Concurrently, parents (and those in the parish) receive their own formation and prayer, to encounter, grow your relationship, and understanding of God. This understanding will help equip you to be the “primary educators” of the faith for your children.
What happens during Family Catechesis?
To begin, everyone meets in the multi use room for prayer, snacks (potluck style), and coffee. All families and those in the parish who are joining and don’t have school age children pray together. Catechists then bring the children to their sessions, and begin formation using the curriculum explained above. The children also learn how to pray in their session. Concurrently, parents (and those in the parish) receive their own formation and prayer, to encounter, grow your relationship, and understanding of God. This understanding will help equip you to be the “primary educators” of the faith for your children.
Family Catechesis will be offered at no cost this year, but we encourage you to place donations into the weekly offering as you feel led.
If you are not a St. Mary Pinckney parish member but would like to enroll in Religious Education, please call the office at (734) 878-3161.
Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation
This preparation provides 9th-12th graders the opportunity discern receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation by preparing them to understand the gift that God wants to give us in this Sacrament, the responsibility and grace the Sacrament entails, as well as how to have and deepen their relationship with God.
We are excited that your child has expressed interest in the sacrament of confirmation! Confirmation is for those who have completed 8th grade and are entering 9th grade. This is an important time as your child prepares to commit his or her life to Christ and His Church more deeply, and receive in greater measure the gift of the Holy Spirit. During this time your child should reflect on their intention to receive this sacrament and what it means for them to be a disciple and witness of Jesus Christ.
A mandatory Parent Info Meeting will be held Sept. 10 at 7pm in the Multi Use Room. If for some reason you are unable to make it, please reach out to Rob Horning, our Director of Faith Formation.
The first confirmation session is Sunday, Sept. 21 after the 11:30 mass. This will run until 3:00pm and pizza and other snacks will be provided!
Date for the Confirmation Retreat TBA and the day of Confirmation will be announced soon!
We look forward to working with you and your child to help prepare them for this great sacrament and a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives!
Any questions, please contact Rob at rhorning@stmarypinckney.org or 734-878-2217
Are you no longer in high school and haven’t received the Sacrament of Confirmation but would like to, please contact Director of Faith Formation, Rob Horning.
Register for Confirmation using this link
Registration Materials
Please use this link to register. This will help us get to know who is registering for Family Catechesis, as well as how many materials and catechists we will need! Please note that you will need to add each child to each year for registration. If your child will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation or hasn’t been in Catholic school through 8th grade and desires to receive the sacrament, please use this same link to register.
Director of Evangelization and Catechesis
Rob Horning
rhorning@stmarypinckney.org
(734)878-3161 ext. 203