Family Catechesis

 

WELCOME TO ST. DIDACUS PARISH FAITH FORMATION

where Parents or Guardians are the Catechists  

Family Catechesis at St. Didacus

Family Catechesis at St. Didacus requires parent participation. Lessons will be presented to parents/guardians and children together in the parish hall.

  • Year 1 students and those who have already received First Communion will attend 10 mandatory sessions throughout the year.
  • Year 2 students preparing for First Communion will attend 14 mandatory sessions throughout the year.

These sessions are designed for all ages and will include interactive games, crafts, discussions, and other engaging activities as families learn about and grow in their faith together.

We understand that this approach may be different from the traditional model of religious education. To help families better understand the program, we have provided answers to common questions, addressed program expectations, and outlined the commitment required from parents.

  • Before registering their children, parents/guardians are required to schedule an appointment with Elena.

The catechism sessions are for students from 1st to 8th grade. Our sessions are held weekly on Wednesday’s from 5:15pm to 7:00pm at the parish.

The first day of class for Family Catechesis is September 2, 2026.  

YEAR 1 

  1. September 16th
  2. October 7th
  3. November 4th
  4. December 2nd
  5. December 9th – All Families –
  6. January 6th
  7. February 3rd
  8. March 3rd
  9. April 7th
  10. May 5th

YEAR 2

  1. September 23rd
  2. October 14th
  3. October 28th
  4. November 18th
  5. December 9th – All Families –
  6. January 13th
  7. January 27th
  8. February 3rd – All Families –
  9. February 17th
  10. February 24th
  11. March 10th
  12. April 14th
  13. April 28th
  14. May 12th

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we doing this?

There is a lot of support from the catechism of the Church and Sacred Scripture for this way of teaching faith. This method of family-style formation is also being used in other parishes in our diocese and around the country. If you still have concerns after reading the Program Expectations, please take some time to read this document. Also, please reach out so we can personally address your concerns.

How will the classes be organized?

All classes will be held in person in the St. Didacus Parish Hall. Families will be placed into small groups whenever possible. We will make every effort to group families with children of similar ages and grade levels while keeping the groups small and welcoming.

Parents will be supported and encouraged as they teach their children the Catholic faith with confidence. Most assignments and activities will be completed and turned in during class time, minimizing the amount of work that needs to be done at home. We understand that your time is valuable, so we are committed to providing meaningful, engaging, and productive lessons and activities.

Throughout the year, families will also have opportunities to celebrate the liturgical seasons through parish family faith formation events.

What does the monthly cycles of classes look like?
  • Year 1 Meetings

These sessions are dedicated to families with children in Year 1. A parent and all children in the family will attend together.

Each small group will have a leader who will present an overview of the lesson. Parents will then work directly with their own children, supported by the group leader and the community of families around them. Lessons are designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing children of different ages within the same family to learn and participate together.

We have planned a variety of activities that bring faith formation to life and help every member of the family grow in their relationship with God and the Church.

Year 2 First Communion Meetings

These sessions are dedicated to families with children in Year 2 who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion.

A parent and child will attend together and participate in lessons focused on the sacraments, Catholic teachings, prayer, and preparation for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Parents play an essential role in guiding their child’s faith journey and will be supported throughout the year with resources, instruction, and opportunities for discussion.

These interactive sessions will help families grow in their understanding of the Mass, the Eucharist, and the Catholic faith while preparing children to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion with reverence and joy.

How many classes can I miss?

Families CANNOT MISS MORE THAN 3 CLASSES for the entire year. Regular participation is very important, and make-up classes are encouraged! If more than 4 classes are missed, this year will not count as a completed year of faith formation.

 

Do both parents need to be present for the classes?

The family comes in together for faith formation. All children in grades 1st- 8th are expected.  Only one parent is required, and the parent need not be the same parent each week. Grandparents can also take on the role as primary educators in families if necessary. In an emergency, a teen sibling who has been confirmed can come in and represent the parent for a week, but this should be a rare occurrence.

 

What will I do at home with my non-sacramental children during the week they do not need to attend? 

You will be given an assignment to implement during the other weeks. 

You MUST complete the following to register your children(s) to our Family Catechesis preparation classes:

Family Catechesis 2026-2027 registration opens in July 6, 2026.

  • Email a scan to: elena@stdidacuschurch.org
  • Drop off a copy at the Parish office
  • If you do not have a copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate, please request a copy at the church your child was baptized at.     
  • If you are not yet registered at St. Didacus, please click here to complete the registration form.

To ensure your child’s spot in our program, you MUST complete ALL the requirements above.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd                      at St. Didacus

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation that helps children encounter the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a deep and personal way. Through Scripture, liturgy, hands-on materials, and quiet prayer, children learn to recognize the voice of God and grow in a personal relationship with Him.

This formation takes place in the Atrium—a specially prepared, peaceful environment designed just for children. In the Atrium, children work with beautiful, hands-on materials that help them discover and reflect on the mysteries of our Catholic faith.

What Children Experience in the Atrium

Level I

Level I focuses on the Parable of the Good Shepherd, helping children come to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows each of His sheep by name and lovingly calls them to follow Him. Children are introduced to the foundations of prayer, Scripture, and the liturgy through presentations and hands-on activities.

Space is limited to the first 8 children registered.

Level II

Level II builds upon the foundations established in Level I and focuses on sacramental preparation, the Kingdom of God parables, and Jesus as the True Vine. Children deepen their understanding of their relationship with God and their participation in the life of the Church.

Prerequisite: Children must have successfully completed Level I before enrolling in Level II.

Space is limited to the first 15 children registered.

Registration Information

St. Didacus Parish will offer Level I and Level II Catechesis of the Good Shepherd beginning in Fall 2026.

For additional information or registration details, please contact the parish office.

When are this sessions offered?
Mondays 5:15-7:00pm

Level I and Level II

“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” — John 10:14.

  • If you are not yet registered at St. Didacus, please click here to complete the registration form.

Contact

Elena Platas, Director of Religious Education

elena@stdidacuschurch.org / 619-284-3472

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