St. Anthony on the Lake

Christian Formation

Mission Statement - Create and encourage a community growing in life-long faith formation.
We:

• empower parents as primary catechists
• implement programs to meet needs for all ages  (developmentally appropriate)
• form (model) values and ideals of Christian living
• teach Catholic Tradition and Scripture

St. Anthony on the Lake Catechetical Programs

All Registered Parishioners are welcome to register for Christian Formation Programs.  As part of Sacramental preparations, all children are expected to attend either a Family Program or a Catholic school each year, from Grade 1 through Junior year of High School when they are Confirmed.   See side two for important information about sacrament preparation.

v      Traditional Family Program - for Families with Children in Grade 1 through Grade 11 This program is expected for families with children in public schools, but is also open to families with children in Catholic schools.  There are three day/time options for this program.  At least one parent/adult attends with the children.  There is childcare available and classes for children ages 3, 4 & 5, as well as grades 1 – 11.  All younger children are encouraged to come with their family.  Families are also welcome to register and bring siblings enrolled in Catholic Schools.  Each program includes grade level classes, a presentation for adults, and a family learning activity. 

v      Sunday Morning Family Program:
*   Families may attend 9:00am Mass
*   Families meet for a snack at 10:00am
*   The program ends at 12:00noon. 

v      Sunday Evening Family Program: 
*   Families gather and the program begins at 3:45pm
*   Families share a light supper
*   The program ends at 6:00pm followed by a 6:00pm Youth Mass

v      Monday Family Program: 
*   Families gather for a light supper at 5:30pm before the program
*   The program ends at 7:30pm

▲Return to Top

v      La Petite Family Program – only open for Families with Children in Grade 3 and under. This model is only open to families with children in grade three and under.  At least one parent/adult attends with the children.  This model differs from the traditional model; on alternating sessions, parents spend the entire time with their children, working at learning centers, or the entire time in a small group discussion while their children are in class.  There is childcare available and classes for children ages 3, 4 & 5, as well as Grades 1 – 3.  

v      La Petite Family Program – held on Sundays following 7:30am Mass
*   Only for families with children in Grade 3 and under
*   Families meet for a snack at 8:30am
*   The program ends at 10:15am

v      Sunday PreSchool Classes – for Children age 3 through Kindergarten This program is for families who do not have older siblings in Family Programs.   

v      The Sunday Preschool Program begins in September, meets during the 9:00am Mass generally on the first three Sundays of the month and goes through March.  Registration forms for this program will be sent out in the summer. 

▲Return to Top

v      Additional Sacrament Preparation

v      First Reconciliation

Children in Grade 2* of our parish who have been in a family program or the parish school since 1^st Grade are invited to prepare to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation.  Parents help their children to prepare for this special sacrament by bringing them to weekly Mass and attending parent/child preparation sessions as well as completing a worksheet at home.  Preparation typically begins in September with the celebration in November and/or December.

v      First Communion

Children in Grade 2* of our parish who have been in a family program or the parish school since 1^st grade are invited to prepare to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion.  Parents help their children to prepare for this special sacrament by bringing them to weekly Mass and attending parent/child preparation sessions as well as completing a workbook at home. There will also be a bread baking retreat in March, as well as an Agape Meal for the whole family.  Preparation typically begins in January with the celebrations in April and/or May. 

v      Confirmation

Youth Grade 9 through 11 are expected to register for the Confirmation Preparation Program, which begins in 9^th Grade.  Registration for this program is done on the same form as Family Program registration.  This program includes:

o  A monthly Wednesday Evening, and
o  An annual retreat, and
o  Service hours, and
o  Enrollment in one of the following options:

• Family Program (see descriptions above)  OR

• Catholic High School

▲Return to Top

·         Baptism

Parents interested in having a child baptized are required to attend a Baptism Preparation session.  These sessions focus on the background of the sacrament, the meaning behind the symbolism and ritual, and an introduction to the role of parents in their child’s faith formation.  Sessions are held every other month on a Tuesday evening.  The session begins with dinner and lasts about 2 hours.  Parents are encouraged to attend a session before their child is born.  Onsite childcare is provided for older children if requested or needed.

* If your child missed the preparation in the typical grade and has not received the sacrament please call the CF Office.

Christian Formation Contacts
Office Phone:  (262) 691-9170

 ▲Return to Top