Children & Youth

Family Faith Formation

Our parish uses a Family Formation model, where parents, guardians, and children learn, pray, and grow in faith together. Families participate side by side through prayer, conversation, art, music, activities, and storytelling.


The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith.

"Believing parents, with their daily example of life, have the most effective capacity to transmit the beauty of the Christian faith to their children."

Directory for Catechesis, no. 124, quoted in Listen, Teach, Send, USCCB, p. 16


Because faith is lived in real life, Family Formation is designed to help families experience an encounter with Jesus Christ. Faith Formation is not only about learning, it is about experiencing God's love, building community, and living the faith day by day.

Current Opportunities

Catholic Kids Bulletin

We love having all our little ones with us at Mass! Pick up a weekly Catholic Kids' Bulletin in the wooden kiosk on the north side of the Gathering Space. It is a fun resource with age-friendly information on the readings each week along with puzzles, things to color, and a check list to follow for the parts of the Mass.



Children's Corner

Our Children’s Corner is a welcoming space for families with young children on the South side of the Gathering Space.


  • “Busy Bags” with books and activities (bring with you into Mass)
  • Quiet toys and books for little ones
  • Rocking chairs for parents



Nursery

We offer a nursery October through mid-May for extra-busy littles with fun toys available during:

  • Sunday Mass at 9 a.m.
  • Family Formation on Sunday mornings
  • Special events



Children's Liturgy of the Word (K-Grade 4)

Children are invited to hear and reflect on Scripture at their level during 9 a.m. Sunday Mass from October through May.


How it works:

  • Children are dismissed after the opening prayer
  • Leaders share the readings adapted for children and a short, interactive reflection
  • Children return during the Preparation of the Gifts
  • FREE and no registration required



Family Formation (PreK - Middle School)

Family Formation sessions take place from October through mid-May.


This year's theme: WE ARE DISCIPLES!

Families will use Scripture, art, stories, music, and activities to explore the focus each month, following the Liturgical Year and the Church’s seasonal themes.


What Happens:

  • Prayer and teaching
  • Guided discussion
  • Hands-on activities designed for all ages
  • Families participate together: parents, guardians, and children side by side
  • Occasionally there are age-level breakouts depending on the number of participants


Two schedule options:

  • Sunday Mornings after 9 a.m. Mass (CTK)
  • Wednesday Evenings (STA)


Format:

  • Large-group sessions for families
  • Open to families with children PreK–Middle School
  • Led by Erin O’Leary, Director of Discipleship

Faith Formation Registration Fees

  • Family Faith Formation (FF) (PreK - Grade 8): $50 child ($150 family max)
  • PreK Faith (PKF) (ages 3-5): $30/child
  • Preparation for First Sacraments (RE): $60/child
  • Confirmation $50/youth


Volunteer Opportunities with Youth

Faith Formation Volunteers play an essential role in sharing the faith and nurturing the most important relationship in life: a relationship with Jesus Christ. All Faith Formation Volunteers must complete and maintain E3 credentials for Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements. Contact, Erin, eoleary@ctkmpls.org, or 612-920-5030, ext. 19. with questions or to volunteer.


  • Nursery: Sundays (October-May) during 9 a.m. Mass and Family Formation sessions, we hope to offer a loving, safe space for little ones to play allowing families to more fully participate. This is a great opportunity to serve the young families in our community with love.


  • Children's Liturgy of the Word: Sundays (October-May) at 9 a.m. Mass. Volunteer leaders serve on a rotating basis to proclaim the Word of God and lead an interactive, age-appropriate reflection. Training and materials provided. A love for children and Scripture is essential. 


  • Family Formation: Sundays during the school year (October-May), following 9 a.m. Mass. Families with children in kindergarten through middle school gather for faith formation. Parents and children participate together, with occasional breakout groups by age.
  • Volunteers serve as catechists or assist with activities and projects
  • Lessons are rooted in the teachings of the Church, Catholic Social Teaching, and the liturgical year
  • All materials and lesson plans are provided


Get Involved

We would love to have you share your time and gifts with our young people and families. Contact, Erin, eoleary@ctkmpls.org, or 612-920-5030, ext. 19 to get started.