Christ the King Church

Christ the King Family Formation

"Faith must be known, celebrated, lived and expressed in prayer." 
-National Directory for Catechesis, p. 59

WHY FAITH FORMATION

The Catholic Church is a Church called to “make disciples” as Christ asked.  To be formed as disciples, we must be formed in our faith.  Formation includes education but also goes beyond education- it includes knowledge, celebration, service and prayer.  We are trinitarian people- mind, body and spirit.  All of these needs must be addressed in our programs.  This becomes true “catechesis.”

"Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways."  (General Directory for Catechesis #105)  Faith Formation is a well-rounded approach to making sure that catechesis happens.

If you still wonder why Faith Formation is important, check out the many studies that have explored the benefits of faith formation for life-long stability and success!  A Harvard study from 2019 found that young adults with a religious upbringing were much more physically and mentally healthy.  They had a greater life satisfaction and didn’t drink, smoke, use illegal drugs, etc. as much as peers.  Other studies completed and reported in Psychology Today shows benefits to school grades, overall health and even success in sports.  There are many other similar studies! 

WHY FAMILY FORMATION

The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary faith educators of their children and that families are the primary unit of our society.  The parish family is an extension of the individual family.  And, while parents must be the primary faith educators, the parish is called to help parents by providing support and formation for the parents and whole family as well.  

Children who participate in faith formation but don’t see their parents learning about their faith are far less likely to remember or care about what they are learning.  Children need to be able to be in faith conversations with their parents, just like they talk about other important life topics.  Many families find it difficult to start such conversations or fit it into their life routines.  Dedicating time to family formation shows our young people how important this is for us adults too!

PREK OPTIONS

Children ages 3-4 (or young 5-year-olds) may take part in PreK Formation during the 9 a.m. Mass at Christ the King on most Sundays from mid-September to May. Parents must fill out the Faith Formation Registration form. Children will use simple formation booklets and activities to learn about our Faith, prayer and the Church.

Children who are PreK age or even toddlers may take part in Family Faith Formation WITH their family. These sessionstake place on Sundays at approximately 10 a.m. on many Sundays during the school year. Parents need to fill out a Faith Formation Registration form.

You have two options for Family Formation. Please consider what works best for your family! Contact Erin O’Leary with any questions.

FAMILY FORMATION SUNDAY MORNINGS: Families attend and participate as a large group.  Parents/Guardians and children experience the sessions together.  These sessions will include large group prayer, family formation on a theme, art and other hands-on learning time. These sessions will be led by Erin O'Leary our Director of Discipleship.  Family Formation is open to those with PreK (or even toddlers) through Middle School youth. Sessions will be fun/meaningful for all ages!

FAMILY FORMATION WEDNESDAY EVENINGS:  Families with children ages K-8 may choose to take part in Faith Formation for All at St. Thomas the Apostle on Wednesday evenings if that schedule will work better for you. You can find details, calendar and registration form here:  https://www.stthomasmpls.org/faith-formation-ministry/

FIRST RECONCILIATION & EUCHARIST PREPARATION

Families whose children in Grade 2 or older and want to participate in First Reconciliation and Eucharist Preparation must either have their children attending Carondelet School or participate in the Family Faith Formation program. In addition, there is some at home learning to do AND several in-person gatherings. Parents and children will participate in these together with the exception of one parent meeting. The in-person sessions will form the families in things that are more difficult to address at home, help them explore the physical spaces for the sacraments at church and help build community!  Becoming the Body of Christ is difficult in isolation so we want to model community relationships too! These sessions will be held jointly with Christ the King and St Thomas the Apostle and take place AT St Thomas the Apostle with some church tour and rehearsal exceptions. Children will receive First Eucharist at the home parish!

Download 2025-2026 Registration Form

Family Formation & Sacraments Calendar 2025-2026

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

SUNDAY 9AM MASS

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered for children age Kindergarten through 4th Grade at our Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass. Children younger than Kindergarten may join in if a parent attends with them.  Children’s Liturgy of the Word is part of Mass and includes a child-friendly version of the parts of the Liturgy of the Word that the adults and older children are experiencing.  The readings are taken from the Lectionary for Masses with Children and are simpler and shorter versions. Discussion time is included.  The children are called forth by the Presider and go to the parish library.  They return to the main church at the Preparation of the Gifts.  No registration is required.

Ministry leaders serve on a rotating basis to proclaim the Word of God with the children and lead an age-appropriate homiletic reflection in an interactive way. Training is provided, as well as support and encouragement. A love of children and of God’s Word is required as well as comfort leading a group.  Leaders also must complete the Archdiocesan “Essential Three” training for the Protection of Children and Youth.  For more information about joining this ministry, please contact Erin O'Leary at eoleary@ctkmpls.org