Family of Faith is the name of the curriculum we use for Family Faith Formation. This program gathers the whole family once a month for catechetical formation. Parents meet with a lead facilitator to learn about and discuss the topic for the month. Children meet with catechists in age-based classrooms to also learn about the monthly theme. 

The parent sessions will not only give parents the foundational doctrines of the Faith but will affirm parents’ ability to pass their faith on to their children, all the while building community with other like-minded parents. The goal of the Queen of Apostles’ Family Faith Formation is to assist parents in creating a strong Catholic identity within the family. 

FAMILY OF FAITH CLASS TIMES AND LOCATIONS 
St. James- 1st Sunday each month 9:40am to 10:50am, Mass at 11:00am
St. James- 1st Monday each month 6:30pm to 7:40 pm, Adoration/Confession 4:30pm – 6:30 pm
Our Lady of the Rosary -2nd Sunday each month 10:15am to 11:25am, Mass at 9:00am
 
See the Family of Faith calendar for additional seasonal community events.     

Family of Faith calendar

In conjunction with Family of Faith, we also offer families the option for weekly religion classes for students grades K thru 8, as well as a corresponding high school and adult Gospel Study.

Student Lessons
Every week, the children gather for prayer, song, and an activity that taps into something they already know or have experienced and introduces the Sunday Gospel theme. They proclaim the Gospel together and then learn the related Church teaching and doctrine. Games, discussion questions, and activities reinforce the Scripture, doctrine, and life application.

Catechism Handbook
There is a handbook for each level of the program that covers all the Church teachings that are necessary and appropriate for that age group, organized according to the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The concepts in the handbooks are integrated into each lesson and increase the emphasis on Catholic Identity and help the children appreciate the importance and beauty of being Catholic. 

Effective Method
Students will receive a new lesson handout every week. Anchored by each Sunday’s Gospel, these attractive lessons provide a liturgical catechesis that connects the Gospel to doctrine, using current events, interesting activities, thought-provoking discussion questions, and examples of real young people making a difference in the world. Since lessons correspond to the three-year Lectionary cycle we can include current events and cultural developments that help children see the relevance of the Gospel to their lives.

These classes will take place on Monday evenings at St. James from 6:30 to 7:40 pm.  There is no additional fee to participate in the Gospel Weeklies classes.  

Gospel Weeklies calendar

Click here for the current year Family of Faith registration form.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (ages 3-6) 

Mondays or Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:45pm at St James

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based faith formation that nurtures the child’s relationship with God. Children gather in a joyful space called the atrium, prepared with hands-on materials that invite the child to be with Jesus in Scripture and the Liturgy. The catechists guide each child’s need to “help me come closer to God by myself” through time of prayer and work.

CGS Level I – This is our second year offering CGS Level I, which is for children ages 3-6. Children in this age range are in the absorbent stage of development and filled with wonder and awe. They are particularly capable of receiving and enjoying God’s unconditional love, especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd and the Light of the world. Presentations on the mystery of the Eucharist and events of Christ’s life help the child grow in appreciation for the gift of the Mass.
Throughout your child’s time in the atrium, they may ponder and receive presentations on: The Good Shepherd, The Model Altar, Baptism, Infancy Narratives, Kingdom of God Parables, Gestures of the Mass, Liturgical Colors, The Geography of Israel, The Land of Jerusalem, Last Supper, The Empty Tomb, Practical Life.

Two sessions are offered weekly, beginning October 7/8 and ending in May:
Mondays 6:15-7:45pm
Tuesdays 6:15-7:45pm

The program is free to join! Register here by September 23: Register Here!

Please reach out with any questions to Elizabeth Klare here - Click here.

To learn more about CGS: Click here

We are currently working on a new meeting schedule - please contact the OLV or OLR parish office with questions about youth night.  Meetings take place in the Youth Room, located in the lower level of the Our Lady of the Valley Parish Center. The entrance is on the west side of the building.
 
All eighth graders and high school students are welcome. The meetings provide an opportunity for young adults to learn about the Church, talk, eat, play and pray with peers and caring faith-filled adults.