Youth Formation

FAITH FORMATION

To register for faith formation, review and complete the forms linked below:

2024 - 2025 Faith Formation Registration Form (fillable PDF)

2024 - 2025 Faith Formation Calendar   Wednesday Option   Sunday Option


All completed forms can be emailed to faithformation@saint-andrew.net or mailed to:

Faith Formation
Saint Andrew Catholic Church
566 4th St NW
Elk River, MN 55330


Beginning July 1, the fee is $100 per student. Family cap of three paid students.
Payment may be made by clicking ONLINE PAYMENT or writing a check payable to "Church of Saint Andrew."

 

2024-2025 Faith Formation Program Outline

The faith formation program for all grades is made up of four components:

  1. Youth formation that includes on-site, grade appropriate lessons for youth - meeting approximately every other week (a total of 10-12 lessons throughout the year)
  2. A family activity that meets twice a year where the entire family attends together
  3. A parent program that meets approximately once a month throughout the year to grow in faith and build community.
  4. Ministry opportunities - Each family will complete at least one ministry activity together at some point during the formation year


Weekly Updates with schedules, lessons and additional information will be emailed to all families registered for the 2023-2024 Faith Formation program. Registration information can be located above. Also check out the youth ministry opportunities available to all youth in grades 5 - 12 (Youth Ministry link).


Youth Formation

Grades 1 - 4

Will meet on-site in the St. Andrew school approximately every other Wednesday (6:30 - 7:45 PM). Adult leaders will utilize a curriculum called Faith and Life by Ignatius Press.


Grades 5 - 10

Sunday Option
  • Meets on-site approximately every third Sunday evening from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
  • Participants will gather in small groups for one hour
  • Videos from The Bible Timeline (Grades 5 - 7) and Chosen: Your Journey Towards Confirmation  (grades 8 - 10) by Ascension Press will be used to introduce a topic or lesson followed by small group discussion
  • Small group discussion will be led by an adult leader. Leaders will utilize a discussion guide that compliments the video.
  • The group will share life and share prayer by praying lectio divina with the Gospel reading for Sunday.


Wednesday Option
  • Meets on-site approximately every other Wednesday evening from 6:30 - 7:45 PM
  • A typical session for grades 5 - 7 will include:
  • A large group gathering with everyone that includes an activity such as a skit, game or ice-breaker
  • A 10-15 min talk by a youth minister
  • 20 - 30 minutes small group time led by adult leader. The group will share life and prayer and discuss reactions to the talk provided by the youth minister.
  • 10 min wrap up with large group gathering to explore a lesson or story from the Bible
  • A typical session for grades 8 - 10 will include:
  • Videos from Chosen: Your Journey Towards Confirmation by Ascension Press to introduce a topic
  • Small group discussion will be led by an adult leader. Leaders will utilize a discussion guide that compliments the video.


Shared Life & Shared Prayer at Home
Find the Scripture reading for each Day or Weekend at https://bible.usccb.org/

Lectio Divina means "divine reading".  It is a method for praying with the Scriptures.  Saint Paul wrote, "The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) We believe that the Holy Spirit is the principle author of Scripture. In our practice of praying with Scripture through Lectio Divina, we are mindful of the Word being living, as it speaks directly into our hearts. We are hopeful that it will become effective, as it moves us to action in our lives. 
Sacraments

As children progress through our faith formation program, they are introduced to the sacraments. Generally, children first receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist in 2nd grade. Confirmation preparation is a 3 year process beginning in 8th grade through 10th grade. Confirmation is then received in the fall of the 11th grade. Children will be prepared for these sacraments when they are enrolled in the faith formation program. More specific information for those who are currently in preparation for one of these sacraments can be found on our Sacraments webpage.

 

Confirmation Study Material

For those students in 10th grade who are in the final preparation phase for the sacrament of confirmation, an information packet is provided at the following link:  Confirmation 2025 informational packet


Parent Program

Since all of us are part of the parish community, our goal is to serve not only the youth, but also the adults. Our goal is to grow together in our parish by connecting with others, with all families feeling part of the wider family of Christ. To accomplish this goal, parents of students enrolled in the faith formation program are expected to attend Parent Nights. Parent Nights usually align with Grade 1 - 7 meeting dates. At parent nights, adults will be given the opportunity to connect with other parents from our parish and grouped with other parents who share some kind of interest or connection. After the topic is presented, small groups will have an opportunity to reflect on the topic together. 


Family Activity

A Family Activity will take place twice a year at the church on Wednesdays (6:30-7:45 PM). This will be an opportunity for families to learn together! Some examples of these activities include dinner (provided by the parish), lessons for the whole family, workshops, mass and/or prayer. These sessions are part of the Faith Formation program and all youth and parents are strongly encouraged to attend.


Ministry Activities

Jesus commanded us to show our love of God by loving and serving each other. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40). Throughout the year, ministry activities will be offered approximately once a month to provided opportunities for service. Each family in the faith formation program is strongly encouraged to choose one ministry activity at some point during the year and serve together. Ministry opportunities will include events such as the Fall Festival, Feed My Starving Children, Second Harvest and making sandwiches for the Sandwich Project. Once you have completed a ministry project, record your service by filling out this form: click >>HERE<<. To see upcoming opportunities and to sign up, visit the St. Andrew Volunteer Local webpage at www.standrewscatholicchurch.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/. 

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