Finding a Friend in Jesus – Family Sessions

Dear Parents and children,

At every Mass, the powerful words of Jesus, “Do this in memory of me” reminds each of us of the friendship we share with Jesus.

This relationship with Jesus begins with our Baptism and is fortified by grace from every Sacrament we receive throughout our lives.

Finding a Friend in Jesus helps each participant to build on that relationship. Gathered in a Catholic Christian community and focused on learning more about Jesus and His infinite love, children and parents become more active participants in the Mass in preparation to receive Penance and Eucharist for the First Time.

Looking forward to meet all of you at our first family session.

Blessings,
Norma Blanco

Sacramental Preparation Requirements

At minimum 1 year of “ongoing Faith Formation” is required by all students expecting to celebrate any Sacrament of Initiation or Penance prior to the year in which the sacrament will be received. “Ongoing formation” continues during the second year and separately distinct immediate preparation sessions will be required of all Catholic school, home school, and parish faith formation students.

Sacraments are celebrations for the whole family and the entire parish. This is why we invite all parents of children in first grade, second grade and year 1 and 2 of sacramental preparation to join their children for the family sessions of Finding a Friend in Jesus.

These sessions are presented by a dedicated team of catechists with a common goal: to give the families a unique opportunity to learn and practice faith sharing and do hands-on activities together while meeting other families.

Nadine Skelton leads Year 1 and Norma Blanco along with Frankie Vera, Virginia Vera, Letty Rivera and Rose Bland lead Year 2. Each year has a specific schedule. Please refer to the one that applies to your child.

Sacramental Preparation Year 1

Un-catechized Children in third through seventh grade

These Sunday morning introduction classes are for children who have had minimal or no religious instruction.
This group includes children in third through seventh grade that already received baptism as well as those not baptized. Students learn the basic Catholic prayers, how to pray the rosary, participate in a Christmas play and learn the fundamental beliefs and practices of our faith.

This class is offered every Sunday mornings from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Schedule of Family Sessions for Sacramental Preparation Year 1

The students in Sacramental Preparation year 1, along with the first graders in Faith Formation, attend with their parents the following Sunday morning family sessions of Finding a Friend in Jesus Year 1.  These sessions are offered at both sessions – 9 am and 11 am.

Sun, Oct 2 – Introduction to General Concepts, The Liturgical Calendar
Sun, Nov 6 – Season of Advent Thanksgiving Christmas
Sun, Feb 19 – Season of Lent
Sun, March 25 – Tridium & Easter

Schedule of Family Sessions for Sacramental Preparation Year 2

Children in fourth through seventh grade who completed year 1
Children attend morning classes every Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Students learn about the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist and Penance.  Children and their parents attend a family session of Finding a Friend in Jesus Year 2 one Sunday per month from 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm.  This is for children entering second grade in faith formation or children of registered Corpus Christi parishioners entering second grade at Corpus Christi Catholic School.

Un-baptized children receive all the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil of year 2. All older baptized children, receive First Penance in December and First Communion in May of year 2. Please refer to the year 2 schedule under Penance & Holy Eucharist in the main menu.