Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” -- Matthew 19:14
“Go into all the world; and preach the gospel to every creature.” -- Mark 16: 15
Our faith formation program, which is rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, strives for the growth of the whole person. Our mission is to educate and form our parishioners so that all can live as Christ for others in the world today.
Faith Formation for Grades 1 - 8
Traditional Classroom - Wednesday Night
The Faith Formation Program at Cathedral of Saint Raphael, Holy Spirit and Saint Patrick’s Churches offer religious education for students in first through eigth grades. In the traditional program, classes meet on Wednesday evenings at the Cathedral of Saint Raphael during the school year (September - April) from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Cost: The cost to attend is $150 for one child, $250 for two children, $325 for three
children , and $400 for four or more children. Financial Assistance is available.
Contact: Jan Thyne [email protected]
Register Here Financial Aid Application
Homeschool Option
In our homeschool option, students use the Loyola Press: Finding God to complete weekly
assignments, sending their completed assessments to the faith formation director. Monthly
meetings are held for parents and students. Guest speakers share their experiences with
parents about raising their children in the Catholic faith, and growing in their faith life. Students
build community by participating in service projects, sacraments and prayer.
Meeting times are the third Sunday of the month at 10:00 am in the Cathedral Center.
Cost: $75.00/student Financial Assistance is available.
Contact: Jan Thyne [email protected]
Register Here Financial Aid Application
Summer Session
The summer session (two weeks in June) from 9 a.m.- Noon, The goal of this curriculum is to
teach the students of our parishes the corporal and spiritual works of mercy through scripture,
speakers, personal and group activities, discussion, reflection, journaling and prayer.
2023 Summer Session: Caring for our Common Home
June 12 - 23 | Monday - Friday 9 am - Noon
This can be used in place of the traditional Wednesday night class, or homeschool class for grades 1-8. Registration will open April 01, 2023. Limited enrollment: 15
Cost: $75.00/student
Contact: Jan Thyne [email protected]
Register Here Financial Aid Application
First Reconciliation and First Communion
First Reconciliation If you have a second grader who will be preparing for the Sacraments of First
Reconciliation and First Communion this year, please mark your calendar for our parent meeting on Wednesday, September 28th in the Cathedral Center at 6:30 pm. Please note - ALL students desiring these sacraments should participate in this preparation, including those registered in Catholic schools. Sacramental formation is done in the parish, not in the classroom. Monthly meetings are scheduled for both parents and students to help prepare for the sacraments. Click here to view calendar.
The celebration of First Reconciliation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral. First Communion is scheduled for April 15/16 at the Cathedral and Saint Patrick, and May 06/07 at Holy Spirit Parish.
Cost: $45.00 Financial Assistance is available.
Contact: Wendy Osterberger [email protected]
Register Here Financial Aid Application
Confirmation
If you have an incoming high schooler, your student is eligible to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation. Please mark your calendar for our first session on Sunday, December 20th at 6:00 pm at the Cathedral. The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at the Cathedral, date TBD. View calendar.
Cost: $45.00 Financial Assistance is available.
Contact: Wendy Osterberger [email protected]
Register Here Financial Aid Application
“Jesus said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ Then He embraced them and blessed them, placing His hands on them.” Mark 10:14,16
The faith formation program of The Cathedral of St Raphael, St. Patrick’s, and Holy Spirit is blessed to offer level one Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-6. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in 1954 in Rome, Italy. The method is based on principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, sacred scripture, and church liturgy. In this experience, the catechist invites young children into the prepared environment of the Atrium, a sacred space in which the child can encounter God and enter into prayer. To learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit the CGS USA website.
Registration: Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is currently open.
Cost: $40 for one child, $70 for two children, and $90 for three children.
Contact: Jan Thyne [email protected]
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is each Sunday during the 9:00 am Mass at St. Raphael. Children’s Liturgy of the Word has two purposes:
The celebrations of these liturgies are intended to form children in the liturgical language of the Church, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word in ways that are understandable to them.
Participation in this liturgical experience is appropriate for children aged 4 to 10. We ask that an adult or older sibling accompany any child under the age of five. Adults and children are invited to share their time and talents!
Contact: Jan Thyne [email protected]
Contact the Director of Faith Formation via email at [email protected].