Faith Formation
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Calendar for Grade School Faith Formation
Calendar for Senior Socials
News from Sandi:
Mother Teresa wrote about her encounter with Christ while on a retreat. She heard Christ say "I thirst". He told her His thirst was not for drink but was for souls; for us! This Lent, take some time to meditate on that (John 19:28). Ask the Lord for ways that you can grow closer to Him, to fulfill His thirst. May your Lenten journey be a life changing time for you and your family.
At Sacred Heart-St. Louis we have many opportunities for confession, Friday Stations of the Cross and supper, and the Donna Cori Gibson concert (March 7 @ 3 pm). Please take advantage of some or all of these.
Faith Formation Staff
Catechetical Philosophy
"Parents are the principal and first educators of their children" CCC-1653
"Catechesis aims at putting people in communion with Jesus Christ" CCC-426
"The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents" CCC-2226
Our Mission
The mission of our Faith Formation program is to assist parents in guiding all of our children and young people to grow in an authentic and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship that is based on the Truth about God and about the human person. This life-long process begins with catechesis, which is fundamentally passing on (literally, "echoing") the Faith from one generation to the next.Grade School Faith Formation
Grade School Faith Formation is for parish children grades K-8 who do not attend a Catholic school or who are not given comprehensive religious teaching at home. Classes meet each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:45 pm in the Faith Formation Center. (Children can arrive at 6 pm for gym time before class.) Classes for preparation for First Holy Communion are also held on Wednesday evenings.Curriculum
Our curriculum for Faith Formation is We Believe from William H. Sadlier, Inc. We Believe presents the truths of faith authentically and completely. The Scope and Sequence shows the spiral, integrated, thematic curriculum as it unfolds through grade level book, unit, and chapter themes. It is also reflected in major faith statements, catechism connections, scripture, saints, and devotions. Parents and students are encouraged to visit the website for more activities and information: www.webelieveweb.com
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is one of the most important events in the life of a Christian. At Sacred Heart-St. Louis Parish we have a deep appreciation for the Eucharist. It is our pleasure to assist parents in preparing their children for this wonderful sacrament.Preparation for First Holy Communion is available for parish children entering the second grade and up. Beginning in Fall 2009 this will be a 2-year program. Families will be expected to attend Sunday Mass and participate in parent sessions for this sacrament. Home school students and those attending a Catholic School are invited to join us for special events held throughout the year including First Confession and the retreat/practice for First Holy Communion.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is held the last full week of June. Registration and information about the week is available in April. Our VBS is a fun, energetic week incorporating all ages of helpers and learners. We choose a Catholic VBS, incorporate our faith throughout the program, and end our week with Mass.For more information contact Sandi Belleque at or at the parish office (503) 792-4231.
Promise to Protect
Pledge to Heal
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People;
Essential Norms Statement of Episcopal Commitment
This charter developed by the Ad Hoc Committee for Sexual Abuse o f the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and was approved by the full body of US Catholic bishops at its June 2005 General Meeting and available at www.usccb.org/ocyp/charter.shtml
At Sacred Heart-St. Louis Parish we take the responsibility to protect our children seriously. All parents are encouraged to attend a Called to Protect session to learn ways to keep your children safe from abuse. Children in the Faith Formation program and Home Schooled are taught a session each year on safety (grade level appropriate) (January 20 this year).
Any parishioner or parent (who has not previously seen the DVD) is welcome to view the parent DVD for the Called to Protect Program on Sunday, January 24 at the Faith Formation Center at 6:30 pm. This is a 1/2 hr DVD followed by a questions and answer session.
All employees and volunteers who work more than 4 times a year with children are required to be background checked, complete an on line training, and watch the Called to Protect DVDs. This is one way to make sure the children in our parish community are safe. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation this year in getting their training completed. All other volunteers are background checked and complete and on line agreement.
