St. Thomas the Apostle
Faith Formation

• Pre-K through Adult •

Last updated: May 8, 2008

Vacation Bible School 2008

June 23 - 27, 2008

9am - 12 noon

Click here for more info!

Vacation Bible School Registration Form

 

Virtus training is coming to St. Thomas the Apostle

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
In the Robertson Room

Are you going to be helping with Vacation Bible School or driving for Summer Stretch? Do you think you might help, even once, with Faith Formation or other children's programming next year? If so, you need to attend Virtus training. According to Archdiocesan guidelines, any adult who has contact with children is required to attend the Virtus training. This includes catechists, substitute catechists, Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders, Vacation Bible School helpers, and field trip drivers & chaperones for events like the Junior/Senior High Lock-in and Summer Stretch. You only need to take the training once, so even if you aren't sure if you'll be helping with children's programming in the future, this is a great opportunity to take it at your home parish instead of having to take it somewhere else.

Joy Biedrzycki, who previously worked with Judy Pontinen here at St. Thomas on the Religious Ed Team, has graciously offered to facilitate a Virtus session on Wednesday, June 4th from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Virtus is a nationwide program aimed at stopping sexual abuse from occurring in our Catholic schools and parishes. In the Virtus session, Joy will cover several topics including spotting sexual predators and protecting our kids. I took the training last year and found it really helpful!

Participants are encouraged to register on-line using the following process:
Go to www.virtus.org
Click on the "Registration" link in the left-hand column.
Select "Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Archdiocese)" from the drop-down box.
Participants will create their own "User ID" and "Password".
Follow the screen prompts to continue the on-line registration.


Click here for a .pdf file with more detailed registration instructions in case you need it.


If you are unable to attend on June 4 and will be helping with children's activities in the coming year, please check the other sessions available and sign up for one of them. But it will never be more convenient than right here in our own parish (and we’re even serving a light dinner – how’s that for enticement!). IF YOU NEED CHILDCARE DURING THE TRAINING, please e-mail me or call me at 651-738-0677 and I will make sure that it's available.

If you have any questions, please call me at 651-738-0677. Thank you for helping keep our children's programming here at St. Thomas safe and strong!

Julie Taylor, Faith Formation Coordinator

 

Faith Formation 2007 - 2008

Faith Formation Schedule
Preschool/Kindergarten: Sunday from 10:30 – 11:30
October 7, 14, 28
November 4, 11, 18
December 2, 9, 16
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 2, 9, 16
Grades 1 – 7: Wednesday from 6:15 – 7:30
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 28
December 5, 12
January 9, 16, 23, 30
February 13, 20, 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16
Grades 8 – 9: Wednesday from 6:15 – 8:00
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 28
December 5, 12
January 9, 16, 23, 30
February 13, 20, 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
(Retreat on Sunday afternoon, March 16th)
April 2, 9, 16
Grade 10: Wednesday from 6:15 - 8:00
October 3, 10, 17, 24
November 7, 14, 28
December 5, 12
January 9, 16, 30
February 13, 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16

Family of Faith
Newsletter

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Sessions for 10th Grade Confirmation Preparation
Sunday, October 25, 6pm for candidates and parents
Sunday, November 4, Rite of Acceptance at 10:30 mass
Sunday, November 18, 12 noon: candidates and sponsors
Sunday, January 13, 2pm for candidates and parents
Sunday, January 27, Field trip to St. Agnes Church
Sunday, February 10, 2pm: candidates and sponsors
Sunday, February 17: Field trip to St. Joan of Arc Church
Saturday, March 15, 10am-4pm: Retreat at Maplewood Nature Center
Thursday, April 17 for candidates, parents, and sponsors
Saturday, April 19, 10:30am: Celebration of Confirmation at the Cathedral
Sunday, April 20, 10:30am: Welcoming Mass and Reception at St. Thomas

 

Religious Education Program

Sacramental Programs
The curriculum used for the preschool and Kindergarten is called "This is Our Faith". Grades 1 - 5 will use the "Blest Are We" programThis program reflects a balanced approach to catechesis. During these years, the children will learn about God's love for us all, the Holy Trinity, sacramental life, and the Church's rich tradition of moral example and teaching.

All sacramental programs emphasize parent involvement. We require that all who desire to participate in any sacrament must be registered at St. Thomas the Apostle.
The First Eucharist Program:
This program recognizes the role of parents and the importance of the home environment in the process of Eucharist initiation. For children in grade 2 and above.
First Reconciliation:
The First Reconciliation Program is designed for the 4th grade and up and their families. It provides the opportunity to receive the sacrament individually with a priest.
RCIC:
The process in which we work with families whose children wish to be a part of Baptism, or Eucharist and do not fit into the normally scheduled age groups.

 

Kids, Parents, Catechists +Pastoral Leaders
Click here for activities, prayer, information, online shopping and more!

 

Religious Education Program

Sacramental Programs


Middle School (Gr. 6- 8)
Grade 6 will explore the stories and teachings of the Old Testament. Young people in grades 7 and 8 have particular faith needs and require a ministry that is comprehensive and integrated. They need to feel a sense of ownership and activity. The program here at St. Thomas attempts to respond to those needs. Topics offered are Jesus, the Church, Conscience Formation, Social Justice, Prayer, and Liturgical Experiences.
Senior High (Gr. 9 - 10)
This is a time for young people to grow and share more deeply into their parish, civic and family community. Included is scripture sharing, doctrine, ministry in parish and social time. Activites that promote a living out of their faith are encouraged.
Youth Ministry:
Social and outreach opportunities are an integral part of our Religious Education Program. In addition, some activities for Jr. - Sr. High are offered.

All sacramental programs emphasize parent involvement. We require that all who desire to participate in any sacrament must be registered at
St. Thomas the Apostle.
Confirmation:
Confirmation preparation begins in grade 9. Outreach, personal faith growth and initiation into parish life is emphasized. Candidates participate in Parish Rites, community and Parish Ministries, a full day retreat, monthly sessions, parent and sponsor meetings.
Adult & Young Adult:
Preparation begins 12 weeks before the Confirmation.

 

 

 

 


Home Study

Curriculum adaptations are made to meet the special needs of each situation.

Tuition Information

  • $50.00 per student (Preschool - Gr. 10)
  • $80.00 if non-parishioner
  • $125.00 maximum per family
  • $15.00 per student for Home Study

    No fees for sacraments

Children with Special Needs

We attempt to be inclusive and mainstream as much as possible. Please make us aware, so we may provide any necessary assistance.

RCIA: Sister Mary Lou Dummer, Coordinator
 
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA) is a process for those in high school through adult who wish to become Catholic or for Catholics who have missed any sacraments beyond baptism or have not yet been baptized.
 
If you or someone you know would like more information
about RCIA, please call Sister Mary Lou at 651-738-0677.

 

Contact the parish office:

  • Phone: 651-738-0677
  • Fax: 651-738-6492
  • e-mail

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