St. Martin of Tours Faith Formation recognizes the partnership with our families to form disciples of Jesus Christ through our baptismal call to live the Faith, build community, serve others, and celebrate our unity through the Sacraments.

Children who need preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation and first holy communion need to be in family formation in 1^st and 2^nd grade.  If your child is older than 2^nd grade, they will still need to be involved with a preparation program for two years to be eligible to receive the sacraments.

New Family Information

Families new to the parish or families not enrolled in the 2019-2020 Faith Formation year and wish to enroll their child in Faith Formation must contact the Office of Parish and Family Life to schedule an orientation prior to registration.

Office of Parish and Family Life

(972) 564-9114
faithformation@stmartinforney.org

Registration

Young Disciples (K-8)

Schedule

Young Disciples (K-6)

St. Martin of Tours utilizes family formation for children entering Kindergarten - 6th grade. The program runs from September to the first week in May. In addition to the family formation program, there are optional activities that will take place year-round for families looking for more opportunities to engage within the community. See below for more on Family Formation.

Families may choose between two sessions:

• Sundays, 9:15 – 10:55 AM
• Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:25 PM new time

In-person on-campus sessions have been suspended on Sunday and Wednesday until further notice.

Note: some of the following information is inaccurate due to the current COVID protocols and requirements implemented at St. Martin of Tours.

About Family Formation

Family faith formation is a dynamic program where both parents/guardians and children learn and grow together in their faith through catechesis in both home and at the parish. This is not your typical weekly drop off program. We are strengthening our faith community one family at a time!

The mission of family faith formation is to help parents/guardians respond to the Church's call to be "the first and foremost educators of their children." Our purpose is to aid families as they grow in their love and knowledge of the Catholic Faith.

How does it work at the parish?

• Families will meet monthly at St. Martin of Tours.
• Using the provided classroom lessons, volunteer catechists teach the children in grade level groups.
• Parents attend adult formation on the same topic through speakers, discussion, fellowship, along with guidance on the home lessons. Parents will gather in the main church building.
• Parents receive a take home packet with weekly lessons and resources to assist them in sharing the Faith with their children.
• Parents do not have to be experts in the Faith, just willing to devote about an hour a week to quality family time.

How does it work in the home?

• Families choose a day and time to commit to family formation at home each week to complete their home lesson.
• Home lessons include a variety of hands-on activities for the whole family.
• Families become the domestic churches they are called to be.
• The staff and volunteer catechists are here to support each family based on the needs of each family. Some families may need more support and others less.

The right and duty of parents to give education is essential, original, and primary, and it is irreplaceable and incapable of being entirely delegated to others.
[Familiaris Consortio, 36]

What does a typical Family Formation month include?

• Throughout the year, there will be monthly opportunities for families to meet at St. Martin of Tours to connect with other families and build community while strengthening and sharing their faith.
• On the third Wednesday of each month, Pange Lingua – a monthly night of adoration and worship for the whole family including confession is on the calendar.
• Other events and gatherings are scheduled throughout the liturgical year.

An integral part of our children's faith formation is participation in Sunday Liturgy. Sunday Liturgy reinforces the family home lessons. While attending classes is important for learning the practical knowledge of our Catholic teachings, faith should also be experienced. To be part of the parish family, to worship together each Sunday is to be part of faith in action.

Susan Mastervich

Director of Parish and Family Life

(972) 564-9114
faithformation@stmartinforney.org