Children (Pre-K to Grade 5)

The faith development of a child is a journey shared between families and the parish community. Our Catholic Church believes parents are the primary educators of their children. The Children's Faith Formation program at St. Paul the Apostle Parish seeks to support parents and children by providing catechetical instruction in sacrament preparation, Scripture, doctrine, and prayer in order to help form faithful and knowledgeable disciples of Jesus Christ.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR SACRAMENTS
Attention Parents of First Graders!
Sacramental preparation in the Diocese of Portland is a mandatory two-year process

Children who are six years of age and/or entering first grade, will need to register in Year One of the Sacramental Preparation program. Those who complete the first year of the Sacramental Preparation program can then register for Year Two. The new guidelines will provide children with the necessary time to learn about and develop a relationship with God as they come to know him through Jesus, to learn their prayers, to understand and desire the sacraments, and to be involved in the Church, particularly through regular participation at Sunday Mass. 

Year One includes children in first or second grade who are just beginning their faith formation. During this year, your child will be introduced to: the Trinity (God the Father, Creator of all life, Jesus, God’s Son and the Holy Spirit, who fills us with God’s life ), Bible stories, prayers and the Mass.

Year Two includes children in second or third grade who will prepare for and celebrate their sacraments. During this year your child will focus on the three sacraments they will celebrate. They will begin to understand: God’s love, forgiveness of sin, the parts of the Mass, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit as our helper and guide.