Coordinator:  Jenny Kenner | 765‐5108, ext. 25 | jkenner@stpiuscda.org

Family Ministry is one component of Purposefully Catholic, a joint initiative between Pope St. Pius X and St. Thomas Catholic Churches!  As part of family ministry, join in @HOME & @Church Tuesday nights, as well as other opportunities unique to families and children.  Below, you will find a brief overview to each component of Purposefully Catholic.  Let’s get PC!

“The ministry of evangelization carried out by Christian parents is original and irreplaceable. It assumes the characteristics typical of family life itself, which should be interwoven with love, simplicity, practicality and daily
witness.” -Familiaris Consortio

PC@HOME: 3 Tuesdays per month

• For the whole parish, including parents of children in Sacramental Prep, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and 3rd-5th grade.
• Purposefully Catholic @HOME, Live streamed on Facebook & YouTube, Tuesday evenings (except for Purposefully Catholic @CHURCH Nights), 6-7:30pm
• 6:00pm Live Rosary, followed by @HOME with Father 
• Nights will include interactive activity with live viewers, reflection on Mass readings, themed presentation, & information on upcoming Liturgical feasts/events. 
• These topics help encourage and equip parents to be the primary educator in the faith, as they are called to by nature of their vocation. (These programs are not aimed at children; there is no requirement that they tune in)
• To help support families, a Parent's guide book and Children's activity book are included in registration!

PC@CHURCH: 1 Tuesday per month

• In-Person gathering, every 2nd Tuesday of the month (takes the place of the @HOME With Father), 6-8pm
• For the whole parish, including families in Sacramental Prep, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, & 3-5 grade.
• Nights will include a simple meal, time of prayer, presentation, & time of Christian Community Formation
• These nights are for parents AND children

Family Ministry/Sacramental Prep: 1 Sunday per month

• All families with children 1st-5th grade will meet the 4th Sunday of the month.  This includes:
  • 1st and 2nd graders preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 
  • 3rd – 5th Graders
  • Prek-Kinder: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: every Sunday

• Pre-k & Kindergarten will participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori based religious education experience that will meet every Sunday, 10:45-noon, including the 4th Sunday Family Ministry.

Adoration: 1 Thursday per month

• Every 4th Thursday of the month, 6-8pm at St. Thomas
• For the whole parish, including families in Sacramental Prep, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, & 3-5 grade.
• Hosted at St. Thomas for parishioners from both St. Thomas and St. Pius X

Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PreK - Kindergarten)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children grounded in Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, Liturgy and Prayer. Themes are presented in such a way as to develop the religious potential present in every child: the capacity to love and be loved and be in a deep relationship with God.

• Age availability:  children must be 3, 4 or 5 years of age by September 1st and must be potty-trained.
• Class size is limited to 15 students.
• Regular attendance is important.

We are also in needs of some items to help finish our Atrium (the name of the room where CGS is held).  Please visit our Amazon wish list here. Thank you!

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Sacramental Preparation (1st - 2nd Grades)

First Reconciliation and First Communion (Received in 2nd Grade)
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is a two-year process (Year 1 and Year 2) and is a pre-requisite to receiving the Sacraments.  Sacramental Prep will happen as part of our parish-wide initiative, Purposefully Catholic.  In addition, families will meet once per month, with breakout sessions for all children including sacramental prep.  Finally, the child and parents together attend First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion retreats.

• Our first Purposefully Catholic @Home night is Tuesday, September 29th. Join us online!
• Sacramental Prep will include:
  • Tuning in Tuesday evenings to Purposefully Catholic @Home
  • Attending the monthly Purposefully Catholic @Church nights on the 2nd Tuesday of the month
  • Attending the monthly Family Ministry group on the 4th Sunday of the month after 9:30 Mass. 
  • Weekly Sunday Mass attendance
  • Completing a portfolio
• In their breakout sessions, sacramental prep students will be supporting what is learned at home through the St. Joseph's First Communion booklet and working on a portfolio. Breakout sessions will include:
  • 1st grade (or year 1 sacramental prep)
  • 2nd grade (or year 2 sacramental prep)
  • Parents
• 2 retreats per year are required for students and their parents:
  • Saturday, February 6th; 9am-Noon
  • Saturday, April 17th; 9am-Noon

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Upper Elementary (3rd - 5th Grades)

After receiving their first sacraments, it is important for children to build community with others who hold the same values and beliefs as them, as well as internalize their faith as their own.  Faith formation for children in upper elementary will happen as part of our parish-wide initiative, Purposefully Catholic.  In addition, families will meet once per month, with breakout sessions for both upper elementary children and their parents.  All upper elementary children will receive a devotional journal Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Courageous Catholic Youth.  Break out sessions will be:

• 3rd-5th grade boys
• 3rd-5th grade girls
• Parents