FAITH FORMATION MEETINGS

PreK-High School

Begin September 20, 2026

 September 2026

Welcome to another year of faith formation. Below you will find an overview of the programs for the 2026- 2027 faith formation year for all of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish. With encouragement from our own diocese and the recommendation of the USCCB, we will continue using the Family Formation program we adopted last year. This flagship program covers all the tenets of our faith, follows the three-year liturgical cycle, and creates opportunities for your family to strengthen relationships with each other and with Christ.

Our traditional Sunday School classes (PK - grade 6/8) will gather on Sunday mornings, before or after Mass, and one Sunday per month there will be a Family Meeting. On that day, during the time the kids are in class, parents, grandparents, guardians, or whoever brings the child will gather to talk about the topic the children are studying that month. Our hope is that as information, ideas, experiences, and conversation regarding faith are shared, parents or caregivers will become reacquainted and more comfortable with the concepts their child will be learning about in class. That will make further discussion with your child more fruitful and enjoyable for all. We also pray that this will help form new friendships and build a strong shared faith community.

It is important that parents and all family members take an active part in the child's religious formation. The connection between what they learn in class and what they experience at home may be enhanced by:

·        Attending Mass each weekend with your child, worshiping with the community

·        Praying daily with your child and as a family

·        Promoting regular attendance at religious education classes

·        Asking your child about what was learned after each class

·        Participating in church events and activities

·        Sharing your faith in your own way (memories of sacraments, devotions etc.)

Our Family Faith Formation program will meet on Sunday mornings at two locations. The meeting times are listed below. We welcome your full participation; you and your children are most welcome! You can choose to attend age-appropriate classes at either of the sites listed below. Classes begin on September 20th.

Grades PK - 6 at St. Mary   will meet Sunday mornings from 8:45 am - 9:45 am   

Grades PK - 8 at St. Patrick   will meet Sunday mornings from 9:45 am - 10:45 am

Grades 6 - 8 from all churches   are invited to attend our middle school Ascension study program held at the parish center, on the 2nd & 4th Monday evenings of the month, from 6 - 7:30 pm. A shared meal is provided.

Ages 3-6 from all churches   are invited to attend the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, a Montessori, hands-on approach to learning & getting to know Jesus, Sunday mornings from 8:30 am - 9:45 am at the parish center. 

 First Communion: Families with children preparing for First Communion and First Reconciliation (grade 2) will receive further information regarding sacramental preparation. Children who are not enrolled in Catholic school must attend faith formation classes for the full year prior to sacramental preparation & celebration.

Confirmation: Preparation for Confirmation in the Diocese of Rochester is a 2-year process that begins no sooner than eighth grade. Year one classes will begin this fall and continue to meet throughout this year and the next, with confirmation scheduled for the spring of 2028. An introduction meeting just for parents will be held on September 13^th   at 11:15 AM at the parish center.

There will be classes, presentations, activities, and fun events for families scheduled throughout the year. You are also invited to all parish gatherings and to become involved in parish ministries. Please ask for more information! Also, be sure to read all materials and notices that come home with your children, as information about these events will be sent home with them.

The suggested donation to help defray the cost of Religious Education textbooks, weekly materials, and supplies, is $25 per student. (Family maximum of $70). Donations can be made later if necessary. All children are welcome, and no one will be turned away.

For more information, please contact: leslie.nieves@dor.org

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, participation, and prayers as we begin this 2026-2027 faith formation year.

In Christ:                             

Leslie Nieves                                                                                                                     Rev. Daniel L. White

Religious Education Coordinator                                                                               Parochial Administrator