St.Lawrence Faith Formation

Our Faith Formation Program prepares children in grades 1 through 8 for the Sacraments of First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Included in our program is catechesis for grades 1 through 8, a special education class (varying grade levels), a Youth Group - grades 9 through 12, and a Vacation Bible School - pre-k through grade 2.

Grades 1,2,3
There is a mandatory two-year (Level I and II) preparatory program for First Holy Communion. During the first year of preparation, children are taught by their own parents at home. Registration is generally the second week of September. Parents gather for an Enrollment Prayer Service and three instructional meetings; children gather for Advent and Lenten activities. At the start of the second year, children are placed in classes with a catechist.
Please contact Mrs Jean Rico at 589-3160 or email Mrs Jean Rico

Grades 4,5,6
An emphasis is placed on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, social ministry, and special Advent and Lenten programs in the Church. Some activities include a program on the O’Aniphons for fourth graders, Praying the Rosary for fifth graders, and The Jesse Tree for sixth graders during Advent, and the Stations of the Cross designed for children during Lent.
Please contact Mrs Maria Davidson at 589-3160 or email Mrs Maria Davidson

Grades 7,8
There is a mandatory two-year preparatory program for Confirmation. Emphasis is placed on social ministry and service, Mass attendance, and parent/sponsor involvement. Level I candidates for Confirmation participate in an Evening of Recollection and Level II candidates and their parents or sponsors participate in a retreat at Our Lady of the Island Shrine in Eastport.
Please contact Mrs Lorraine Gallagher at 589-3160 or email Mrs Lorraine Gallagher

The Faith Formation program for children at St. Lawrence is in full conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and in the use of catechetical materials approved by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Our current textbooks include: the Blest Are We series published by RCL/Benziger for grades 1 through 8, a sacramental preparation book for First Eucharist entitled, The Gift of Eucharist, also published by RCL/Benziger, and a sacramental preparation book for Confirmation entitled, The Spirit Sets Us Free, published by William H. Sadlier, Inc.

The Faith Formation program is dedicated to a constant policy of improving the program and its outcomes. Perspective catechists are interviewed and receive training through an ongoing Catechist Formation Program called Echoing the Word from the Centre and catechist meetings in the parish and various diocesan certificate programs. All training is designed to prepare catechists for the important ministry of catechesis.

We invite you to speak to any of our coordinators regarding your child(ren) and the program. New parishioners should register their child(ren) at the Office of Faith Formation as soon as possible. It is only necessary to register your child(ren) this one time since once your child is registered, he/she is re-enrolled automatically each year provided that he/she fulfills the attendance and participatory requirements for their grade-level. Please notify the office with any name, address, and/or phone number changes.

As of September, 2009, tuition fees for the Faith Formation Program are as follows:

Grades 1 through 6 $75.00 per child
Confirmation, Level I $100.00 per child
Confirmation, Level II $150.00 per child

Either (but not both) of the following discounts may apply:
Family Discount: 25% of total tuition of children from one family.
Catechist Discount: 50% of total tuition of children of a catechist.
Hardship consideration: Please bring any concerns to the office.
Billing: October; if payment is partial, please complete by February 1st.
Financial support for the program comes from tuitions paid by participants as well as from the ordinary contributions of parishioners.

We look forward to meeting parents who wish to become directly involved in their child’s faith formation as a catechist or assistant. You may call the Faith Formation Office at 589-3160.

Our Faith Formation Professional Staff:
Mrs. Jean Rico, coordinating Grades 1,2,3
Mrs. Maria Davidson, Director, coordinating Grades 4,5,6
Mrs. Lorraine Gallagher, coordinating Grades 7,8

The Faith Formation Office is located in Prince of Peace Regional School.

For more information, contact the Faith Formation Office at 589-3160

St.Lawrence The Martyr RC Church