One of our most serious obligations—and greatest joys—as a parish family is to pass on the ancient  treasure of our faith.  Jesus’ command that we do so is clear: 

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 19-20). 

The St. Lawrence the Martyr Faith Formation Program’s aim is to form children in the Catholic faith, offering opportunities to encounter our Lord through prayer and liturgy, the sacraments, catechesis, and service, thereby helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Coming to faith in God is a lifelong process, as is any relationship.  The searching and yearning we experience within our deepest selves are God’s continual invitation to know Him and experience Him more intimately.

Our Faith Formation Program prepares children in grades 1 through 8 for the sacraments of First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation.  Included are age-appropriate catechesis, prayer services, seasonal activities, and opportunities to serve.  In late June, we have a lively Vacation Bible School for children in pre-school through grade 3.  Children are always encouraged to attend Sunday Mass with their families.  Our parish celebrates a Family Mass on the first Sunday of the month from October through June, and a Liturgy of the Word with Children on most other Sundays.

Our Faith Formation program for children 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:

• Alive in Christ, published by Our Sunday Visitor for Grade 1
• A sacramental preparation book for First Eucharist entitled, Encounter With Christ, also published by Our Sunday Visitor
• The Be My Disciples series published by RCL/Benziger, a Kendall-Hunt Company for Grades 2 through 6
• Chosen, a video and discussion-based Confirmation preparation program
  

The Faith Formation program is dedicated to constantly improving the curriculum and its outcomes. Prospective catechists are interviewed and receive training through ongoing Catechist Formation, attendance at catechist meetings designed to enrich their faith and teaching skills, and various diocesan certificate programs. All training is intended to prepare catechists for the important ministry of catechesis.  All Faith Formation volunteers must conform to all requirements of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth.  A copy of this Charter and its requirements can be found on the diocesan website.

We invite you to speak to our Faith Formation Director/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.  Registration must be renewed annually.  Once registered in the program, families will receive an invitation to renew their registration in June. Please notify the office with any change of name, address, and/or phone number.