St Colmcille Partnership of Parishes
Faith formation outside school hours for primary students.
Three strands of formation – Family, Class, and Parish
There are three strands of formation for each child.
The first formation children receive is at home. Children should be helped to pray daily, and to attend Mass every Sunday.
The second strand of formation is the faith formation provided in class. This class may be within school if the child attends a Catholic school, or may be outside school hours if the child attends a non-Catholic school. The classes they attend will help support the work of the family.
The third strand is provided by the Parish to which the family belongs. The individual parishes in the partnership have a preparation program, which all children in the parish, both in Catholic schools and in alternate schooling will participate in. The details of this preparation, which usually only occurs in Year 2, will be communicated directly from your parish after you register with your own parish for the Sacraments. Please refer to your own parishes website for details of how to do this.
What faith formation should my child receive in class?
The Diocese recommends that children have continuous faith formation for six years in primary school. That is two years leading to Holy Communion, two years continuing faith formation, and two years leading to Confirmation.
The Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of Confirmation, both require completion of two years preparation.
What happens if they are not in a Catholic school?
In the St Colmcille Partnership of Parishes, where a child is attending a school which does not provide Catholic faith formation, children are prepared in the Partnership Religious formation classes with children from all the parishes of the Partnership, and when their studies are completed they make their Sacraments in their own parish.
Parents with children in full time home education should contact the Director of Religious Education directly.
What Parish will my child receive the Sacraments in?
Children should be registered for Sacraments in the Parish where you live, or where your child attends school, or where you usually attend Sunday Mass. Each Parish has its own formation program for all families, including those attending Catholic schools, which you will be asked to complete. When you have registered with your Parish, they will communicate directly with you in regard to this preparation and other details about the Sacraments.
If your child is not attending a Catholic school, your parish will check that your child is attending the Partnership Religious Formation, and will receive your child’s Certificate of Completed Preparation from the Partnership Class.
Who teaches the class?
The Director of Religious Education, and the class catechists are appointed by the Partnership. The classes are also accompanied by the parents who take turns on a rota, according to the Diocesan Child Protection policy.
Parents with children in 3rd and 4th class who wish to receive continuing faith formation should speak with the Director of Religious Education directly.
Where are the classes?
Holy Communion Year 1 and 2 and Confirmation Year 1 and 2 are held in St Annes Parish Centre, Shankill.
Continuing Faith (3rd and 4th class ) is in development, and you should talk directly to the Director of Religious Education.
When are classes held?
Class run throughout the school year with the same holidays and midterms as school. Children must attend for the full year. Absence for serious family reasons should be discussed with the DRE. Out of respect for the child and their faith journey, reception of Sacraments depends on adequate preparation.