Finding a Friend in Jesus

Sacramental Preparation Year 1

For un-catechized Children 3rd through 6th grade
A minimum of 1 year of “ongoing Faith Formation” is required prior to the second year in which the student receives any Sacrament of Initiation. These Sunday morning classes are for children who have had minimal or no religious instruction. This group includes children in 3rd through 6th grade that have already been baptized, as well as those not baptized. 

Students learn the basic Catholic prayers, how to pray the rosary, participate in a Christmas play and learn the fundamental beliefs and practices of our faith. *This class is offered on Sunday mornings 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

*Calendar of classes subject to change!

Finding a Friend in Jesus Year 1 Family Sessions

The students in Sacramental Prep year 1, along with the First grade students, attend with their parents four morning family sessions.These family sessions are offered at both sessions during regular class time.  Parents stay with their children. 

*Scheduled family sessions for 2022 - 2023 are:

Sunday, October 16, 2022 - General Concepts & the Liturgical Calendar
Sunday, November 13, 2022 - Thanksgiving/Season of Advent and Christmas

Sunday, February 12, 2023 - The Season of Lent
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Tridium/Holy Week & Easter Sunday

Finding a Friend in Jesus Year 2 Family Sessions

Children in fourth through seventh grade who completed year 1
“Ongoing formation” continues during the second year. Faith Formation students in 2nd grade or Sacramental Prep. Year 2, attend Sunday morning classes. Corpus Christi School 2nd graders attend their religion classes during the school week.

Once a month, in the afternoon, these children attend along with their parents the Finding a Friend in Jesus year 2 family sessions. This freestanding program, apart from any grade in the parish or school religious education program in which the child participated, follows the catechetical guidelines of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and USCCB.

Sacraments are celebrations for the whole family and the entire parish. This is why we invite all parents of children in first grade, second grade and year 1 and 2 of sacramental preparation to join their children for the family sessions of Finding a Friend in Jesus.

These sessions are presented by a dedicated team of catechists with a common goal: to give the families a unique opportunity to learn and practice faith sharing and do hands-on activities together while meeting other families.
 

Please see page 4 of the 2022-2023 Parent/Student Handbook for a complete and detailed calendar of family sessions and rituals.

The family sessions are offered one Sunday per month from 2 pm to 4 pm. These classes are for all children that have completed year 1 of Sacramental Preparation, are entering 2nd grade in Faith Formation, or who attend Corpus Christi School, and whose parents are registered parishioners at Corpus Christi. Students will learn about the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist.
 
These afternoon sessions are presented by a dedicated team of catechists with a common goal: to give the families a unique opportunity to learn and practice faith sharing and do hands-on activities together while meeting other families.

* Unbaptized children receive all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil of the second year of preparation. 

Baptized children celebrate their First Reconciliation in December and their First Communion in May of the second year of preparation.