The basic idea behind St. Mark’s Family Faith Formation program is to teach the Catholic Faith to parents, that they might then teach the Faith to their own children. On hearing about this concept, some parents have expressed the concern, “But I’m not trained as a teacher! And I’m worried I don’t know enough about our religion!” As Jesus told us so often: Do not be afraid!
As a parent, you will be provided with the material and tools you need to accomplish this crucial task. And there’s something more that you’ve already been given… Whenever a child is baptized in the Catholic Church, the child’s parents are reminded that, in asking for his or her baptism, they are accepting the responsibility of training their son or daughter in the practice of the Faith and the duty to bring him or her up to keep God’s commandments. The religious education of their own children is part of the God-given vocation of parents, and the Lord never calls us to do something without also giving us everything we need to accomplish it. So, on top of the essential material and tools our parish will provide, God has given you his grace to do this!
St. Marks presents a family faith formation program which includes the following:
Parents and kids attend a meeting on the first of the month. We will share a meal and then split. Parents remain in the auditorium and the kids go down to the ground level to meet with their appropriate grade level catechists. At this first meeting, parents watch a video and have a speaker who will discuss the main topic of the month. Parents also receive a packet that contains weekly overviews under the main topic of the month which they discuss with their kids at home throughout the remainder of the month.
Parents and kids meet again a second time in the month where we share a meal and then split again. The parents stay in the auditorium and the kids go to their grade level catechists where they receive Family Life class. The parents have a round table discussion on hot topics such as social media, and other issues related to parenting and their marriage.
Hopefully, that helps explain the program a little better. The concept is to assist parents in handing on their faith to their children. Because our faith exists and is shared within community (Mass), our faith formation program is also designed to be received and shared within a community instead of the tradition CCD classroom style. Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, and the Church is here to assist parents with that mission.
For the 2021/2022 formation year we will be having two classes on the St. Mark Campus and parents will receive envelopes to provide family catechesis at home.
Download the 2021-2022 Faith Formation Calendar
We will offer Sunday classes from 10:30-12:00 p.m. or Wednesday classes from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. please mark which session you will attend on your registration form. You will need to fill out both the registration form and the faith direct payment.
Classes are twice a month for the whole family.
Classes begin in September and end in May.
Fees for family faith formation are:
Family with up to two children $200.00. Family with three + children $250.00.
If you do not belong to St. Mark but would like to attend Faith Formation your fee is $300.00.
Register all your children from birth to 8th grade.
Family Faith Formation Form
**After filling out this form please send it to dhauff@saintmarkfallston.org or drop it off in the office.
Faith Formation Registration Payment can be made on Faith Direct by clicking here
If you have a child going into the 2nd grade and they attended faith formation last year they are eligible to register for First Sacraments.
Please note: You must first register for Family Faith Formation and then ALSO register for First Sacraments
First Sacraments Registration:
First Sacraments Registration Form
**After filling out this form please send it to dhauff@saintmarkfallston.org or drop it off in the office.
First Sacraments Registration Payment can be made on Faith Direct by clicking here
**After filling out this form please send it to dhauff@saintmarkfallston.org or drop it off in the office.
*9th grade parents should contact Barbara Austin at baustin@saintmarkfallston.org immediately
to set up a registration meeting if you have not already done so.
If you need assistance filling out your forms or have questions, please contact Barbara in the office at 443-981-3187 or at baustin@saintmarkfallston.org