Religious Education
Religious Education of elementary-age children is the largest program in Family Life at College Church. Family involvement is a major focus of the program. The parents serve as teachers. Our parish is committed to providing the highest quality religious education for our children. We believe in the teamwork of teachers, students, and parents, at home and in the classroom. We ask that all parents assist with the program.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Word for Children provides an opportunity for children in grades Kindergarten through seven to experience God's presence in the proclamation of the Word during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Liturgy. The children are called forward after the Opening Prayer. After the Presider greets the children they process into the Parish Center where they are divided up into four groups according to their grade level. The children return to the congregation following the Prayers of the Faithful. Any child of school age is welcome to attend. No registration is required. There is no Liturgy of the Word for Children during the months of June, July and August. The leaders of Liturgy of the Word for Children are parishioners who serve on a rotational basis.
Preparing for Sacraments
The Sacramental life of our children is important. Preparation for First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation is integrated into the Religious Ed program. A belief in and understanding of the communal nature of the sacramental life of the parish are woven into the fabric of our program. In light of this, the importance of service to the community is emphasized as the students participate in various community projects throughout the year. Attendance is critical. Parental follow-up at home is essential to the success of the program.
Classes are held three/four Sundays a month from September through May. Students and parent-teachers meet from 9:15 a.m to 10:20 a.m. on those Sundays.
Service Days
Youth Faith Commission
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Aimee Wittman (Chair), Liz Babusis, Anne-Marie Berger, Jim Byrne, Teresa Carson, Simone Cummings, John Hartung, Christina Ireland, Sally Matiszik, Fr. Glenn Mueller, S.J., Tim Noonan, Susan Stuhlsatz Reese, Brigitte Welsby, Laura Winter
Angie Doerr (Director of Religious Education & Family Life)
Youth Faith Classes Resume September 27
College Church Youth Faith Formation Classes will begin Sunday, September 27. In an abundance of caution they will begin virtually, with a commitment to return to live classes as soon as it is safe.
Both RE and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd virtual classes will replicate the in-person classes as closely as possible. Classes for children in sacramental years will concentrate on sacramental preparation. There will be times when students in those years come together outside or in the ballroom for activities specific to that preparation.
There will be opportunities to come together even as we learn virtually. We will have Class Masses with seating in designated areas of the Church, and we will come together for penance services.
We will offer opportunities and suggestions for service work, either done independently at home, or in safe gatherings in the ballroom or outside.
It is all our hope and prayer that this is a very temporary situation. In the meantime we feel this structure will allow you and your family to maintain and nurture the role of faith in your life and keep a connection with our YFF family.
If you have questions please contact Terry Edelmann, 314.712.4216, or Julie Kilian at 314.698.9268.
New Classrooms for Atrium Levels I and II.
When students return to their Atrium classes, they will have a dedicated space which is much more easily accessible. Level I and II classrooms will all be in a large area behind the Ballroom in the space of the former Chapel.
All the rooms are larger than the current ones, and they will have a dedicated entry, down the ramp on the southside of the church. There are no steps so monitored entry and social distancing will not present a problem. Parents can park in the Laclede garage, free on Sunday, and just make a short trip through the campus to the Atrium door.
Note: Our Eighth Grade Class is now full.
View our early Mass at this link.
Youth Faith Formation Reading Room
We've asked the catechists in our Youth Faith Formation ministry to read books to provide some story time for our families. Here's Gwendolyn Cataldo with The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman. You can see all our Reading Room selections by clicking the link below.
The Youth Faith Formation Ministry at College Church seeks to nourish and affirm family life in a variety of ways.
We offer:
Baptism Preparation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes for Preschool through Sixth Grade,
Traditional Religious Education with emphasis on Ignatian Spirituality for First through Eighth Grade,
Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word for children Preschool through Second Grade,
High School Youth Group and
Nursery program for our youngest parish members.
We also have SFX Connections, a speaker series for parents, and offer parenting groups and small discussion groups when needed.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Terry Edelmann at 314-712-4216 or Terry@sfxstl.org.