It's time to register for faith formation classes grades K - 5 !  
Registration forms will be in the narthex of all the churches in our cluster. Please indicate which church you attend. We have  two programs this year: one for children preparing for their Sacraments, and one for those who have already received called “A Family of Faith.” Please place your completed registration form in the collection basket. Classes start soon so if you are interested in helping teach the children, please call the office!  

For Children:
Classes start Sept. 10 at St. Teresa of Calcuta Parish, and Sept. 17 for St. Joseph Parish. Location and times to be determined by registrations received.  Registration forms are in the Narthex at all our churches. Please place completed forms in the collection basket to Attn: Joanne Forter.  There will be classes for first & second year sacrament prep, as well as scripture studies/activities for older or younger children. Classes will include a community meal followed by breakout sessions for children and parents.
Further, we will present the two-part Symbolon series ( Knowing the Faith and Living the Faith ) at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish starting September, 10 and at St. Joseph Parish starting September 17th  This is recommended for alll parents of first-year sacrament children, those attending RCIA, and any parishioner interested in knowing the Faith better.  Please email [email protected]

Please call Joanne Fortier at 207 743 2606 (leave a message) or email Joanne at [email protected]
  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that parents are the foremost and primary teachers of their children. The home is a microcosm of the worldly community, where virtues can be fostered, and healthy relationships formed. We aim to support parents in the duty of teaching the faith by supplying them with materials and educating them as needed. Currently, we teach A Family of Faith (pre-K -8^th grade), where parents have the opportunity to learn more about their faith with a community meal or event; a presentation by a priest or other qualified individual, and time for discussion in a non-judgmental environment, while the children participate in fun activities or lessons. We have Sacramental classes for children of age, and Vacation Bible School, usually held in summer. Our teens are usually involved in social outreach or assist in teaching the younger students. We offer Bible or book studies for adults. We welcome those from other faiths or no faith to learn about our faith through RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation of Children and Adults).

JOIN A FAMILY OF FAITH
      Our Cluster is pleased to offer A Family of Faith, an exciting program created by the Sophia Institute to assist parents with the tools, information, and ideas…fun effe ctive ways to share the faith and develop a relationship with Jesus. As the domestic church the family is the first and most important place where children learn about God. At Baptism parents promise to raise the child in the Faith to know about, love, and follow Jesus.

Here’s how A Family of Faith works:
     During the school year, families meet twice a month: once for parents to learn techniques and be given resources while their children attend a catechism class. The second time is for an enjoyable activity or event to connect with other families and the facilitators in building community. Events envisioned may include hikes, visits to a pumpkin patch, Christmas parade, or a project to help others. Throughout the month, families practice what they learned with two simple lessons to teach, keep a scrapbook, and institute family faith practices, such as, prayers at bedtime.
     In the Diocese of Portland, in order for children to receive First Eucharist and Confirmation they must be at least 7 years old and have completed two years of Sacramental prep. The first year is learning the Faith and the second-year concentrates on the Sacraments.
***If a child needs Baptism, please contact the Cluster office to make an appointment. ***




For more information or to register please feel free to contact Joanne Fortier, Cluster Catechetical Leader, at [email protected] or call 207-743-2606.  Registration forms are in the narthex of each church.

Share Your Faith with Our Children
Catechetical teachers are always needed for this joy-filled ministry. They receive excellent resources and ongoing training to enhance their ministry.

JOY OF THE FAMILY
The Diocese of Portland provides resources that families can use to nourish their faith at home, including ideas for praying together as well as activities that help families grow in their faith together. 
https://portlanddiocese.org/joy-of-family



FORMED