Pre-K to Kindergarten and First Holy Communion (Usually Grades 1 -2)
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Our Faith Formation model for families with children in Pre-K to Grade 2 encompasses the following five components:- Sunday Mass
- Participation in worship leader positions (at least a couple of times a year)
- Participation in our Family-themed units that occur as part of the 9:30 AM Family Mass
- Participation in at least four Family Events at Notre Dame
- Pathways Program (for Level 1 and Level 2 First Communion Prep). Click here for Pathways
(1) Participation in Weekly Sunday Mass
Families are invited to experience Sunday Mass as a family. To better engage the children in the liturgy, special attention is given to the children during 9:30 AM Mass on Sundays through:
- Child-friendly homilies
- Encouraging child participation: Children are invited to be Prayer of the Faithful readers, hand out music sheets, join the Joyful Noise or Cherub choirs, and train to be altar servers. Fifth and sixth graders and up are encouraged to proclaim the readings.
- Presentation of Church teachings: children will learn about various aspects of our Catholic faith through engaging themed units. The themed units have at-home and in-church components.
Families are required to fill out a Mass Transit Card after attending Mass. These cards offer a short reflection and an opportunity for families to write what they have observed at Mass.
(2) Notre Dame Family Events (all in Parish Hall following 9:30 Sunday Family Mass)2025 – 2026 FAMILY EVENTSDate Event October 12, 2025
Rosary Activity November 2, 2025
Saints Procession January 18, 2026
Color a Smile Service Project February 15, 2026
Lenten Sacrifice Calendar Activity April 12, 2026
Divine Mercy Sunday Activity May 31, 2026
The Most Holy Trinity Activity June 14, 2026 Veteran & Armed Forces Card-Making Service Project (3) PATHWAYS programPathways Seek Sessions
Families who are new to our Family Faith Formation program and who will participate in the Pathways program are required to participate in an introductory session program called Seek.Pathways Seek Date: Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 aM – 12:00 pm______________
PATHWAYS FIRST COMMUNION PREP PROGRAM
LEVEL 1 - ROOT
SCHEDULE FOR FAMILIES WITH A CHILD IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF PREPARING FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
SUNDAYS 9:30 AM (MASS) - 12:00 PM
Date
Time
Time Is Holy: Sunday, September 28, 2025*
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, October 19, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, November 23, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, December 14, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, January 25, 2026
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, February 8, 2026
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Root: Sunday, March 15, 2026
10:30 am-12:00 noon
The program for families with children in their first year of preparing for First Communion has five components:
1. Participation in the 9:30 AM Family Mass
a. Completion of Mass Transit Cards
b. Participation in worship leader positions2. Completion of six Root family meetings
3. Participation in our Family-themed units that occur as part of the 9:30 AM Family Mass
4. Participation in at least four Family Events at Notre Dame
5. Participation in the Root in-church sessions. Families attend the 9:30 AM Mass and proceed downstairs (parents and children) for the preparation session on the dates above.
Note: Active engagement of the above is required for acceptance into Level 2_______________
Pathways First Communion Prep Program
Level 2 – Mend/Nourish
SCHEDULE FOR FAMILIES WITH A CHILD in their Second year of PREPARING FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
SUNDAYS 9:30 AM (MASS) – 12:00 PMDate
Time
Mend- Celebrate: Sunday, October 5, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Mend: Sunday, October 26, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Mend: Sunday, December 7, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Mend Retreat: Saturday, January 3, 2026 (NEW DATE)
10:00 am-12:00 noon
First Reconciliations: Saturday, January 10, 2026
9:00 am-11:00 am
Nourish: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2025
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Nourish: Sunday, February 22, 2026
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Nourish: Sunday, March 22, 2026
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Nourish Retreat: Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am-12:00 noon
After Communion Celebration: Sunday, May 17, 2026
CANCELLED
First Communion Practice: Thursday, May 7 or 14 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm First Communions: May 9 & 10 and May 16 & 17 Saturdays at 5 pm Mass, Sundays at 9:30 am and 11:30 am Masses The program for families with children in their second year of preparing for First Communion has five components:1. Participation in the 9:30 AM Family Mass
a. Completion of Mass Transit Cards
b. Participation in worship leader positions2. Completion of seven Mend and ten Nourish family meetings.
3. Participation in our Family-themed units that occur as part of the 9:30 AM Family Mass
4. Participation in at least four Family Events at Notre Dame
5. Participation in the Mend and Nourish in-church sessions and retreats. Families attend the 9:30 AM Mass and proceed downstairs (parents and children) for the preparation session on the dates above.
Note: Sacraments may be delayed until this formation is completed