Children’s Faith Formation Programs

Our Children’s Faith Formation program is offered on Sunday from 12:15 to 1:30pm. Classes are taught in English at all levels; however, classes in Spanish for Pre-k, Kinder, and 1^st grade are available at the parents’ request. Student textbooks will be bilingual to encourage parents to participate in the faith formation of their children.  

Eligible third graders receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Preparations for these sacraments are through a required two-year program for second and third graders.

A Sacramental class, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for Children (RCIC), is offered for third graders and up who have not received their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist).

Parents or other adults may volunteer to help in many different areas of the Religious Education program. Contact our Faith Formation Office  at 433-2777 ext 118 to enroll your child/children in our programs or to volunteer your services.

All youth participating in CYO must be registered and attending Faith Formation Classes.

Sacrament of Baptism

It is in Baptism that one is welcomed into a community of faith. As a parish community, we welcome new members.

Parent Information:

1. A Baptism Registration form must be completed prior to scheduling the Baptism.  
2. Baby’s official (state copy) Birth Certificate must be submitted with the registration.
3. If the parents are not registered at St. Luke, a letter from the parish in which they are registered giving them permission to have the child baptized at St. Luke.
4. If the parents or godparents are living in the boundaries of the parish and are not registered parishioners, we invite them to become members of our parish community.
5. If parents of the child are not married in the Catholic Church or do not practice their faith regularly, before the Celebration of Baptism an appointment with the Pastor is encouraged.
6. Both parents are required to attend Baptism Preparation Classes prior to the Baptism celebration.  Please ensure you schedule the time you are to attend the Baptism Preparation Classes when you register your child for the Baptism.  The classes are held on the second Tuesday of the month in the Parish Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  

Godparent Information:

The role of Godparents is to help their godchild lead a good Catholic/Christian life. The following are requirements from The Code of Canon Law that the Godparent must meet. Accordingly the Godparents should be present at the child’s baptism to profess their faith as representatives of the child’s extended spiritual family and of the whole church. 

1. Godparents from other parishes must obtain a letter from their parish stating they meet the requirements of Godparents. Those requirements, per Canon Law,  are as follows:

      - Canon 873 Only one male or one female godparent or one of each sex is permitted.

      - Canon 874

·              Must be 16 years of age

·              Be a Catholic who has received all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.

·              Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared (i.e. married by a Justice of the Peace or Common Law marriage)

·              Not be the father or the mother of the child.

·              Both godparents are required to attend the Baptism Preparation Classes prior to the Baptism celebration. The Faith Formation Office should be contacted @ (210) 433-2777 ext 118 to schedule the time you are to attend the Baptism Preparation Classes which are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Parish Center from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  

All Baptism Preparation Classes are offered in both English and in Spanish. If you are in need of completing the preparation class for a Baptism outside of our parish contact the Faith Formation Office.  To register for the preparation class and to receive additional information required prior to your attendance in this class contact the Faith Formation Office at (210) 433-2777 ext. 118.   

Sacrament of Reconciliation/Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

The Sacraments of Reconciliation (First Confession/Penance  and Holy Eucharist (First Holy Communion) are offered in the third grade; however, it is required that students attend first and second grades. This will provide the child a better knowledge of the basic elements of Catholicism and an understanding of our Lord's love and be able to  accept His love in a positive way.  

Children who are beyond 3^rd grade and  wish to receive the Sacrament will attend RCIC l instructions along with their regular classes.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Offered to students in High School . It is a two-year Sacramental Preparation Program. Students, however, who have attended our faith formation program or a Catholic school in grades 4^th through 8^th grades, will be exempt from the first year Confirmation preparation and will be placed on the 2^nd year Confirmation class.  Students attending Catholic High Schools are required to attend the program in order to receive their sacrament of Confirmation.

Requirements

1. Students are required to attend the Confirmation Retreat.

2. Students will need to complete 20 hours of service coordinated by the Confirmation Catechists and Staff.

Adult Education

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) includes those interested in learning about the teachings of the Catholic Church, baptized Catholics who are in need of Receiving First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation, and converts. Sessions begin in September and continue through the Easter Season. Inquiries regarding this highly personalized Christian Initiation should be directed to Martin or Nancy Schott at 521-9079.