Faith First

Faith First Program at St. Edmund of Canterbury Parish

Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of the faith for their children the goal of our program (which has been in place since 2001) is to offer families the tools and assistance they need to fulfill this task.

Levels 1-6
With the help of volunteers (2-3 catechists plus 10 or more parent volunteers at each level) we offer 3 meetings a year for the children to attend. These are offered at levels (1-6) with approximately 60-80 children attending each level. The meetings are structured so as to allow the children to get to know one another and build community. (We want our children to recognize that they have 'church friends') While a review of what has been taught at home in the preceding weeks is our goal it is disguised in the form of crafts, games, movies, or other activities.

All Catechists attend a meeting a few weeks prior to the beginning of each set of children's meetings with the PCL (Parish Catechetical Leader) in order to plan their meeting for the children. They have a theme (based on what chapters have been covered) and working together come up with the structure and activities for their meeting.

Kindergarten
The Kindergarten year is not mandatory but we encourage families to start at this level as it is a gentle introduction into our program. We currently have a family with 3 children (2 in High School and 1 in Elementary School) that run these meetings. It has become very popular and is offered as 2 meetings in the year (one during Advent and the other during Lent) in which the whole family comes. Activities such as games and crafts are planned for the children (and run by the children of our 'Catechist Family') while the adults are catechized by the father of our 'Catechist Family'. Families then come together to complete a family challenge which requires cooperation from all members and then are treated to a Pizza lunch.

High School
When a young person who is of high school age comes to us needing to celebrate the sacraments we have them become a member of our Youth Group which meets twice a month. They arrive 1/2 hour prior to the Youth Group starting to work with a catechist using books and material that is age appropriate. Preparing for the Sacraments takes a minimum of 2 years – year 1 gives them the Catholic basics and then year 2 prepares them for the Sacrament.

Parent Meetings
As part of our program, parents are required to attend 4 parent meetings per year. For each one they are given a choice of 3 times to accommodate parents' various schedules. These meetings are used to give out information about what is happening in the Parish as well as changes when necessary. Each meeting has as a theme the unit that they will then go home to teach their children. In most cases they will be given a choice of 3-5 breakout groups to attend giving them an adult understanding to the topics that they will teach their children.

Mass Attendance/Children's Liturgy
All families who are in the Faith First program are required to attend Mass weekly. Children's Liturgy is offered at all 3 Masses and attendance is taken. Should a child attend Mass at another church, they are required to bring us a copy of the bulletin from that church. Also, if children prefer to stay in the church for Mass with their parents, they can sign in at the end of Mass in the Parish Hall on a Master attendance list.

Sacraments
Within the years in Faith First the children would generally prepare for their First Reconciliation and Eucharist at the end of their second year but not before Level 2 and for their Confirmation at the end of Level 6. Students who come to us midway through the program are kept with their peers as much as possible but must complete a minimum of 2 years to celebrate each Sacrament.

 

The 2010-2011 Faith First Calendar is available for downloading
in Adobe PDF format.

If you have a question related to program, please contact: Joanne Murray
joannemurray@videotron.ca

Telephone: 514-695-6697
Fax: 514-695-7333