At Saint Thomas the Apostle, we partner with parents to nurture and support our children's religious and spiritual potential. We provide an atmosphere where children are exposed to sacred Scripture and tradition, the celebration of the sacraments, prayer, and works of mercy and justice—all within the context of the teachings of Jesus Christ and Catholic tradition.

Our children’s faith formation program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and runs from September through mid-May. The Sacraments of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First Communion) take place in second grade, while the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in fifth grade.

Although we have many seasoned catechists, we are always looking for new teachers to guide and nurture our children's religious and spiritual potential. If communicating with parents, preparing weekly lessons, and engaging with children are easy for you, please inquire about becoming a catechist.

Please look over the guidelines below to help make class time productive and your child's experience safe and rewarding.

1. Classes begin promptly at 10:15 AM.  For your child's safety, students are not allowed in the classroom before 10:10.  At a minimum, a teacher or a parent must always be present in the classroom.  Regular attendance is important and we expect students to be in class every Sunday morning except for posted holidays, a family emergency, or illness.
2. Classes are held on the lower level of the PFLC and you must enter through the doors located at the rear of the building.  Parents must escort their children to the classroom door and pick them up there at 11:15.  No child will be allowed to leave the building unescorted.  Please meet your child promptly at 11:15 as many teachers assist at the 11:30 Mass.  
3. We invite parents to visit their child's classroom at any time and to consider becoming a volunteer.
4. Families should attend Mass together every Sunday and holy days of obligation, and students must fill out a Mass Attendance Slip, located in the blue basket in the narthex.
5. Parents will be notified of any class cancellation because of inclement weather through Flocknote.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Confession and First Communion
Children seven years old and in Grade 2 or higher may receive the Sacraments of Confession and First Communion after faithful attendance at class and Mass.  As a rule, no child receiving sacramental preparation can be absent more than three times, and you must bring a copy of the child's baptism certificate to the Parish Office by January 6, 2025, unless the child was baptized at Saint Thomas the Apostle.  Please see the Parish Calendar or Parish Events for important dates.

Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation may be received in fifth grade or higher.  Students in fifth grade will be prepared for Confirmation through their regular religion class on Sunday mornings.  Please know that as a rule, no child receiving sacramental instruction can be absent more than three times, and you must bring a copy of your child's baptism certificate to the Parish Office by January 6, 2025, unless the child was baptized at Saint Thomas the Apostle.

Students in Grades 6-12 should attend Edge (Middle School) or Life Teen (High School) and they will be prepared for Confirmation during special classes (see Youth Ministry Calendar).  Edge and Life Teen members also must comply with the same guidelines as those in K-5.

FAMILY CATECHESIS SUNDAY
There will be seven Family Catechesis Sundays (FCS).  Except for September, all FCSs occur on the fourth Sunday of the month at the same time as Religious Education (RE), 10:15 to 11:15 AM, but they are not held together.  While RE occurs, adults will gather in the Social Hall or the Deacon Jose Room to hear a one-hour talk.  All talks will be in English and Spanish, with the English track in the Deacon Jose Room and the Spanish track in the Social Hall.  These talks are mandatory for all parents of children attending faith formation classes.