Faith Formation

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Children’s Programs

First Holy Communion

First Communion Masses were celebrated on
Saturday, May 3 at 10 am at St. Mary’s
and Sunday, May 4 at 9:30 am at St. Francis.
Rehearsal May 1 at 4 pm at St. Mary’s for both churches.
Click here for livestream and recorded video link

First Holy Communion class at St. Mary St. Catherine of Siena, May 3, 2025. Click the white link above the image to watch the video.

First Holy Communion class at St. Francis de Sales, May 4, 2025. Click the white link above to watch the video.

Confirmation, Saturday, May 10 concelebrated at St. Francis de Sales by Auxiliary Bishop Cristiano Barbossa and Pastor Fr. John Sheridan

Proceedings begin at 8:30mins
Cynthia’s remarks at 10:00mins
Confirmati are introduced at 23:00mins

Youth Group

Here’s an update from Sunday’s Youth Group, April 6th, the last Youth Group for this year.

The group continued its focus on Lent and Easter. With Kerry and Madison’s guidance, the group talked about Easter and explored where we are in the Liturgical Year, including Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, The Passion, and Good Friday. They watched a video on the Story of Easter and later talked about how Lent represents a period of prayer, fasting, and giving.

They also had a great discussion on Envy & Gratitude. After which, they read the simple yet meaningful words of St. Gianna Beretta Molla … “The secret to happiness is to live moment by moment and thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.”

Closer to the end of class, the group stuffed 100 Easter Eggs with jelly beans, placing The Jelly Bean Prayer (attached) inside each egg. The eggs will be handed out to parishioners at Easter Masses.

Kudos to Tracey Lawler and Cara & Dan Bradely for volunteering to bring pizza and water to Sunday’s class.

Many thanks and warm wishes for a very happy and joyful Easter!

Cynthia Markey

Both Confirmation 1 and 2 classes ended the year on Sunday night!

Confirmation 1 students played Jeopardy and tested their knowledge in all things related to their classes and their faith formation over the past year. The game proved to be a lot of fun and competitive! These students will be advancing to Confirmation 2 in the Fall and will prepare to make the Sacrament of Confirmation next Spring (2026). Thank you to John, Abigail, and Emily for a great year!

Confirmation 2 students are in the final few weeks of making the Sacrament of Confirmation at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 10th at St. Francis de Sales with Bishop Cristiano Barbosa and Fr. John. There will be a rehearsal for the candidates on Friday, May 9th at 5:00 pm at St. Francis de Sales. We are looking for students to assist with the readings, Prayers of the Faithful, and presenting the gifts during the mass. Anyone interested in volunteering (individually or in pairs), please reach out to Ari, Nick, and myself. A huge thank you to Nick and Ari for leading the class and preparing the twenty-four (24) candidates for making the Sacrament of Confirmation next month.

In the meantime, I wish all of you and your families a joy-filled and happy Easter!

Cynthia

Confirmation is scheduled for Saturday, May 10th at 11:00am at St. Francis de Sales.

For further information on our religious education programs please contact us:

religious-edu@charlestowncatholic.org

Future Confirmation Grades

Change is coming in the Archdiocese.
Confirmation will soon take place in the 8th grade.
For the time being the program here
will stay with the 9th and 10th grade.
We have a few years to work it out.