Faith Formation Overview
Children, Youth, and Family Faith Formation Overview
Growing in Faith—Together
Welcome to St. Bernard’s Children, Youth, and Family Formation! We are excited to walk alongside your family as you grow in faith and discover what it means to follow Jesus together. At St. Bernard’s, we believe faith is first learned and lived in the home, and the parish is here to support, encourage, and accompany families along the way. Our Family Catechesis model brings home and parish life together, creating opportunities for families to grow in faith both at home and in community. Throughout the year, families will gather at the parish for opportunities to learn, pray, celebrate, and connect with one another. Between those gatherings, families will continue the conversation at home, where parents have the beautiful and important role of being their children's primary catechists.
From the Very Beginning
Seeds of Faith | Birth–1st Grade
Family Catechesis begins right from the start. We invite families to join us through Seeds of Faith as soon as they are ready. Seeds of Faith offers monthly opportunities for parents and children to gather with other Catholic families, build community, and discover simple ways to make the Catholic faith part of everyday family life. These gatherings are a place to meet other families, ask questions, pray together, and find encouragement as you navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in the Catholic faith. Seeds of Faith also helps families become familiar with our Family Catechesis approach and prepares them for the next step in their family's faith journey.
Walking Toward the Sacraments
Beginning in 2nd grade, children are invited to enter Pathways, our two-year journey toward the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. Pathways is designed for the whole family. Parents and children gather at the parish at the same time, with opportunities for each age group to encounter and explore the faith at their own developmental level. What children are learning is also being shared with parents, giving families the opportunity to continue the conversation and formation at home.
Year One: Seek, Root & Mend
Seek
We begin with the kerygma—the heart of the Gospel and the basic proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Families discover that God created us out of love and desires a relationship with each of us. We come to understand how sin wounds our relationship with God, and how Jesus enters into our brokenness, gives His life for us, and rises again to save us. Most importantly, we discover that Jesus is not simply someone we learn about—He is someone who loves us, calls us by name, and invites us into a relationship with Him. Seek is an invitation to encounter the love of Jesus and respond to His invitation to follow Him.
Root
We go deeper into what we believe as Catholics through the Creed. Families explore the story of salvation and the truths of our faith that give us a firm foundation.
Mend
We turn our attention to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Families discover God's mercy and the beautiful invitation Jesus gives us to return to Him when we have sinned. At the end of this first year, children preparing for Reconciliation will have the opportunity to encounter Jesus in this beautiful sacrament.
Year Two: Zeal & Nourish
Zeal
Families explore the Sacrament of Confirmation and what it means to live with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Nourish
Families discover the gift of the Eucharist and what it means for Jesus to truly give Himself to us as the Bread of Life. At the end of this journey, children preparing for Confirmation and First Eucharist will receive both sacraments at the same Mass, celebrating together as a family and as a parish community.
Continuing the Journey
Receiving the sacraments is not the end of our journey—it is the beginning of living more deeply as disciples of Jesus. Once families have walked through the sacramental journey, we invite them to continue growing together through Family Catechesis. Beginning in the 2026–2027 year, families will explore Sent, a formation experience centered on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and to live our faith beyond the walls of the church. Families will gather at the parish three times throughout the year to connect with one another, grow in faith, and be encouraged in their call to follow Jesus in everyday life. The rest of the journey continues at home.
Growing Into Discipleship | Youth Ministry
6th–8th Grade | Edge Nights
As children enter 6th grade, their faith journey begins to take on a new shape. Middle school students are invited to join our Edge Nights, where they can grow in their relationship with Jesus, ask questions, build friendships, and discover what it means to live their Catholic faith during these important years.
9th–12th Grade | Life Nights
High school students are invited to join our Life Nights, where they will have opportunities to encounter Christ, build authentic friendships, serve others, explore their faith, and grow as young disciples of Jesus.
A Journey for the Whole Family
Wherever your family is on the journey, you belong here. Our hope is that children don't simply learn about their faith—they experience it, live it, and grow in it alongside the people who love them most. At St. Bernard's, we want to walk with you as you create a home where faith is prayed, talked about, celebrated, and lived. We're glad you're here.