The philosophy of the Religious Formation of Children Program is that we believe that parents, by their example and guidance, are the first and primary educators of their child and that there is no substitute for parents' active involvement in their child's religious education. Parents have the privilege and responsibility to nurture the life of faith their child received at Baptism.
It is important for parents and the RFY team to support and encourage each other. Their mutual trust and cooperation will enhance the children's learning. Together, with our Catholic Community of St. Max, Catholic practices and beliefs will be taught and modeled so that the children will begin to understand and to practice the Catholic faith.
The St. Max RFY program uses the Faith First Legacy Edition series by Resources in Christian Living. Every lesson in the "Faith First" program is put together around a simple and effective process - We Believe, We Worship, We Live and We Pray. This structure is based on Jesus' own method of teaching: gathering his disciples, teaching them and inviting them to respond. Each lesson includes, but is not limited to, faith concepts, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture, faith vocabulary, saints and heroes of faith, Catholic identity, prayer and how our Church makes a difference.
RFY Program
The Religious Formation of Youth Classes provide students in grades 1-8 with the experience of small group faith sharing and education within the larger parish community. Students in classes will receive formal instruction in the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. Classes are held in the parish complex classrooms Monday and Wednesday evenings for grades 1 through 8. With approximately 400 students enrolled in classes, many catechists, co-catechists and substitute catechists are needed. The RFY program is looking for lead catechists at this time. Please contact mbaker@saint-max.org if you are interested. Parents, who are not lead catechists, will be required to volunteer four times during the school year. They may volunteer as classroom assistants, office assistants or childcare helpers.
Home Study Program
Besides attending formal RFY classes, families may choose the Summer Home Study program, in which catechesis occurs in the home with parent and child working together. Summer Family Home Study begins with a retreat in June and then families have six weeks to complete book assignments. The St. Max Faith Formation Home Study Program provides textbooks, a family resource book for when there are multiple children in the program and special events. The staff also maintains records of the progress of children in Home Study as well as support and ideas for parent catechists. You can work using your own schedule and enjoy your family time together while learning about your faith. If you have any questions, please contact the Religious Formation Office, 777-4322, x120.
Families participating in the summer home study program also participate in 3 parish activities related to liturgical seasons of the year.