Fuel
Fuel is our mainstream formal formation option for early learners (preschool & kindergarten) and youth in grades 1-8 who attend public school. There are two ways you can grow in the Catholic faith as a family in the Fuel program- At home or on campus! Read below for all the details!
Note: If your child (grade 2 and older) is enrolled in public school and missed Catholic formation last year then please enroll in Spark or contact the formation office.
How do I register?
Look over the Fuel options below and then register for your first choice.
Option 1. Fuel Family Home Study (Formal Formation in the Home) - In the Fuel Family Home Study option you will be following the liturgical life of the Church by completing weekly lessons in the home using the Gospel Weeklies from Pflaum Publishing Group. At the bottom of this page, we feature video tips and weekly family guides for the current year. These resources will help you navigate the lessons with your children.
Note: We also use materials from Pflaum Publishing Group for sacrament focus. Together in Jesus is for children in grade 2, which focuses on First Reconciliation and First Communion. Gifted with the Spirit is used for grades 7-8, which focuses on the Sacrament of Confirmation.
You will receive all your materials at the beginning of the year. Packet pick-up and lessons for 2026-2027 will be available in mid-September (exact date TBD.) More details will be communicated soon!
If you are new to home study and curious about this option, watch the Welcome! Let’s Get Started video below or click on one of the lessons below to see what you can expect.
Click the Registration Information tab below to learn more and then click on the registration button to get started!
Option 2. Faith on Fire Family Gatherings (Formal Formation at St. Max) - We offer in person Faith on Fire Family Gatherings for child and parent on designated Sundays (4:30-6:00 pm) or Mondays (6:00-7:30 pm) beginning in late September.
If you choose this option, your child will be in the classroom with a catechist at the beginning of each gathering. Parents start off with prayer in the church followed by a catechism session that explores a topic they will cover with their children. The family will come together for activities and discussion at the end of the gathering. At least one parent/guardian is required to attend each gathering with their child.
We use Sadlier Christ in Us series for our classroom lessons. Materials from Pflaum Publishing Group are used for sacrament focus. Together in Jesus is for children in grade 2, which focuses on First Reconciliation and First Communion. Gifted with the Spirit is used for grades 7-8, which focuses on the Sacrament of Confirmation.
If you are interested in the on-campus option, note the dates for 2026-2027 and registration info in the tabs below. Then click on the registration button to get started.
Sundays fill up quickly so make sure you register early if Sunday is your first choice. See Registration Information 2026-2027 below for updates.
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Family Home Study will begin in mid-September when you pick up your materials for the year. The date for pick up is TBD. More information will be communicated later this summer.
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If you would like to attend our in-person Faith on Fire Family Gatherings, choose between Sundays (4:30-6:00 pm) OR Mondays (6:00-7:30 pm) on the registration form. Kick-off is September 27/28.
Dates for 2026-2027: Sept. 27/28, Oct. 11/12, Oct. 25/26, Nov. 8/9, Nov. 22/23, Dec. 6/7, Jan. 10/11, Jan. 24/25, Feb. 7/8, Feb. 21/22, Mar. 7/8, Mar. 21/22.
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Fuel and Spark Registration Fees 2026-2027
Early Bird fee (through 6/30/26): $70/child. Family Max $220
Regular fee (begins on 7/1/26) $95/child. Family Max $295.Medical forms for each child are required by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, even if you are doing home study. Upload medical forms onto the registration form, email completed forms to Mary Lou mbaker@saint-max.org or print out and bring to Parish Office.
Additional forms are on our webpages if you need them.
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Let’s Get Started!
(Note: Lessons below are for the current 2025-2026 year. Lessons for 2026-2027 will be available in September.
1. Watch the Welcome! Let’s Get Started video.
2. Find the lesson guide below that corresponds to the Gospel Weekly you are working on. Due date is date on the Gospel Weekly.
3.Visit the St. Max Eucharist or Confession web pages to access Together in Jesus lessons. Visit the Confirmation page to access Gifted with the Spirit lessons.
4. Gather around your home altar and complete the lesson.
5. Submit your responses on JotForm.
6. MOST Importantly! ENJOY this time of learning about Jesus and His Church together!