CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery – the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the “material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones.” Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them:
He who loves his son will not spare the rod. . .. He who disciplines his son will profit by him. Fathers do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Our Mission
The mission of St. Raphael’s Youth Faith Formation Program is, with the assistance of the parents, to help the children know Christ, love Christ, and follow Christ.
Youth Faith Formation Classes
Grades 1 -8
Youth Faith Formation is a partnership between the family and the church. Our goal is to raise faith-filled children together. Formal formation begins in Grade 1. Classes are taught onsite. Scroll down for parent resources and important forms.
Mondays: 4:45-6:00pm
Tuesdays: 4:45-6:00 pm & Tuesdays: 6:30-7:45pm
First Reconciliation & Holy Communion
Grades 1 – 2
Preparation and celebration of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrating during 2nd grade. It is necessary to complete both Grade 1 and Grade 2 in order to receive Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
First Reconciliation: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:00p.m.
First Communion: Saturday, May 3, 2025, Time:TBD
First Communion Practice: Thursday, May 1, 2025, Time:TBD
Details will be communicated to the families.
Youth Faith Formation Facebook Page
Grades 1 – 9
Click on to image to follow Facebook page for updates on class cancellations and other events.
Parent Resources
- Photo Opt-out Form
- Internet Safety Guide
- Practical Advice for Parents On Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
- Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse
For more information, contact:
Michele Kmety, Director of Children’s Faith Formation
(630) 615-7642 or mkmety@st-raphael.com
Marge Coronado, Faith Formation Administrative Assistant
(630) 615-7614 or mcoronado@st-raphael.com