Pre-K to 6th Grade
Learning to find God in all things.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an age-appropriate presentation of the Sunday readings offered for children ages 5 through 3rd grade during the 9:30 Mass. Just before the Liturgy of the Word begins in Mass, the children are dismissed to hear the Sunday readings proclaimed in a simplified manner. The readings are followed by an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the scripture through song, prayer and discussion. No pre-registration is necessary. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend. This program runs from the Sunday after Labor Day until the Sunday before Memorial Day.
Children’s Choir
Our children’s choir sings one Sunday each month during the school year, and rehearses weekly. Led by Jennifer Thomas, the children are taught proper rehearsal and ministry skills. As they advance, our children have the opportunity to serve as cantors (soloists). The children also sing for the Christmas Vigil Mass for Children, First Communion Masses and other special liturgies.
For more Info, please email Jennifer at plumberrypie@gmail.com.
At Home Faith Formation
(Pre-K to 6th Grade no Sacrament Preparation)
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we believe parents are their child’s first and best teacher of the faith. We have created the At Home Faith Formation program to support families in their ongoing faith journey. Families enroll in the At-Home Faith Formation Program every year. Parents are provided age-appropriate curriculum and complete weekly lessons with their children. Attendance at the Parent Meeting held in September is required for enrollment in this program.
Special Needs
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we believe that all children are able to learn, pray, and develop a relationship with God. Our Special Needs program pairs children with a faith mentor that will guide them as they grow in their faith. Sacramental preparation can be provided in this program. Parents are also given the opportunity to meet with one another while their child attends their faith formation class.
Is my child ready to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion?
Children are ready to prepare for Reconciliation when:
They have some understanding of the difference between right and wrong, morally good and bad.
They are learning to know the difference between sins and accidents or mistakes.
They are capable of apologizing.
They are beginning to know God as a loving Father who forgives us.
Children are ready to prepare for Eucharist when:
They can (for the most part) pay attention at Sunday Mass.
They have some appreciation that God works through miracles.
They show curiosity about the Eucharist.
They can follow directions on how to (physically) partake in the Eucharist (without playing or disturbing others during the sacrament at Mass).
Remember: every child is different. While the Church typically believes children are ready around the age of seven, we recognize that some children are ready before that and others afterwards. Please contact us if you have any questions about your child’s readiness to begin preparing.
First Communion (Grades 1 - 6)
Registration for First Communion (Grades 1 - 6) is now closed for the 2023-2024 Ministry Year.
First Communion is a two year program.
Year One: Students are enrolled in the At Home Faith Formation Program and families must be attending Mass regularly.
Year Two: How will I know if my child is ready to receive First Holy Communion?
The norms for a child to receive are:
Your child demonstrates a desire to partake in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Your child demonstrates age-appropriate understanding of the Blessed Sacrament.
The family attends Mass (Sunday liturgy) weekly.
Your child has made a good confession.
Your child knows how to receive communion.
Your child is at least 7 years old.
In addition to the At Home Faith Formation lessons and regular Mass attendance, Year Two students will attend a series of Catechist led classes at the Church beginning in September. These students will be prepared to receive their First Reconciliation in March and culminating with First Communion in the Spring. Parents may choose a Tuesday afternoon or Thursday evening class session.
Baptism for Children
Please see the Infant Baptism program for unbaptized children under the age of 8.
Children ages 8 through grade 6, who are seeking the Sacrament of Baptism, will attend a two-year program and be received into the Church during their second year of preparation. They will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. In addition, students must be regularly attending Sunday Mass.