Family Catechesis at St. Didacus requires active parent participation. Lessons will be presented to both parents and children together in the parish hall, allowing families to learn and grow in their faith as a community.
- Year 1 and Post–First Communion: 10 mandatory sessions throughout the year.
- Year 2 and First Communion Preparation: 14 mandatory sessions throughout the year.
These sessions are designed for all ages and will include interactive games, crafts, discussions, and other engaging activities that help families learn and practice their faith together.
We understand that this approach may be different from the traditional model of religious education that many families are accustomed to. To help address common questions and concerns, we have provided information about the program and its expectations.
Because parent participation is an essential part of the program, parents are asked to schedule an appointment with Elena before registering their children.
Contact Elena at elena@stdidacuschurch.org or call 619-284-3472
Please read before registering!
Why are we doing this?
There is a lot of support from the catechism of the Church and Sacred Scripture for this way of teaching faith. This method of family-style formation is also being used in other parishes in our diocese and around the country.
How Will the Classes Be Organized?
All classes will be held in person at St. Didacus Parish Hall. Families will be placed into small groups whenever possible. We will strive to group families with children of similar ages and grade levels while keeping the groups small to encourage participation and meaningful interaction.
Parents/Guardians will be supported and encouraged as they teach their children the Catholic faith with confidence. Most assignments and activities will be completed and turned in during class time to limit the amount of work required at home. We understand that your time is valuable, so we will do everything we can to provide meaningful and productive lessons and activities.
There will also be opportunities throughout the year to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feasts through parish family faith formation events.
What Does the Monthly Cycle of Classes Look Like?
Year 1 Family Meetings
These sessions are dedicated to families with children in their first year of formation. One parent and all children in the family will attend the class together.
Each small group will have a leader who will provide an overview of the lesson. Parents will then work directly with their own children, implementing the lesson with the support, guidance, and fellowship of their small-group community.
The lessons are designed to be interactive, allowing children of different ages within the same family to learn and work together. We have planned engaging activities that will bring faith formation to life and help strengthen the faith of every member of the family.
Year 1 Mandatory Sessions
1. September 16th
2. October 7th
3. November 4th
4. December 2nd
5. December 9th - All Families -
6. January 6th
7. February 3rd
8. March 3rd
9. April 7th
10. May 5th
Year 2 First Holy Communion Meetings
These sessions are dedicated to families with children in their second year of faith formation who are preparing to receive First Holy Communion.
A parent and the child preparing for First Holy Communion are expected to attend each session together. The lessons will focus on preparing children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist with understanding, faith, and reverence.
Each small group will have a leader who will provide an overview of the lesson and guide families through activities and discussions. Parents will work directly with their children, supported by their small-group community, as they grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith.
Through engaging lessons, prayer experiences, and hands-on activities, families will be encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus and prepare together for the joyful celebration of First Holy Communion.
Year 2 Mandatory Sessions
1. September 23rd
2. October 14th
3. October 28th
4. November 18th
5. December 9th - All Families -
6. January 13th
7. January 27th
8. February 3rd - All Families -
9. February 17th
10. February 24th
11. March 10th
12. April 14th
13. April 28th
14. May 12th
How Many Classes Can I Miss?
Families may not miss more than three classes during the entire year. Regular participation is very important, and families are encouraged to attend make-up sessions whenever possible.
If a family misses four or more classes, the year will not count as a completed year of faith formation.
Do Both Parents/Guardians Need to Be Present for the Classes?
Families participate in faith formation together. All children in 1st through 8th grade are expected to attend.
Only one parent or guardian is required to be present, and it does not need to be the same parent each week. Grandparents may also serve as the primary educators and attend with the children if needed.
In the case of an emergency, a confirmed teenage sibling may attend and represent the parent for that class. However, this should be a rare occurrence.
What Will I Do at Home with My Non-Sacramental Children During the Weeks They Do Not Attend?
Families will be provided with a simple faith formation assignment or activity to complete at home during the weeks when their non-sacramental children are not scheduled to attend class. These activities are designed to reinforce the lessons learned in class and encourage families to continue growing in faith together throughout the month.