2025-2026 Family Faith Formation (Religious Education)
This year, St. Mary’s in Bloomington, St. Clement in Lancaster, and Ss. Andrew-Thomas and St. Charles will host religious education nights once a month. The evening will begin at 6 pm - 6:30 pm with a meal. Then, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Fr. Mark will give a lesson to parents, Fr. Sudhakar will teach 2nd grade for first reconciliation/first holy communion, and Fr. Steve will teach 7th and 8th graders. The other grade levels will be taught by catechists. This style of religious education is called “Family Faith Formation,” and the goal is to teach both adults and children, with Fr. Mark equipping parents to hand on the faith to their children at home. Technically, the “Family Faith Formation” curriculum is intended for grades K-6, and Fr. Steve will be teaching a different curriculum to the 7th and 8th graders.
Families are asked to attend class the first Wednesday evening each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (a meal will be provided for the family). The rest of the month, you will work through the materials as a family at home. Your home is the Domestic Church. It is where families live out the faith daily.
Fr. Sudhakar will hold a training session for those in 3rd grade and older who would like to serve at Mass. Please contact St. Mary's Parish office if your child will be attending the training session.
We pray for all who will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at
St. Clement Church on December 17, St. Mary Church, Bloomington on January 7 and St. Charles Church on January 14.
All parents with a child(ren) who will be preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion are required to attend a meeting at the St. Clement dining Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21.
TEC Retreat What is TEC? TEC (Together Encountering Christ) is an experience in Catholic Christian living, especially designed for adults and young people ages 15 and up