• Welcome Message
  • A Word From Fr. Andrew
  • Our Staff
  • Weekly Bulletins
  • The Sacraments
  • Mission Statement
  • Vision Statement
  • Sacred Heart Gift Shop
  • Catholic Links
  • Calendar of Events
  • Parish Ministries
  • Sacred Heart Academy
  • Children's Faith Formation
  • Adult Faith Formation
  • Parish History
  • 360 Panorama
  • Church Windows
  • Restoration
  • Renovations

  • The Web Our Website

    Children's Faith Formation FAQs

    Does your parish have Sunday School or CCD classes?

    Yes, Sacred Heart Catholic Community has an active program for the development and deepening of our children’s faith. We offer an on-going program for children as part of life-long faith formation. This is the Children’s Faith Formation Program (also called CCD). In addition, there are Sacramental Preparation programs for children preparing for their first reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (Holy Communion) – as well as for youths preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

    Children’s Faith Formation Program (CCD Class)

    Do you have to be a member of the parish to participate in the program?
    Yes, we ask that all participants of the program register as parishioners here at Sacred Heart so that they become part of our on-going religious formation program.

    When do Children’s Faith Formation classes begin and are they every weekend?
    Classes begin September 14, 2008. You can see the schedule of classes on the web-based parish calendar. During the 2008-2009 season, Children’s Faith Formation will meet every Sunday – although due to Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter there are exceptions

    There will no Children’s Faith Formation classes on these Sundays 
         Sunday October 12, 2008 
         Sunday November 30, 2008 
         Sunday December 21, 2008 
         Sunday December 28, 2008 
         Sunday April 5, 2009 
         Sunday April 12, 2009 
         Sunday May 10, 2009

    What time is your Children’s Faith Formation Program (CCD Class)?
    Classes begin at 10:30 am – conveniently scheduled after the parish’s 9 AM Sunday Mass. Classes begin promptly at 10:30 and the children are available for pick-up at 11:30 am.

    Where are the Children’s Faith Formation classes held?
    The classes are held at Sacred Heart Academy located just north of the parish church at 3515 N. Florida Ave.

    When is Children’s Faith Formation registration?
    Registration will be after each Mass – in the lobby of the church – on the weekend of August 16th and 17th and the following weekend, August 23rd/24th. You can also download the registration form here, print it out and bring the completed hardcopy to the church that weekend.

    My child was in CCD at another parish. Can they join your program?
    Yes – if the child(ren) are joining mid-year, our director of Children’s Religious Education will consult with the parents to best place the child.

    Are the costs for the program?
    Yes, in order to defray the costs of materials, the parish has established the following costs for Children’s Faith Formation $35/per child.

    Return to the top

    Sacramental Preparation:

    When does Sacrament Preparation begin?
    The parish has programs for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Please see the individual section for program specific information. You can also see this information on the parish calendar

    My child is already enrolled in the Children's Faith Formation (CCD) program. Do they have to particpate in the Sacramental Preparation program in order to receive one of the sacraments this year?
    Yes - the Sacramental preparation program is in addition to the on-going faith formation program.

    My child attends a Catholic School (e.g. Sacred Heart Academy, Villa Madonna, Academy of the Holy Names).  Do they have to particpate in the Sacramental Preparation program in order to receive one of the sacraments this year?
    Yes. While your child is receiving on-going religious formation at your school, the Sacramental Preparation program is in addition to the formation they receive at their school.

    What are the requirements to participate in the Sacramental preparation program here at Sacred Heart?
    • All children must be baptized in the Catholic Church and a be member of a registered family of Sacred Heart.
    • All children must be currently enrolled and active in either the Children's Faith Formation (CCD) program or in one the area Catholic schools.
    • All children must have been enrolled in a Children's Faith Formation (CCD) program or have attended a Catholic school last year - in other words, there is continuity in the religious formation from last year.
    • All children must attend the program sessions as outlined below.

    My child was in sacramental preparation at another parish. Can they join your program?
    Yes – if the child(ren) are joining mid-year, our director of Children’s Religious Education will consult with the parents to best place the child.

    Are the costs for the program?
    Yes, in order to defray the costs of materials, the parish has established the following costs for the different programs. 

         First Reconciliation - $20 per child
         Eucharist - $20 per child 
         Confirmation - $40 per child

    When is registration for the Sacramental Preparation program?
    Registration will be after each Mass – in the lobby of the church – on the weekend of August 16th and 17th and the following weekend, August 23rd/24th. You can also download the registration form here, print it out and bring the completed hardcopy to the church that weekend.

    How can I find out more about the individual programs?
    Click on the program of interest to read more: First Reconciliation First Eucharist Confirmation

    My child has not yet been baptized – what should we do?
    If your child is less than 7 years old, please contact Marcelle Dunbar at the parish office (x220). If your child is 7 years or older, we will work with you to find the best pathway that leads your child to the sacrament of Baptism – and the other sacraments. Clearly, it will depend on the age of the child. In this case please contact Fr. Andrew, the pastor.

    Return to the top

    The First Reconciliation program

    The process of preparing the children for First Reconciliation begins with a celebration along with the parish community. There will be a Rite of Calling/Blessing for First Reconciliation on Sunday October 5th, 2009 at 9 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church.

    Classes preparing the children for their First Reconciliation meet from 7-8 pm at Sacred Heart Academy. 

         Monday, October 6, 2008 
         Monday, November 3 
         Monday, December 1.

    Rehearsal for the celebration is Monday January 12th from 7-8:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church.

    The celebration of First Reconciliation will be Wednesday, January 14th from 7-9 pm, also at Sacred Heart Church. You can see the schedule of classes/events on the web-based parish calendar beginning in the month of October, 2008.

    Return to the top

    The First Eucharist program

    The process of preparing the children for First Eucharist begins with a celebration along with the parish community. There will be a Rite of Calling/Blessing for First Eucharist on Sunday February 1, 2009 at 9 am Mass

    Classes preparing the children for their First Eucharist meet from 7-8 pm at Sacred Heart Academy. 

         Monday February 2, 2009 
         Monday, March 2, and 
         Monday, March 30.

    The preparation concludes with a morning of Retreat from 9:30 – 12 noon at Sacred Heart Academy Saturday April 25th . There will be a Rehearsal from 7-8:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church Wednesday April 29th . The Celebration of First Eucharist will be at an 11 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church Saturday, May 2nd You can see the schedule of classes/events on the web-based parish calendar beginning in the month of February, 2009. There will also be regular Sunday Masses when a child or children may make their First Communion. These dates and times will be discussed at the Parent Classes.

    Return to the top

    The Confirmation program

    Confirmation preparation begins in September, 2008. Classes meet from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Sacred Heart Academy.

    Classes normally meet the third Wednesday of the month, but please note the dates in December and April are different because of the celebration of Christmas and Easter.

    Schedule of Confirmation Program Classes 

         Wednesday, September 17th 
         Wednesday, October 15th 
         Wednesday, November 19th 
         Wednesday, December 10th (*) 
         Wednesday, January 21st 
         Wednesday, February 18th 
         Wednesday, March 18th 
         Wednesday, April 22nd (*)

    The preparation concludes with a morning of Retreat from 9:30 – 12 noon at Sacred Heart Academy Saturday, May 2nd.  The Rehearsal for Confirmation will be May 6th at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church.

    The Celebration of Confirmation will be at an 11 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church Saturday May 9th. You can see the schedule of classes/events on the web-based parish calendar beginning in the month of September, 2008.