Faith First Program Info
Welcome to St. Thomas à Becket Community
Parents, you are the most important people in your child’s faith journey!
We know that you want to do your best to help your children grow
up with good values and a life of faith. We want to partner with you in that amazing endeavour.
You are not alone!
We want to invite your children into a personal relationship with Jesus. The Sacrament of Baptism was the first step. Now your child is at an age where they are invited to complete the Sacraments of Initiation and grow deeper in this relationship with Jesus. The Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation are truly powerful gifts. They are instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, to help us along the way.
Our Catechetical Program:
Children are asked to complete each level of faith education that runs from Grade 1 to Grade 6.
An intensive High School catechesis is offered to those who begin the program a little older.
Our Teen Program is quite unique. The goal of the program is not only to prepare your teen for Confirmation, but also to give them all the tools they will need to start a lifelong journey with the church. Each session focuses on a different subject, ranging from 'What is Confirmation?" all the way to how to stay connected to the Church after Faith First. We begin with a Potluck supper and then watch videos from Alpha Canada or Dynamic Catholic, have small group discussions and look at different tools, apps, etc that can keep us connected to God and can help us be the Best Version of Ourself. Sponsor or adult is to accompany their teen to the sessions. You will be happy to know there is very little homework! We try to cover as much as possible in our sessions together so it is very important to attend all the sessions so that nothing important is missed. There are 14 sessions (October to April) scheduled to try to avoid school exam or vacation periods. We hope you will join us! (minimum number of participants required for the program to run).
Sacrament of First Communion
Come closer to Jesus!
How wonderful that you are seeking this beautiful sacrament for your child!
The First Communion process at St. Thomas a Becket is a two-year commitment.
The earliest they can receive the sacrament is Grade 2.
Celebrations usually take place during the month of May.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
God's Mercy is endless!
Children getting ready for First Communion will also receive the Sacrament of
Reconciliation as part of their preparation.
Children make their First Confession in advance of their First Communion.
This Sacrament is usually celebrated a few months before their First Communion.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Receive the Holy Spirit!
It’s wonderful that your child is ready to prepare for this important sacrament.
Preparation for Confirmation should start immediately after First Communion and
is a 4-year preparation celebrating the sacrament in Grade 6 at the earliest.
May 2023
The Pillars of the Program
Here at St. Thomas à Becket, we follow a FAMILY-BASED approach that runs from September-May.
The 4 main components are:
- Mass- Children’s Faith Experience & Seesaw
- Work Book
- Parent/Family component
When all the components of the program are met, your child will receive a completion certificate to move on to the next level the following year.
MASS
Regular attendance of Mass is required throughout the program. Holy Mass is the centre of our faith and the source of divine life. The Sacraments are therefore given to us, so that we become full members of the Church and participants of this divine life.
It is our dearest wish that children who receive their sacraments here at St. Thomas à Becket have a feeling that they truly belong here — that this church is a home and a family for them.
In order for this to happen, the children need to come to church regularly, so they experience it as a routine, a comfortable place where they are known, a place where they can come to know Jesus and His love.
We need community as much as we need the Sacraments!
Weekly Reflections are back! Weekly reflections are meant to help children participate in the Mass as well as begin the practice of including Jesus in their everyday lives. You will find our Reflection slips on the small table in the hall each week and are to be filled out before Mass and dropped in the basket as you walk into the church.
Weekend Masses:
Saturday at 4:30
Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 am
CHILDREN’S FAITH EXPERIENCE
We offer a hybrid approach to the Faith education of our children. We will meet in the Church at least once with each group keeping safety protocols in mind. We will continue to use Seesaw to give presentations and fun activities. For a snapshot of the past on Seesaw, click here.
FAITH FIRST WORKBOOK
Each child will receive a book from Loyola Press or a duo tang prepared by our team according to their level. These books are to be completed at home but will be checked from time to time to help keep everyone on track.
*Books and/or Duo tangs will be distributed mid-September, 2023.
PARENT COMPONENT
At your child’s baptism, you agreed to be the primary teacher of the faith to your children. We offer support to help you to grow your own faith in order to pass it on to your children.
We have many different parish groups and adult faith enrichment courses available to all our parishioners which can assist with your own faith journey and give you the tools to encourage and educate your children during their Faith journey.
We are overjoyed to offer 2 programs on a regular basis at St. Thomas à Becket: The Search and Sycamore. There are also other opportunities for faith exploration particularly during Advent or Lent.
All Faith First families are strongly encouraged to join one of our many parish groups and/or one of the Faith enrichment sessions. Many of our sessions are via Zoom where you can enjoy in the comfort of your home.
You will receive invitations on a regular basis so you know the next available session dates. Family and friends are most welcome to join you as together you embark on an exciting Faith journey.
The sharing of faith and the support and building of community is enriching and a blessing for all.
Let’s make St. Thomas à Becket a place where Faith Grows!
OUR FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAM
Working together, our Faith First families can do amazing things! Go to our Family Corner for updates.
FEES FOR 2023-2024:
First Child -- $120.00
Second Child -- $80.00
Third + child -- $45.00
Payment options: Online via paypal or credit card, cash or check
Payments via cash or check may be paid in 2 installments: First payment due upon registration and the second in January 2024.
Cheques should be made payable to St. Thomas à Becket Parish
*Financial Aid is available by contacting the office.
*Please note: A discount of $15.00 will be applied to those who register by June 30, 2023. Register early!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Online registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open for returning and new families.
Returning families should have received an email with their username, password and instructions for registering. Please check your spam folder if you have not received your email. Otherwise, contact the Faith First Office.
The FF Key you will need to receive a username and password is FF2023. Follow the online instructions to register.
We also require a copy of your child's baptismal certificate (not birth certificate) to complete registration.
Please note only the parents or legal guardian may register the child.
Reminder: A $15 discount on the total amount will be given to those who register by June 30, 2023. Register early!
For any questions, please contact Elsa or Karen by email .
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Elsa Rivera Faith First Coordinator 514-626-4111 ext. 224 |
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Karen Dawson Faith First Co-coordinator |