Faith Formation Programs for Children & Families

Faith Formation Office: 724-444-1971

Faith Formation Manager: Elizabeth Bedel- ext. 120
Faith Formation Assistant: Mary Haenig- ext. 115
Middle School Coordinator: Holly Joy Penzenstadler - ext. 128
Secretary: Mrs. JoAnn Van Atta - ext. 129
Receptionist: Mrs. Judi Hoffmann - ext. 119

Go To: Faith Formation -Philosophy and Operating Principles Page

St. Richard Church offers a variety of religious education opportunities.  Our primary focus is supporting parents as the first and primary educators of the faith of their children.  The following describes the programs that are available.  If you have any questions, please contact the Faith Formation Office so that we may assist you.

On-site and Home-site Learning Environments

St. Richard offers weekly faith formation sessions in the classrooms located in the church social hall, as well as in neighborhood homes.  Each “class” is staffed by volunteers as teachers and aides.  For home-sites, families may team up so that one family offers the use of their home, while another family offers to take on the teaching responsibilities or one family may offer their home as the meeting site as well as also being the teacher.  Regardless of where the classes take place, the curriculum and activities are identical in both environments to insure diocesan catechetical guidelines are accomplished for each age/grade level. 

·         Early Childhood Faith Formation Program:  full faith formation for 4 year olds and Kindergarten aged children.  Curriculum centers on God as our Creator, and the Church as our family.  The children are introduced to basic prayers and simple Gospel stories

·         Primary Grades 1-5 Faith Formation Program:  This is a liturgy-centered model, rooted in the experience of the Sunday mass.  In each session, the Sunday scriptures are proclaimed, studied, prayed, and integrated as young members build their Catholic identity.  The curriculum takes a spiral approach to religious education and offers increasing depths of faith experiences and knowledge in Catholic doctrine, morality, and the sacraments based on age appropriate faith levels.  Weekly, we strive to study similar topics in each of the different grades so that discussion and integration may take place with siblings of differing ages at home.  For sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, parents are provided with books to teach the concepts to their children and then the lessons are reinforced during the Faith Formation sessions. 

·         Junior High Faith Formation Program for Grades 6-8:  This is a liturgy-centered model, and expands on the seven pillars that are taught in the younger grades.  Each session is lead by a teacher and aide employing dynamic methodology applicable to the young teens.   The 7th and 8th grades are also the two years of preparation time that is required to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation.   For our 8thgraders, the last five classes of the catechetical year are mandatory, as they are devoted to lessons on Confirmation.  Youth seeking Confirmation are also required to fulfill certain requirements.  Information concerning these requirements is provided in the spring of the student’s 8th grade year.   Life Teen Mass is celebrated after the Sunday afternoon sessions and periodically there is an integration of activities with the high school students who are involved in our Life Teen Youth Ministry program.

 Family Program

This program uses the same curriculum as the on-site and home-site options.  The formation of the children occurs primarily with their families in their own home.  Catechetical sessions are led by the child’s parents.  Parents can plan a single lesson using lesson plans that are available through eConnect, an online program developed by the publisher of the book series utilized at the parish.  Students can complete the reviews online or in the text and submit them to the Faith Formation Office.

 Faith Formation for Persons with Special Needs 
Using the Rose Kennedy religious education curriculum for children and adults with special needs, this program is oriented to children with mental retardation and other special needs.  Similar to an IEP used in the public school, the Individual Faith Formation Plan (IFFP) provides detailed information regarding a child’s diagnosed needs and their social/emotional/psychological abilities.   In addition, it maps out religious education programming content and methodologies for parish pastoral administration, parents, catechists, and the child.  While preferred, the degree of mainstreaming within another program option depends upon the preparation, support structures, and abilities of volunteer catechetical staff to create the best possible formative experience with the child.

Life Teen
Youth in grades 9-12 are encouraged to enroll in this dynamic youth ministry program which offer social, educational, service, and worship experiences.  For confirmation candidates, Life Teen is considered a required part of formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Vacation Bible School:
During the summer months, St. Richard also offers a one week high-energy Bible School for pre-schoolers and primary grade aged children using Catholic curriculum. Each day, children travel with their small group through various stations of learning activities, crafts, snacks, and games that bring home the Scripture focus of the day. Each day begins and ends with prayer.

RCIA for Children:
This program geared toward children who have reached the age of reason and who have not been baptized prepares them for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy eucharist. Catechesis on the Church’s beliefs, moral life, sacraments, and disciples are at the core of the content with weekly scripture study presented. Initiation takes place at the Easter Vigil liturgy, however, children move through this process at their own pace thereby often making it a multi-year preparation experience. Following initiation, children are integrated into either the on-site, home-site, or family program. This process also applies to children who have been baptized in other Christian faith traditions who are joining the Catholic church after reaching the age of reason and may be applied to baptized Catholic children beyond the age of reason, but previously receiving no formal religious education.

First Reconciliation/Eucharist:
Children who have reached the age of seven or older and who have received religious education instruction in the previous year, are extended the invitation to participate in preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.   In most cases, these sacraments are received by the children enrolled in our second grade sections as this is when they meet the criteria for having two years of basal catechesis.   In some instances, these sacraments may be received in later years,  and we  work with families on an individual basis in these cases.   A parent meeting is held at the beginning of the catechetical year, and the parents are provided with books and materials to help them prepare their child for the sacraments.  It is the parents’ responsibility  to teach the lessons to the children.  For children in our on-site and home site programs, the lessons will be reinforced in the classes.   Parents and children are required to participate in a sacramental family chat with parish leadership as well as attend on-site retreat. There are two Reconciliation services that parents can choose from, and parents also select one of the regularly scheduled Masses for several weeks after Easter at which their child receives First Eucharist.  All sacramental preparation is in conformity with the guidelines of the Diocese of Pittsburgh employing approved curriculum and methods.

Faith Formation is looking for volunteers as catechists at our on-site sessions or for our home-site program. We are also looking for volunteers to help with clerical functions during regular business hours or during on-site sessions. If you are able to volunteer with us, please complete a volunteer form by downloading it from this website or call the Faith Formation Office at 724-444-1971, ext. 19. Volunteer forms may be returned via the collection basket, mail, or by dropping it off at the parish or Faith Formation Office

- FAITH FORMATION. DOWNLOADS -

The Catholic Vision of Love

New Child Faith Formation Registration Form

Faith Formation Volunteer Form

Faith Formation Early Dismissal Form

Faith Formation Progress Request Form

Goals and Guides of Faith Formation per Grade Level

• Pre - K Grade
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade