Educating for a Culture of Care

Educating people to care begins in the family, the natural and fundamental nucleus of society, in which we learn how to live and relate to others in a spirit of mutual respect. Yet families need to be empowered to carry out this vital and indispensable task.
                                                                                                                --Pope Francis, A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE, January 1, 2020
​Mission Statement:
 
The Mission of the Faith Formation Programs of Holy Cross and St. Patrick’s Churches is to assist families in leading their children to faith in Jesus Christ and the Gospel message. We invite children to know, love and serve God, and encourage them to share more deeply in the truths, traditions and celebrations of the Catholic Church.
Faith Formation Programs:
The content of the Faith Formation Program at St. Patrick's Church flows from each Sunday’s Gospel, and children learn their faith within the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year.
We meet on Zoom on Sunday mornings to pray and have some fun getting to know one another while learning about the Sunday Gospel. 
​If you prefer a home study program, we can supply lessons for you to do together at home. 
Holy Cross Church will offer a home study program. Parents will teach their children the faith at home. The Faith Formation Office will provide materials and support for you to successfully complete the lessons. This is a wonderful way for the family to learn together and grow in faith.
Sacramental Preparation - First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
We invite you and your child to prepare with us during the coming months for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

This year we will use a process for preparing your child called Growing Up Catholic - available for two age groups (7-9, 10-14). In this process, YOU become the actual teacher of your child, but we guide you through every step. This is a memorable time of your child’s life – and the memories you make during this preparation period will be cherished for a long time.
​We know that households and families take many shapes today. Therefore,
  • If you are a single parent, we invite you and your child to attend together.
  • If you’re a married couple, we invite both of you and your child to attend together.
  • If one of you is not Catholic, we invite you both nonetheless!
  • If you are Catholic but have not been active in parish life yourself lately, we welcome you!
  • If you are living in a separated or divorced situation, we invite you to decide whether both parents can be involved. One of the ways you might consider doing this is to connect the absent parent by way of the Growing Up Catholic website which supports the process.
  • If there is another significant person involved in the raising of your child whom you feel would benefit your child to be involved, he or she is also welcome!
The important thing for us is that you know we welcome you, regardless your situation in life, and we will give you all the resources needed to really prepare your child well for this turning point in his or her life. These will be wonderful times! You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll enjoy this process!

​Please register by clicking the button below and feel free to start using the Growing Up Catholic website immediately. The work you do with your child is so vital to his or her faith! And you’ll find that your own faith is enriched by this process as well. 
Sacramental Preparation - Confirmation
The spiritual pilgrimage of our Christian life, of which the Sacrament of Confirmation is a component, is an individual journey carried out in a group setting. Recognizing the unique spiritual history of each person, we approach Confirmation, not from the perspective of the group or class, but from the viewpoint of the individual. Any individual who fulfills the basic requirements set down by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, wants to grow in relationship to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and feels spiritually open to receive the power and grace of the Spirit will be welcome to request the Sacrament of Confirmation.
​The parishes provide, every other year, a spiritual preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The main component of the preparation is a process of liturgical catechesis which explores the mysteries of faith through symbol, ritual and story. This process of initiation is done in the midst of family, peers, sponsors, and mentors who will renew their own faith while providing supportive and witnessing relationships to the candidates.

Candidates for 2021 are asked to contact maryrosmus@battenkillcatholic.org by Easter. 

Click Here for Resources related to the weekly Gospel readings.
Click here for activities and resources for the liturgical season.