Mission Statement
St. Benedict’s Child Ministry explores the majesty and mystery of our Catholic faith by guiding children in an age-appropriate study of scripture, doctrine, and Church tradition. It seeks to provide an atmosphere where Christian values may be experienced and embraced and where children, affirmed as uniquely loved and cherished by God, may grow in their knowledge and love of God. Reaching out in response to the spiritual needs of our youngest members, child ministry opens to them a world of wonder and awe even in the midst of societal unrest.
We are all child ministers…
Volunteers – working with the parish Director of Religious Education, who choose this ministry as a service rendered for the purpose of helping children know the reality of God.
The Faith Formation Committee of the Parish Council — assessing the spiritual and formative needs of parishioners and setting goals to address these needs.
The entire parish — modeling a vibrant faith community in which our children feel welcomed and affirmed.
Grades Pre K – 6
Faith formation simultaneously touches the mind, heart, and will of the individual. Therefore, each session is comprised of an informational component, as well as time for personalizing and interiorizing the Gospel message. The latter objective is accomplished through prayer, reflection, discussion, videos, music, storytelling, and other means of creative and artistic expression.
Little People’s Church
St. Benedict’s welcomes its youngest members. The Family Room, adjacent to the sanctuary, is available for parents attending to the needs of the very young.
Youth Choir
Youth Choir is a fun musical group just for kids.. Rehearsals are on Mondays at 4:30 pm in the Liturgy Office. Bring your voice, your ideas, your willingness to give up one hour a week and your smile! Youth Choir is under the direction of Karol Bidwill.
Sacrament Preparation
Preparation to celebrate the Sacraments ( First Reconciliation and First Eucharist) is a two year process. The celebration of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist occur during the second grade year. Therefore, children need to attend First grade Faith Formation prior to their Sacramental year. An older child entering St. Benedict’s program, with no previous religious instruction, will be welcomed to the initiation process for children. An older child with previous instruction will attend sessions on his/her grade level, and an individualized program of sacrament preparation will be designed.
Formal instruction on the Sacraments is supplemented with an in-home program of preparation.
Children’s Initiation – a more extensive program of sacrament preparation and initiation is available for:
- Non baptized children wishing to explore the Catholic Faith.
- For baptized, non-catechized older children.
- Baptized children who wish to companion a non-baptized child in Initiation.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a summer program consisting of a week of Bible stories, crafts, activities, and music. It is a time for enjoying old friends and making new ones. Open to children age 4 through grade 4, this is a Fontana/Walworth ecumenical effort.
News & Notices
Special Events:
Special Sacrament Dates: