Faith Formation Overview

Formation Programs:

Children’s Faith Formation (Preschool – 4th)

Faith Formation classes for children in 1st through 4th grade take place on Sunday morning from 10:15am to 11:15am or Monday evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the St. William Hall.  The program runs from September 8/9 through May 17/18.  The family meeting will be on August 25 at 10:15 to 11:15.

Our Pre-School Ministry for children in preschool and kindergarten takes place on Sunday mornings in the St. William Hall during the 9:00 Children’s Mass on days there is Faith Formation except for Family Mass days. The family meeting will be on August 25 at 10:15 to 11:15.

We are in need of new catechists for our preschool program to have this this program this year.  Please contact Catherine Campbell at ccampbell@dsj.org or call 650-948-2158 x2209 for more information.

EDGE Middle School Ministry (5th – 8th)

All youth in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade are encouraged to participate in our Edge Middle School Ministry program. Edge is a Catholic middle school youth ministry program. It provides a safe fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Edge resources speak to the physical, psychological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual maturation of middle school youth. Edge meets on Sundays starting in September from 3 to 4:45 in the Sr. E Teen Center.  The first session will be a kick-off BBQ on September 8 after the 5 pm mass.  This BBQ is optional for parents and new parents are encourage to attend the BBQ portion of the evening to hear the announcements, meet the team and other families, and see the meeting space.

“theIntersection” Teen Ministry (9th – 12th)

As a Eucharist-centered movement within the Roman Catholic Church, “theIntersection” leads teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. All 9th through 12th grade students are welcome to join us Sunday nights from 6:15pm to 8:30pm in the teen center at St. William September through May.  The first session will be a kick-off BBQ on September 8 after the 5 pm mass.  This BBQ is optional for parents and new parents are encourage to attend the BBQ portion of the evening to hear the announcements, meet the team and other families, and see the meeting space.

Sacramental Preparation:

First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion

The process to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year process. Children must be in first year program to begin the process. Children cannot receive the Sacraments until they are in the second grade. During the second year, in addition to Faith Formation, families will be required to participate in parent meetings, retreats, and a rehearsal.

Parent Meetings –  November 21 and March 5 from 7 to 8 pm
First Reconciliation – December 9 from 3:30 to 5 pm
First Holy Communion Retreat – March 27 from 8:45 to 2:30
First Holy Communion Rehearsal – May 7 from 6 to 7:30 pm
First Holy Communion Mass – May 9 at 10 am

Confirmation (Catholic & public school students)

All 7th through 12th graders are eligible for Confirmation. To begin the process, register for EDGE or “theIntersection.” On August 29 from 7 – 8:30 there will be an orientation meeting for parents.  The Confirmation date has yet to be set by the Diocese of San Jose at this time.