Monday-Thursday: 9 am - 2 pm
Friday: 9 am - 12 pm
Phone: 602-433-7610
To accompany our parish families in encountering Jesus and the Church through Sacramental preparation and on-going formation for parents and children in grades 2nd-12th.
In order for a child to receive their sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation they must be in 3rd grade or older. If your children are unbaptized and 7 years or older they will be prepared for all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation).
We are very excited that you are looking to register your family for our Faith Formation Program. Please know that the program is a year of sacramental preparation. The Diocese of Phoenix prepares children for both Sacraments, First Holy Communion and Confirmation which take place at the same time.
Program Requirements
After you register online you will receive an email with more information on how to complete your child’s registration.
On behalf of the staff and members of SS. Simon & Jude Cathedral, we wish to thank you for choosing our parish for the ongoing formation process for you and your children. As always, we look forward to sharing with you an exciting faith-filled journey towards a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
SPONSOR OR GODPARENT
Your sponsor/godparent becomes your spiritual guide throughout the preparation time and continues that support for a lifetime. He or she must be 16 years of age or older, have received ALL Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). A sponsor should be leading a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. If your sponsor/godparent is married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. It is important that the sponsor chosen is a person who is willing to share their faith experiences, pray with, and be an active part of your child's faith journey. It is also helpful if your sponsor/godparent lives in the area so that you can get together easily. If the sponsor lives out of town, you will be asked to choose a responsible adult to serve as a faith partner, carrying out the duties of sponsor/godparent during the preparation period. The sponsor/godparent and the candidate need not be of the same sex; however, Canon Law prohibits a parent from being their Child's sponsor/godparent. Canon Law also states that a sponsor/godparent must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared. In short, your sponsor/godparent should be a Catholic in good standing with whom you will have an ongoing relationship. Please have your sponsor/godparent fill out the attached form.
CHILDREN… Talk to your parents, godparents, and sponsor about what it was like to receive their Sacraments!
Please note that in addition to your child’s online or in-person course work your child is required to attend Sunday Mass, any retreats, and monthly gatherings. Dates and times for these events will be announced at our parent meeting.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Faith Formation Team at [email protected] or call us at 602.433.7610.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
As a parent, you are asked to be the example your child should be following on their faith journey. Ensuring that your child is given a supportive Catholic environment is part of your parental commitment. Be supportive of your child and encourage them in the struggles they may face. Please make sure that your student is logging on weekly and completing their chapters on a weekly basis, if online. Attend Mass weekly, partake in the Sacramental life of the Church, give of your time, talents, and treasures. Your child's love of the faith begins with yours!
SERVICE
Because the Gospel message involves reaching out to others and because in completing our initiation as Catholics we become full members of the Church, we are called to serve one another. If we complete our initiation with no experience of reaching out and sharing the Gospel message, then the idea of what it means to be a Catholic-Christian is lacking.
Various meaningful opportunities are available throughout the parish and civic community. Each family is encouraged to participate in a community service project together. We encourage the candidate to be involved in projects that are both of interest, meaningful to them, and needed in the community.
DRESS CODE FOR MASS
All children and sponsors are expected to follow the dress code provided by the Faith Formation department for all liturgical events. No Exception.
If you need additional assistance please contact us at 602 433-7610