Dear Parents,
Faith Formation and YM3 are back (and a little earlier this year)! Faith Formation classes (1st – 7th grade) and YM3 (Confirmed 8th graders – 12 grade) will be on Sundays at St. Charles from 12:15- 2:15 p.m. starting AUGUST 24th. Please see attached tentative schedule. Registration fees this year are $50/student for all students 1st – 12th grade. Registration fees can be paid the first day of class or they can be dropped off in the parish office. If you have any questions regarding the registration fees please let me know.
Pre-K Sunday School will again be available at St. Charles during the 11 a.m. Mass starting (starting SEPTEMBER 7th)! All children 18 months – 5 years old are welcome to attend. The children listen to each week’s Gospel and learn how to live the Gospel’s message at their level. They participate in interactive games and crafts that go along with each week’s Gospel message.
We are continuing our Fun Fridays this year. Join us for dinner and a fun activity (chosen by the kids). Our first Fun Friday will be Friday, October 24th at Greenville High School for a tailgate party prior to the game. Join us for pizza before the game and then help us cheer on our team for their final game of the year!
We are currently in need of a catechist for 3rd-6th grade. The curriculum is based off each weeks Gospel. It comes complete with lesson plans and lots of support! We’d love to have you join our team. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (616)794-2145.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (616) 794-2145.
In Christ,
Tessa Hoffman
Coordinator of Religious Education/Youth Minister
St. Charles and St. Joseph-St. Mary
thoffman@saintscjm.com
(616) 794-2145
Second Grade/First Communion Parents:
Attention all 2nd graders this is your year! First communion classes will be starting the same time as our Faith Formation classes. If your child is in second grade (or older) and has been baptized in the Catholic faith, please sign up today. Our first communion classes are a two-part program from Saint Mary’s Press called “Go Seek Find”. Instead of using a traditional textbook or workbook, children interact with and explore The Catholic Children’s Bible, seeing how Scripture relates to the themes they are learning about—in a way they can understand.
During the first semester the children learn all about reconciliation and make their first reconciliation in December. During the second semester the children focus on the Eucharist and will make their First Communion in the Spring of 2026. Students are required to have 75% class attendance.
Seventh Grade/Confirmation Parents:
Attention all 7th graders, this is your year! Confirmation classes will be starting the same time as our Faith Formation classes. Our confirmation program is a one-year program (Chosen from Ascension Press) with the candidates being confirmed in the Spring of 2026. Chosen is a wonderful program that provides an exciting and comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Faith, offering a complete system of catechesis and evangelization. Confirmation students are required to have 75% class attendance.
Sacramental Preparation Classes for 7yrs & Older Who Hasn’t Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation & First Communion
If you have a child who has reached the age of reason (age 7) and has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation or First Holy Communion, we have a beautiful process they can participate in this year to come into the Church. The sessions take place on Sundays 12:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. in the Faith Formation Center. It is a “family style” learning process very similar to our Adult OCIA program that incorporates sponsors with their classes. Each session has mentor students that join the students on their journey of faith. We use a program called Journey of Faith for Children from Liguori Publications where the children learn by asking questions and doing. Contact Tessa today for more information.
Important Dates to Remember
| Important Dates to Remember
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES (Faith Formation & YM3) – Sunday, August 24th 12:30 – 2:15 p.m. First day of Sunday School – Sunday, September 7th during the 11 a.m. Mass First FUN FRIDAY – Friday, October 24th at Greenville High School at 5:30 p.m. Pumpkin Rosary and Trunk or Treat – October 28, 2025, at St. Charles #GivingTuesday – Tuesday, December 2nd March for Life Trip in Washington DC – January 21 – 25, 2026 (Tentative) YM3 Fish Fry Fundraiser at St. Joseph – February 20th & 27th and March 6th MINISTRY MARCH MADNESS FUNDRAISER – March 1st – March 29TH (SUNDAYS ONLY) LAST DAY OF CLASSES – April 19, 2026 (Tentative) St. Charles First Communion – April 26, 2026 (Tentative) St. Joseph First Communion – May 2, 2026 (Tentative) St. Mary First Communion – May 3, 2026 (Tentative) May Crowning – May 10th All worship sites. Steubenville for YM3 – June 2026 (Tentative) |
Instrumentalists wanted!
If you have a child who plays a musical instrument, we’d love to have them play at Christmas Eve Mass. Rehearsals will start mid-October. Please let me know if you are interested.