Click Here to Download and Print

Updated: 8/20/25

Mission

The mission of Faith Formation is Life Long Catechesis.  We are always in the process of learning about our faith and our God.  Thus our Religious Education program is designed to assist parents, as the first and foremost teachers of the Faith, in bringing their children into full membership in the community.  We view the formation of faith and conscious as a lifelong process that continues in the heart and home long after formal religion classes end.  We encourage families to journey together toward a deeper relationship with God, and ask them to call on us to assist them on the journey.

Goals & Objectives

• To provide opportunities to pray together, to participate in Mass, and provide Whole Community Catechesis.
• To foster sensitivity to the human needs of one another.
• To develop a sense of parish community.
• To teach Catholic faith to all students through doctrine.
• To model gospel values in our contact with teachers, children, and parents.
• To directly involve parents in the Catholic formation of their children through special programs.

Religious Education Program

Our program is gradual and continuous.  It begins with first grade and continues throughout life, thus we call it, Lifelong Catechesis.

Religious Education Assessment Test ~ The Diocese requires that a Religious Education Assessment Test will be given to all Eighth Year Catechumens.  Results are utilized by the Diocese to determine how well students are processing information taught in their parishes.

Policies & Procedures

Catechist Requirements ~ Our Catechists are faith-filled volunteers who combine a love for the Church, God, and children with a sincere desire to serve in order to witness God’s love to the world.

Our Catechists and all volunteers who work with children are required to submit to a criminal background check and have it on record in the Diocese’s legal office.  In addition to the background search, all Catechists must also participate in a Child Protection Program which will also be on record in the Diocese’s legal office.

Absence ~ Students missing classes may be required to make up any missed sessions with their parents prior to the next class session. Parents need to call Religious Education Coordinator prior to class starting about child being absent.

Lateness Punctuality is vital. Classes start at 6:45p. Habitual lateness takes time away from other students.  Students are asked to be in their classrooms at least five minutes before class is scheduled to begin.

Leaving Class Prior to Dismissal ~ If a student must leave class early, the parent or person picking up the child must come inside and speak to the Catechist or Coordinator of Religious Education.  No child will be allowed to leave the building to wait outside.

Drop-off~ Students shall not be dropped off for YFF classes before 6:30 pm.  We do not have on-site childcare available and some Catechists do not arrive before 6:30 pm.  As a courtesy to our Catechists, we appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy. All students and parents will enter through the East YFF door only.

Dismissal~ Classes will dismiss at 7:45. All students will dismiss through the East YFF door only. No other door(s) may be used. This helps with maintaining the safety of students and staff.

As adopted in February 2007, the St. Bernard/St. Ignatius YFF Program requires that the parents/guardians listed on the YFF Registration Form pick up their student(s), First through Fourth year YFF, from the YFF gathering area (Pioneer Room).  The purpose of this policy is to protect your student(s) and is not intended to be an inconvenience to you. An older sibling (Fifth through Senior year), with permission from parents/guardians, may collect siblings (First through Fourth year) to walk home or meet parents in the parking lot or other designated area. Students who walk home are encouraged to stay on well lighted sidewalks.

You also completed a list of individuals who you approved to pick up your child(ren) from YFF class.  If you need to update the list, please contact the Coordinator of Religious Education so we can do that at once.  Legally, we cannot release your child(ren) to anyone other than those listed on the form, nor can we allow them to walk home unescorted.

Cancellations ~ If the school district is closed due to inclement weather or send students home early, we will not have classes that evening.  In the event that the weather becomes inclement after the school day ends, the Coordinator of Religious Education, Safety Coordinator, and the Pastor will make the determination regarding YFF classes for that evening.  A Remind app text will be sent to notify parents and Catechists of cancelations or changes to the YFF schedule.  YFF classes will follow the USD #327 School Calendar.  We will not have classes during Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, or Spring Break. 

Disciplinary ~ Catechists will handle disciplinary issues as they arise and on the lowest level possible; however, that is not always possible.  If a student has inappropriate behavior, the Pastor and Coordinator of Religious Education will become involved in the disciplinary process and the student’s parents will be notified.

Cell Phones ~ We have implemented a cell phone policy in effort for less disruption during class time.  Students are asked to turn their cell phones OFF during class and place them in a basket for safekeeping.  At the end of class, students may retrieve their cell phone from the basket and turn it ON again.

 Second year YFF is a time of growth and spirituality for your child and yourself.  There will be two parent meetings-one pertaining to First Reconciliation and the other regarding First Eucharist.  These meetings are intended to involve the parents on a higher level in their child's religious growth and understanding of the special sacraments they are going to experience during this year.

First Reconciliation is the focus of the first semester with the sacrament being received in early December.  Parents are also given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation after their child is done.

First Communion is the focus of the second semester with the sacrament received in late April or early May.  Part of the preparation includes the fun parent-child activity of creating a First Communion banner that will be hung on the pew during First Communion Mass.  Additional details about dress and the Mass will be discussed during the parent meeting. 

In effort to help you teach your children the required prayers for YFF, we are providing every child with a copy of The Catholic Devotional.  Required prayers are listed on the chart below by grade level.

1st Grade

Sign of the Cross
Prayer Before Meals
Our Father

2nd Grade

Hail Mary
Glory Be
Act of Contrition

3rd Grade

Apostles’ Creed
Ten Commandments

4th Grade

Mysteries of the Rosary
Rosary

5th Grade

Hail Holy Queen
Memorare

6th Grade

Stations of the Cross
Rosary

7th Grade

Beatitudes
Corporal Works of Mercy
Spiritual Works of Mercy
Nicene Creed

8th Grade

Seven Sacraments
Holy Days of Obligation (USA)
Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (see below)
Seven Sacraments
Baptism
Eucharist (Communion)
Reconciliation (Penance)
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy Orders
Anointing of the Sick

7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
Fortitude (Courage)

Holy Days of Obligation

January 1        Feast of Mary, Mother of
                       God Ascension Thursday         
                       (during Lent)
August 15       Assumption Feast Day (When not falling on Saturday or Monday)
November 1    All Saints Day (When not falling on Saturday or Monday)
December 8    Immaculate Conception
December 25  Christmas Day