Family Centered Faith Formation

Family Centered Faith Formation (FCFF) brings parents and children together to pray, to learn the truths of the Catholic faith, to understand and celebrate the Sacraments and Liturgy, and to live Christ's example of peace and social justice. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Church documents, and Sacred Scripture are the foundations on which the lessons are developed.

Upholding the Catholic Church's teaching which emphasizes the role of parents as primary and principal educators of their children in the Faith, we strive to include, educate and support parents to accomplish this most important aspect of their vocation.

This same principle of parental responsibility is integral to the sacramental preparation process. Recognizing that the parish school families and religious education families are part of the same parish community, parents of both groups are actively involved in all aspects of sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

For more information, contact the Religious Education Office at (630) 968-1366 ext. 112.

2023-2024 Registration Form

Print form and return to the Religious Education office or email Joanne Gregoire at jgregoire@holytrinitywestmont.org

How Our FCFF Program Works

Monthly Sessions - Each family chooses one day of each month to attend the monthly session (Monday or Wednesday), held September-May. We also attend Mass every week (Saturday evening or Sunday) to honor God all year long.

All age groups cover the same faith concepts, so families can share their understanding during their weekly home study. A binder of weekly assignments is provided at the beginning of the year.

  • 1st–5th grade students meet with their parents.
  • 6th-8th grade students meet in a traditional classroom setting with their peers, while their parents gather in a different area for an adult level formation of the topic their children are studying.
  • K-1st grade students may participate in “Saints in Training,” which is an optional class for parents who feel their children would benefit from a more basic explanation of the topic each month.
  • For siblings 0-5 year old, Trinity Tots playgroup is available at no additional cost during all sessions.

During the FCFF program, faith becomes a family experience. Children turn to their parents to guide them and parents learn new ways to nurture their family’s faith.

  • At least one adult (preferably parent or guardian) attends each monthly session.
  • Families commit to attend Mass every weekend and Holy Day, and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly.
  • Together, families complete their supplemental take-home materials (30-60 min).
  • Families perform six hours of “Service for God” each year. We offer several service projects for families to choose from.
  • Parents attend an orientation meeting before sessions begin.
  • Additional workshops, retreats, and parent meetings will be necessary for 2nd grade students preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion and for 6th, 7th & 8th grade students in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The “Saints in Training” program offers a viable alternative that combines Kindergartners and 1st graders in a classroom setting where the faith concepts are presented on a more basic level using music, drama, stories, and crafts.

If your oldest child is in the “Saints in Training" group, you should plan to stay with your child in the classroom. If you have other children in the program, your child may attend this class alone while you participate with your older children.

Occasionally parents feel their 2nd grader would do better in the “Saints in Training” program. If this is the case, they are free to transfer their child into this class during the school year.

If you feel your Kindergartner is not ready for this class, you may enroll him/her in the Trinity Tots playgroup that will take place during class time.

If your family is not in the habit of attending Mass each week, or going to regular Confession, it may take some effort to develop the habit of attending Mass and Reconciliation, but it’s well worth it.

The Mass is the epitome of our Catholic faith. We hear the Word of God and how it applies to our life; we learn of the great love of God that led to his supreme sacrifice on the cross that enables us to spend eternity with Him in heaven; we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist; we offer praise to God as a community.

The sacrament of Reconciliation gives us a unique opportunity to “begin anew” – to leave our sins behind and start over, with the forgiveness and grace to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. How can we resist these opportunities to be loved by God and show our love back?

Over the years, parents have entrusted the Church to teach their children the Catholic faith through Catholic school or a CCD class.

But, even the most accomplished Catechist cannot help children know and trust God with their lives; this requires daily experiences and faith dialogue. When parents take an active role in the faith formation of their children, parents and children alike can develop a richer relationship with God that strengthens them for the journey of life.

Many of our Catholic documents have emphasized this fact. Pope John Paul II’s document “On the Family”, the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ letter to families “Follow the Way of Love”, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Rite of Baptism, to name a few sources, all encourage parents to take seriously their role in actively passing on the faith.

Many parents have shared with us that they are not sure what the Catholic Church teaches in some areas, which makes them uncomfortable in discussing these faith issues with their children. This program will give you an opportunity to learn (or review) the faith as well as share the faith with your children.

Parents of children in the 6th-8th grade class are required to attend the Parent Group sessions. Through a speaker or video presentation each month, you can expect to learn more about the Catholic faith, and after the presentation, have your questions answered, if you choose to ask them. You can also expect to hear what your teens are learning in class so to be prepared to answer their questions.

Through discussions with other parents, you’ll find that you are not alone as you strive to keep alive your child’s relationship with God and develop his/her ability to make good moral judgments.

You’ll be offered opportunities to focus on your own spiritual journey, too. Through prayer and discussion, you may find God is present in new ways in your life.

Mass Times

Weekend Masses
Sat: 4:00pm
Sun: 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am

Daily Mass - Mon-Sat: 8:00am

Confession - Sat: 2:45 - 3:45pm

» View Holy Day Schedule

Contact Us

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish
25 East Richmond Street
Westmont, IL 60559

630-968-1366

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