"Parent are the first, and most important, teachers of their children in the ways of faith!"

Welcome to Our Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Joseph’s Parish Faith Formation program for the calendar year 2017-2018! Family Faith Formation begins Sunday, Sept 17, from 8:30-9:45 for grades K-8 and confirmation classes from 11:15-1:15 for grades 9-10.

Parish Faith Formation - It's not just for children!!

This year our Religious Education program is not only taking on a new look with the renovations at the Parish Center, but also a revitalized approach to how we educate and engage our families in the Catholic faith. This includes all families, in all stages if life.

Family Faith Formation

It begins with the continued approach to assist parents in teaching their children the Catholic faith on a daily basis, versus a one hour a week program in a classroom setting. This year, parents will have the opportunity to gather and focus on a specific Catholic teaching each month, receiving the support and confidence to educate their children at home. The parent class will be followed by a family class and breakfast two weeks later. In addition, families will have the opportunity to participate in a “hands on” Works of Mercy hour each month. Our Sunday Edge Class, Edge Night and Confirmation programs will remain the same: encouraging our youth and helping them to build a closer relationship with Christ. Sacramental preparation classes for children receiving First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will take place on alternate weeks.

Sacramental Preparation

Bishop Libasci has asked all NH parishes to begin a year of prayerful planning as we proceed in the Restored Order of the Sacraments. The Restored Order is the return to the theological sequence of the Sacraments: First Reconciliation in grade two followed by Confirmation and First Holy Communion in grade three. The Restored Order will take place over a three year period with children preparing and receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation grouped by grade with the older grades receiving the sacrament first. There are many questions and concerns as to what happens after children have completed the sacraments at an early age: does catechesis end? It truly is just the beginning, and Father John and I are very excited by the prospect of engaging families in discerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit with their children and emphasizing the lifelong journey with Jesus Christ at their side.

Our Youth

We are also very excited to be the hub for “Young Life” in the Greater Northwood area. Young Life is a successful program across the country bringing youth from middle school age through high school to Jesus Christ. Young Life will have its own Youth Coordinator and its central office will be located in the Parish Center. The Young Life staff and committee members will follow all diocesan safe environment screening and training. This program is expected to begin late fall.
 

The Continued Journey - Life Long Faith Formation

It begins with baptismal preparation for new parents, story hours for toddlers, sacramental classes for children, family classes, youth retreats, parent classes, bible studies for adults. It’s a walk of the faith from the beginning to the end of life and should continually be fed through prayer, sacraments, education and participation in our parish life. A number of studies for adults will be offered this year. A vibrant parish requires volunteers, if you are interested in volunteering your time and talents contact Jeannie Garcia garcia6@tds.net or the rectory at 435-6242.

Please refer to the Parish Religious Calendar for scheduled classes and events.

Religious Ed registration and full payment or payment installment, must be received before the first day of class.

Online registration and payment is preferred but registration at the Rectory (603-435-6242) is also available. Please go to the Religious Ed Enrollment Form on the left to register.

Once you have completed the registration form click on the 'Online Giving' button on the home page to make your payment. 

For any additional questions, please contact Jeannie Garcia at 942-8716 or 269-4143