Early Childhood Faith Formation

Little Sparks
A fun, faith-filled place for little churchgoers

“Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit...” —Romans 12:11

Faith formation of all children begins in the family. Starting with the sacrament of Baptism, kids are initiated into the church with their parents and godparents supporting them as they begin their faith journey. Parents are the primary teachers (catechists) of the Catholic Christian faith for their children. As the primary catechists, parents should be active participants in weekly masses and live their faith vibrantly at home. Pray before meals, celebrate the liturgical year, talk about God and your experiences with Jesus. Take time to pray the rosary and read the bible.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.” (CCC 2226)

Little Sparks is a fun, faith-filled time to play and learn with peers about God and His love for us. This ministry engages young children to learn about the Catholic faith in a creative and safe setting while their parents participate at the Sunday 10 a.m. mass. Volunteers, under the guidance of a catechist, help to entertain children with faith stories from the bible, using crafts and games to help children understand those stories.

• When: Sundays during the 10:00 a.m. mass (9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.), October through May
• Place:  Gara Hall
• Ages: 2-5 years (children must be potty trained)

We require parents to sign a permission waiver and pay an annual fee of $30 for this ministry. Please register under the Faith Formation Registration page. (Note that you will need a St. Rita Community Login in order to access the page. If you do not yet have a login, we would love to welcome you to our parish! Join the St. Rita Community by clicking here, and then proceed to the Faith Formation Registration page.)