Welcome to an exciting year of Faith Formation for your family!
Our Discover! Finding Faith in Life program is specially designed for families whose children do not attend Catholic schools. However, it is warmly open to any parish or school family who desires to enrich their faith life and dive deeper into God’s Word together.
Our Program Goals
The goals of Family Faith Formation at St. Bernard are for both children and their families to experience:
- Ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ and a deepening friendship with Him.
- Full participation in the life of the Catholic Church.
- A strong sense of community among students, families, and the wider parish.
Program Structure & Materials
The Bible is the heartbeat of our program. Every child will need their own specific Bible to keep, use in class, and bring home. These Bibles contain key classroom lessons built directly into the pages.ies, connect them with Catholicism, and are called into action to live out the faith every week! Discover! uses the “Catholic Children’s Bible” as it’s primary “textbook” and supplements with age appropriate worksheets, activities and much more.
Grades K–5: Children use the Discover! Finding Faith in Life curriculum by St. Mary’s Press. This vibrant, Bible-based program helps children dive into Scripture stories, connect them to Catholic teaching, and put their faith into action every week. It uses The Catholic Children’s Bible as its primary textbook, supplemented by age-appropriate worksheets and activities.
Grade 6: Students use the Encounter program to get a complete, engaging overview of the Bible. They will use the Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics.
Grades 7–8: Students use the Connect program from St. Mary’s Press along with the Breakthrough! Bible, utilizing various middle school resources to engage youth at an age-appropriate level.
Program Calendar
Faith Formation classes are held from September to early May during the school year.
Class Times & Schedule
- Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM (Classes start promptly).
- Traditional Classes: Held twice a month on Sundays, generally every other week. (Note: Dates may vary slightly around holidays or months with five Sundays).
- Family Days (“Sunday Spark”): Held four times a year (approximately every other month). These interactive sessions are in addition to the two traditional classes that month, and at least one parent must attend these learning opportunities together with their children.
A complete calendar with all specific dates will be handed out on opening day. If you would like a printed copy mailed to you earlier, please contact our program director
Sacramental Preparation
We welcome all children to our program regardless of where they are on their faith journey.
- First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion (Grade 2): Baptized Catholic children will prepare for First Reconciliation during the first half of the school year, and First Eucharist during the second half. Separate and additional family gatherings are required for these Sacraments.
- Confirmation (Grade 7 & 8): Youth entering Grade 7 (and any Grade 8 youth who still need the Sacrament) who are baptized and have received First Reconciliation and Holy Communion will prepare for Confirmation. Families with an entering 7th grader will be asked to attend a special informational meeting.
- Catching Up / Missed Sacraments: If your child needs to catch up on missed sacraments, we are happy to help! Please contact Cyndi Marlow in the parish office at 502-239-5178 ext. 2203, or scroll down to learn more about our Bridges Program to tailor a plan for your family.
Attendance & Sports Eligibility
Because we meet just two – three times a month, every class is incredibly valuable. We ask our families to commit to regular attendance. If unexpected situations arise and you need assistance staying on track, please notify our program director or pastor so we can arrange alternate plans for your family.
- Sports Eligibility: Families enrolled and actively participating in Faith Formation are eligible to participate in St. Bernard Sports opportunities. Regular class attendance is required to certify your child’s eligibility.
Program Fees
Annual fees are based on whether your child already owns the required Bible:
- $35 per child (Bible Included): Covers the new or replacement Bible, plus all program materials and supplies. (Required for all students new to the program, or those moving into 6th grade).
- $30 per child (No Bible Included): Covers all program materials and supplies. (For returning students who already have their designated program Bible).
Financial hardships should never keep a child away from faith formation. Scholarships and confidential reduced-fee options are readily available by calling Cyndi Marlow at 502-239-5178 ext. 2203
Registration information for school year 2026-27 will be posted soon.
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THE HOME!
The Home: Where Faith Begins
The home is truly the single most important place where your children will learn about their faith, and your role as a parent in this beautiful process is absolutely vital. In fact, the Catholic Church looks to parents as the primary teachers of faith for their children:
“Parents above others are obliged to form their children by word and example in faith and in the practice of Christian life…” (Code of Canon Law, c. 774, §2).
When your child was baptized, you lovingly embraced the responsibility of teaching them to know, love, and practice this faith. The Rite of Baptism beautifully reminds us of this sacred commitment:
- Celebrant: “You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the Faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?”
- Parents: “We do.”
What does this wonderful promise mean for your family today?
While our parish is overjoyed to walk alongside you, no church program can ever replace the unique, everyday role you play in shaping your children’s hearts. For them to truly grow and thrive in the Catholic faith, it is essential that faith is lived out naturally within the home. Everything we do in our parish programs builds upon the beautiful foundation you create.
As a family, you hold a treasure that surpasses all human expectations—and that treasure is waiting to be discovered right in your own home
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St. Bernard “Bridges” Program
Catching Up on First Sacraments
Has your child missed out on their First Sacraments?
Life happens. Many family events, schedules, or conditions can cause a child to miss Religious Education. We understand, and we are here to welcome you home to your faith without any judgment.
Our Bridges Program helps families catch up. It is a specialized family ministry designed for baptized Catholic children in 3rd grade or older who need to receive their missed Sacraments.
Program Requirements
- Active Enrollment: Children must attend St. Bernard School or our parish Family Faith Formation sessions (if they attend public school).
- Parent Participation: Parents are the primary teachers of faith. Our program guides you so you can confidently hand down the Catholic faith to your children.
Sacraments Received
At the completion of the program, your child will receive any missing Sacraments they need:
- Baptism (if applicable)
- Reconciliation
- First Eucharist
- Confirmation
Children Age 7+ Who Are Unbaptized
Is your child age of 7 or older and not yet baptized? Or were they baptized in another Christian faith?
The Church considers children ages 7 and older to be at the “age of reason.” They must prepare through a modified version of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Click here to learn more about OCIA.
How to Join
Are you ready to enroll your family? Please contact Cyndi in the parish office to get started
