8303 Taft Street · Merrillville, IN 46410 · (219)769-1755

Faith Formation
Faith Formation Office Phone # 769-2295

Current News:

	Faith Formation Classes Begin - Sepetember 6
	If you did not attend the Open House to complete permission forms and receive important information regarding your child’s enrollment in the program, please contact the Faith Formation Office at 769-2295.

	Faith Formation Parent Meeting - September 10 - 7:00 to 8:00 pm
	A meeting for all parents of students preparing to receive sacraments in Grades 2, 3, 7 and 8 will be held in the Holy Family Room.  Father Terry Deffenbaugh will be the speaker. It is our hope that at least one parent from each family may attend.
	Confirmation - September 11 - 7:00 pm
	In Church

	Recycling Old Cell Phones
	The Faith Formation Program is recycling old cell phones and ink cartridges. These items may be placed in the box in the Parish Activity Center.

Faith Formation Program:

Our Faith Formation Program begins in September. It is important that every child receive a religious education. We have fine programs with dedicated teachers and staff. It is the obligation of parents to see that their children receive religious formation and the sacraments. Each year of Religious Education is important since every year there is a special emphasis on a particular aspect of faith and morality. The following is the outline of the 8 years of religious education.

• K-1 – Jesus, Us and Creation;
• 2 – Forgiveness;
• 3 – The Mass and Eucharist;
• 4 – The 10 Commandments;
• 5 – Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Vocation;
• 6 – Jesus and the Old Testament;
• 7 & 8 - The Apostles Creed, Morality and Scripture.

Each year is like building on a foundation. You need every year to have a complete and perfect building. Please make sure that your child/children are enrolled in the Faith Formation Program. Call Mrs. Sluce at 769-2295 for more information.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received in second grade.  This follows 2 years of preparation for the sacrament.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist is received in third grade.  This follows preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation and 1 year of preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Confirmation Preparation begins on the 7th Grade level and continues for 2 consecutive years. After 2 years of Confirmation preparation the Sacrament of Confirmation is received the following fall.

For more information used in your child's religious education: Please go to www.faithfirst.com.  Our parish uses the Legacy Edition.  You can find your child's grade and then click on Chapter Reviews, Games, Activities, Bible Stories, Saints, Story Time, and much more. 

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The Faith Formation Program follows the Merrillville School System. If school is canceled due to inclement weather, Our Lady of Consolation Faith Formation will be cancelled as well. If it becomes necessary to cancel classes due to inclement weather or other emergency situations, it will be posted online at www.EmergencyClosings.com  Search for the facility by typing: Our Lady of Consolation (then tab & type) Merrillville, then click SUBMIT, or you may call 847-238-1234 from a touch tone phone and enter: 2197691755 (our main phone number).