Formation

Introduction
The goal of Sacred Heart’s formational programming is to raise up missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. For the youth of our parish it is important to note that all the formation the parish offers is considered supplemental to the role of parents as the primary and nearly irreplaceable formators of their children in the ways of faith. Sacred Heart seeks to build up the domestic Church in each home as a place where Christian virtue, prayer, and life is passed on from one generation to the next.

Below is a brief description of each of the formational program offerings of the parish for the 2020-2021 school year. These descriptions are not meant to be exhaustive, but instead merely give an overview of each program to assist you in discerning how we can best meet your formational needs. Further details can be found on each registration form, calendar, or by contacting the parish office.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:   Sacred Heart is blessed to offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program to youth ages 3-12. CGS is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium. Sacred Heart has two Atriums, one for level I children (ages 3-6) and one for level II (6-9) and III (9-12) children.

Grades 1-6 Faith Formation Classes:   Sacred Heart also offers Faith Formation in a classroom setting on Wednesday nights for children in grades 1-6. The parish utilizes the classroom space in the Roncalli Elementary School for classes and youth should enter/exit through the school doors off of the main parking lot. Sessions are offered from 5:30-6:30pm on Wednesday nights this year (please note the change in time from previous years). The parish uses the Faith and Life curriculum from Ignatius Press for these classes.

First Reconciliation/First Communion Students (2^nd Grade):   Preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion is a separate and concurrent program, meaning that youth prepare for these sacraments in addition to, but not instead of or within, the other programming of the parish. T

Grades 7-12 Youth Ministry:   The parish organizes both small group and large group opportunities for youth to grow in relationship with one another and with Jesus Christ. Please see the youth page for more information on youth ministry at Sacred Heart.

Confirmation Students (10^th Grade):  Confirmation preparation is a separate and concurrent program, meaning that youth prepare for confirmation in addition to, but not instead of or within, the other youth programming of the parish (see youth calendar/information sheet). The normative time for confirmation preparation in our diocese is youth in their sophomore year of high school.

Adult Formation:   There are several opportunities throughout the year for adults to grow in their own faith through catechesis, retreats, and small group sharing. These opportunities will be marketed well before they occur.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):  RCIA is the normal process the Church uses to welcome members into the Catholic faith. Fr. Patrick will lead RCIA classes this year on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Elementary School library. Catholics, as well as non-Catholics, are invited to the RCIA classes.
 

In October 2018 Bishop Swain and the Diocese of Sioux Falls released Curriculum Guidelines for Catholic Schools and Parish-based Religious Education Programs. The new guidelines provide 1-page guides for each year, PreK - 8th grade for different areas of our children's formation (knowledge of Church Doctrine, Liturgy and Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer). In addition, each age year has a list of general developmental characteristics that has been developed based on consultation from professionals. To review the new Guidelines simply click on the image below: