Faith Formation

Religious Education Classes 2024-2025

The merger between the Religious Education (RE) programs of St. Alphonsus and Blessed Sacrament has provided an opportunity to modify the shared programming.

The registration fee is $60 per child for the year. If this is a hardship for your family, please contact Maureen Cromwell regarding scholarships. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Office of Faith Formation. Calendars can be found below.

Religious Education

“Traditional” programming for grades K-5 will be offered at St. Alphonsus on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. We will continue to use the Diocesan approved curriculum from Pflaum. Thursday evening catechism classes will also include students who are preparing for First Holy Communion.

Youth Group/Confirmation

All 6-8th grade students will join our newly formed youth group on Thursday evenings. Confirmation preparation will be included for this group through six additional meetings/retreats.

Confirmation Students Only (immediately following the Children’s Mass) will take place on Oct. 20, Nov. 3 (offsite fall retreat), Nov. 17, Jan. 19, Feb 16., March 23 (offsite spring retreat Shine Youth rally), April/May spring Confirmation (TBD)

Grades 6 –8 and Youth Group (Thursday evening from 6:30– 7:45 p.m.)

Children’s Masses

All of the children will be welcomed to actively participate in the Children’s Mass. Our hope is that they develop a strong desire to always be involved in Mass, now and as an adult. The Children’s Masses are on the third Sunday of the month during the school year, at the 9 a.m. Mass. The children will be invited and encouraged to participate at Mass by assuming the parts of a lector, usher, greeter, altar server, or bringing up the gifts. We would be happy to have them use their talents to contribute the liturgy. We provide training for all involved. If your child is interested, please email the office.

GIFTED Group

This is a group for adults with special needs (18 and older). The G.I.F.T.E.D. group provides adults with special needs the opportunity to gather and learn about their Catholic faith and how they can practically apply it in their everyday lives. We all have unique personal circumstances. This program offers the opportunity for those with special needs to hear about God’s love and mercy. While we believe the families and caregivers will always be the primary role models for their adult’s faith formation, we want to support this on-going faith journey.

Faith Formation Ministries

Contact for all Faith Formation Ministries: Maureen Cromwell, 616-451-3043 faithformation@stalphonsusgr.org

Catechists
Volunteers are needed to teach faith formation classes to the children of the parish. This ministry is open to High School students and adults. Adults must complete VIRTUS training and Catechist Certification.

Vacation Bible School
VBS volunteers are critical for the success of VBS. This ministry is open to 7th graders through adults. Volunteers 18 and older must complete VIRTUS training.

Youth Group
Volunteers are needed to help plan special events and/or service projects for students in grades 8-12. This ministry is open to adults who have completed Virtus training.