Faith Formation (Religious Education)

The mission of Faith Formation at Saint Anne Parish is to teach as Jesus did
following the six tasks of catechesis which are:

Catechesis promotes knowledge of the faith.
Catechesis promotes a knowledge of the meaning of the Liturgy and Sacraments.
Catechesis promotes moral formation in Jesus Christ.
Catechesis teaches the Christian how to pray with Christ.
Catechesis prepares the Christian to live in community and participate actively in the life and mission of the Church.
Catechesis promotes a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians to society.

Faith formation provides parish members with sacramental preparation and opportunities for life-long spiritual growth and education as disciples of Jesus Christ. The following are opportunities for faith formation at Saint Anne Parish.

Children's Faith Formation: For children entering Pre-K through sixth grade. Children are taught in traditional classroom settings. Emphasis is on basic foundations of our faith and sacred scripture. Preparation for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist is a two year program in Grades 1 and 2. Contact Jackie Butterfield for more information, or please check Miss Jackie's Page.

Youth Faith Formation: For youth in Grades 7-12. Grades 7-8 are taught in traditional classroom settings with a focus on New Testament, The Church, Holy Spirit, Morality, and Social Justice. Middle school youth group meets an hour prior to class. Grades 9-12 are invited to join Life Teen, a Eucharist-based ministry with the power to transform teens, transform parishes, and transform culture. The aim is to foster growth and continued deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith through various aspects of formation, including the spiritual, intellectual, and social. Emphasis is on the study and discussion of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and church doctrine with Confirmation prep in Grades 9-10. Contact John Hough for more information.

R.C.I.C. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) A program for children/youth over seven who wish to be baptized. Those who have been baptized but not catechized for First Penance and Eucharist (Grades 3-8) may contact Jackie Butterfield for more information.

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) A spiritual journey for those 18 and older who have not been baptized, or who have been baptized in another denomination and desire full participation in the Catholic Church. Regular gatherings are held to share God's Word, experience prayer and reflection, provide service, and learn about the Catholic faith. Contact Paddie Hunt for more information.

Adult Confirmation: These classes are for actively participating Catholic Adults, 21 years of age or older, who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, and Eucharist. These classes usually run about 6-8 weeks. Adult Confirmation takes place in the Merrimack Region, or one can be Confirmed with Saint Anne's celebration in the spring. Contact Jackie Butterfield for more information.