Registration

Welcome to the exciting Church of St. Stephen

Faith Formation Programming for 2011-12!

Please click here to print out a Faith Formation registration form.  Please return to the parish office with payment as soon as possible.

Catechists are always needed and welcomed!  If you are interested in assisting our young people as they grow in their faith, please contact a member of the Faith Formation team (names and contact information are listed at right).  Training is provided.  Thank you for considering this important ministry!

In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, all volunteers (age 18 and older) working with children and/or vulnerable adults must attend a VIRTUS training session (a three hour awareness session which better equips adults to protect children in the world around them), sign a code of conduct and undergo a background check.  Please >click here to be taken to the volunteer page of the website where you will find a link to register for the VIRTUS sessions as well as a link to the background check forms and code of conduct.  If catechists are under age 18, they must return a student volunteer character reference.  Please >click here for the student volunteer character reference form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to be registered in one of the Faith Formation programs in order to celebrate a sacrament?

Yes, sacrament preparation programs are entirely separate from Faith Formation programs. Your child must be registered in Faith Formation or attend a Catholic school in order to celebrate First Eucharist or First Reconciliation. 

Confirmation preparation is a 3 year commitment.  A student is required to be enrolled in a Faith Formation program or attend a Catholic high school in 9th and 10th grade.  The final year of preparation in 11th grade requires a student to be in a High School Small Group Faith Formation program. 

Is there a separate registration process for sacraments? 

Yes.  Registration forms will be distributed at the first parent session for each sacrament. 

When does sacrament preparation begin?

First Reconciliation and Confirmation begin in the fall and First Eucharist begins in January. 

In what grades are sacraments celebrated?

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are usually celebrated in 2nd or 3rd grade. Confirmation is a three year process beginning in 9th grade with the actual celebration of the sacrament in 11th grade.

The actual First Reconciliation celebration takes place in the fall; First Communion and Confirmation take place in the spring. 

Can my child be placed with a friend, or request a catechist or a  small group?

We do our best to honor requests, but there are many factors that are taken into consideration.  Call the program coordinator for further information.

How will I find out what day, time and group my child is in?

You will be notified of your child’s placement after catechist training in the fall by a catechist or program coordinator, approximately 2 weeks prior to the program start date. 

Where does my tuition fee go?

Your tuition contributes to books, teaching materials, guest speakers, and other operating expenses.  Parish stewardship also subsidizes these expenses. 

There are NO fees for First Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation preparation because of your generous contributions to parish stewardship.

Once we register, am I able to switch days or groups/programs? 

Yes, if there is space available.  Call the program coordinator.

What  if I am unable to pay?

We can help! Payment arrangements can be made.  Please call the parish office at 763-421-2471.