Faith Formation

FAITH FORMATION 2026-2027 – ST. JOSEPH PARISH – LINCOLN, NH

CALENDAR

Our first class for the 2026-2027 school year will be on Catechetical Sunday, September 20, 2026. Classes are held from 9:00-9:55am every other Sunday in our St. Anne Room downstairs. After class, the children meet their families upstairs to attend 10:00am Mass with their families. Special events are scheduled for each major liturgical season: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. We typically end our program the first week of June, before the end of the school year. There are a total of 18 classes scheduled during the school year (and a couple of special events). Attendance for 85% of the classes (15) is required to be promoted to the next grade level of the curriculum.

PROGRAM

St. Joseph’s Faith Formation program, available to Catholic families domiciled within the territorial boundaries of St. Joseph Parish, helps our children learn about God’s love by studying, praying, participating in projects that reflect the Corporal Acts of Mercy, and playing together.

Studying
St. Joseph’s Faith Formation program uses the Spirit of Truth “Walking with Jesus” curriculum. It is a curriculum that is aligned with the liturgical calendar and gospel readings throughout the year. Games and videos are used in many of our lessons to engage the children.

Sacramental preparation also uses Sophia Institute curriculum materials. Children who have completed three years of study (grades K, 1, 2) are eligible to receive the sacrament of First Reconciliation. Children in their fourth year of faith formation (typically children in third grade) will prepare to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Praying
We pray at the opening of every class. The students learn the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Guardian Angel prayers. Children preparing for First Reconciliation also learn the Act of Contrition.

We learn what prayer is and how to pray using our hand. The Five Finger Prayer reminds us to pray for the people closest to our heart (thumb); those that guide us, teach us, heal us (pointer finger); leaders and people in authority (third finger); those in need (ring finger – the weakest finger); and finally, to be grateful for our blessings (pinky finger).

Corporal Acts of Mercy
Throughout the year, the children and their families participate in projects that reflect the Corporal Acts of Mercy — feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; clothe the naked; shelter the homeless; visit the imprisoned; care for the sick; bury the dead.

Playing
We learn best when we’re having fun! The students love crafts – with our families, we make Advent calendars,participate in a Lenten activity, and enjoy an excursion to the Ice Castles in January/February.

We lead the Children’s Stations of the Cross during Lent and share a bread and soup supper with parishioners after. We celebrate the end of our Faith Formation year by participating in the Minister’s Brunch at the Indian Head

Paula King, Coordinator
(603) 348-8166

---

2026-27 Faith Formation Registration