Our Faith Formation Program: Faithfully Working to Bring Children Closer to Christ

Our youngsters in our Antigo Area Catholic Churches will have the wonderful opportunity to attend retreats planned this year, as part of our Faith Formation program that strives to lead them to intentional faith and an encounter with Jesus.

Kristen Rolling, Faith Formation Coordinator, oversees 11 catechists who are teaching more than 120 students across three parishes. The Faith Formation classes are held on Wednesday evenings at SS. Mary and Hyacinth and run from October through April. The Faith Formation students are in kindergarten through 11th grade.

“Our catechists are the driving force of our goal of intentional faith and an encounter with Jesus,” Kristen says. “They are motivating the kids and instilling faith in their lives.”

Through the Faith Formation classes, as well as the Sacramental Preparation classes, our Antigo Area Catholic Churches are working to develop a culture of intentional faith that helps people know how much God loves them. The children learn the basic proclamations of the Gospel that help them understand the relationship God wants for them.

“Even when we fall away, Jesus is there for us,” Kristen says. “We can use our talents and gifts to glorify Him. This is something we try to instill.”

Kristen is working to develop more youth ministry activities that will help bring the youngsters closer to Christ.

“Our Faith Formation team works to teach kids how to welcome Jesus into their lives and be willing to trust and rely on Him for everything” Kristen says. “That really is what intentional faith is about.”

Although the Faith Formation classes do not include students at All Saints Catholic School, our program collaborates with the school for Sacramental Preparation classes. Confirmation was held on Jan. 9 and First Reconciliation was held during January, as well. First Communion will be held either at the end of April or in early May.

As planning continues for the retreats, “Love Begins Here,” there will be notices posted in the Sunday bulletins.

Although the Faith Formation classes have been underway since October, parents can enroll their children at any time.

“We welcome them,” Kristen says. “If maybe they just weren’t ready yet, or coming back to the faith, we extend a welcome at any time. It’s so important to feel welcome. Wherever they are, we want to walk with them.”

If you would like more information about our Faith Formation classes, please call Kristen Rolling at 715-623-5255.

Kristen Rolling, Faith Formation Coordinator