Faith Formation
The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in our pews, every Catholic in our parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Elementary and Middle school programs is now open!
- Catechist application for Elementary Family Faith Formation
- Catechist application for Confirmation program
Elementary Faith Formation [Kindergarten-6th Grade]
The Elementary Family Faith Formation program at Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Ann by the Sea is for students in Kindergaten-6th grade.
Family Faith Formation is a hybrid program that blends in-church and at-home instruction, supplemented with at-church formation activities. Twice a month, parents/adults and children come together for grade-level instruction for the children and small group instruction and discussion for the parents. Sunday classes are from 9:00-10:15 am for K-6th grade. Thursday classes are from 5:30-6:30 pm for K-4th grade. All classes are mandatory for students and parents/beloved adults. This is truly a family faith formation program in that the adult formation feeds into student formation.
In between the two at-church classes, parents are the primary catechists for students through at-home instruction. 5th and 6th graders are in a two-year Bible based program that meets during the Sunday Class timeslot. 5-6th graders will also have at-home instruction. In addition to class sessions, the Faith Formation team hosts Family Craft Nights: Pumpkin painting in October, Cookie Decorating in December, and a Valentine’s Craft Night in February.
Mass attendance is required for the program. The 9 am Sunday time slot allows families the flexibility of attending Mass before or after class, time for weekend sports, and more time for family activities/dinner on Sunday afternoons. Families who attend Thursday night classes are welcome to attend any Mass that works for their schedule.
In compliance with the Archdiocese of Boston, all parishes are required to provide annual Safe Environment Training for all youth enrolled in religious education classes. This applies to all grades. Families must attend one of the four offered sessions. Parents always have the option of opting their child out of these trainings, though parents are encouraged to look at the curriculum before making that decision.
The Elementary Family Faith Formation program includes sacramental prep for 2nd graders to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion*. To accommodate family attendance, there are two First Communions in May.
We need catechists and volunteers to help this program run smoothly! We will be using the Christ Our Life program from Loyola Press as our primary resource for grades K-4. The program comes with catechist guides and lesson plans, so you don't need to be a theologian or expert to teach.
Families should follow this link registration to register. Families are encouraged to register by September 1st.
*If your child is in 3rd – 6th grade and has not received their First Communion, please email Tarah Valin after completing registration.
5th and 6th Religious Education: Encounter God through Scripture
This class will be about having the students encounter God through the Scriptures. They will grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus through quiet and thoughtful reflection upon the Word of God. This class will try to instill a daily Bible habit in the students, encourage them to read and study the Bible on their own. Students will learn more about God's Word through engaging with it directly in small group Bible studies, as well as through fun games and activities. This is a two-year program with rotating material for each year.
Time: Sundays 9:00 am to the 10:15 at OLA. Mass attendance is a required part of the program. Classes will take place in the Parish Hall.
Elementary Family Faith Formation Schedule [K-6th Grade]
All classes, events, and retreats will be held in the Our Lady of the Assumption parish hall (40 Canal Street) unless otherwise noted. Sunday classes are from 9:00-10:15 am for K-6th grade. Thursday classes are from 5:30-6:30 pm for K-4th grade. All classes are mandatory for students and parents/beloved adults. Mass attendance is also required as part of the program. Families must attend one Empowering God’s Children session. Registration.
Mandatory Meetings (choose one)
Catechist Meeting – OLA Parish Hall
8/30 8:30 am
9/10 5 pm
Parent Orientation – OLA Parish Hall
8/30 9:15am
9/10 6 pm
Empowering God’s Children – Mandatory (choose one)
Sat. December 12 – 12-1 pm
Thurs. January 7 – 5-6 pm
Thurs. Jan 28 – before class 5-5:30 pm
Sun. Jan 31 – before class 8:30-9:00 am
Class Schedule
| Sunday Classes | Thursday Classes | Events | Sacramental Prep (Mandatory for children receiving their First Communion in May 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/13 | 9/17 | 9/6 Donut Social | 3/20 Reconciliation Retreat 12-2:30 pm |
| 9/27 | 9/24 | 10/28 Pumpkin Painting | 4/10 First Reconciliation 1 pm SA |
| 10/4 | 10/8 | 12/17 Cookie Decorating | 4/15 First Reconciliation 4:30 pm OLA |
| 10/25 | 10/29 | 2/11 Valentine's Day Crafts | 4/17 Communion Retreat 12-2:30 pm |
| 11/1 | 11/12 | 5/7 End of Year Party | 4/30 Communion Rehearsal 5:30-7 pm |
| 11/15 | 11/19 | 5/1 Communion Rehearsal 12-1:30 | |
| 12/6 | 12/3 | 5/1 First Communion 4pm SA | |
| 12/13 | 12/10 | 5/2 First Communion 10:30 OLA | |
| 1/10 | 1/14 | ||
| 1/31 | 1/28 | ||
| 2/7 | 2/4 | ||
| 2/28 | 2/25 | ||
| 3/7 | 3/4 | ||
| 3/14 | 3/18 | ||
| 4/4 | 4/8 | ||
| 4/11 | 4/15 |
Schedule Notes
In compliance with the Archdiocese of Boston, all parishes are required to provide annual Safe Environment Training for all youth enrolled in religious education classes. This applies to all grades. Families must attend one of the four offered sessions.
- On 12/12 and 1/14 the first half hour will be dedicated to our K-2 students and the second half hour for our students in grades 3-5, more details to come.
- Parents always have the option of opting their child out of these trainings, though parents are encouraged to look at the curriculum before making that decision.
Students will be assigned a date for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. The rehearsals for First Communion will take place the day before. (We will do our best to accommodate family preferences)
5th and 6th grade students will be in a two-year Bible based family faith formation program that meets during the Sunday timeslot. There will not be any Thursday classes for 5th and 6th graders.
Confirmation Classes
The Confirmation service date is TBA.
Confirmation marks a major step in a Catholic’s faith journey. This class explores the meaning of the sacrament, the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, and how to live out faith in today’s world. Students will learn from the lives of the saints, engage in service projects, and participate in retreats that foster spiritual growth and connection. Each candidate will choose a sponsor to support and guide them along the way.
Time: Sundays from the 5:30 Mass at OLA to 7:45. Mass attendance is required for the program.
Both classes will start in the parish hall immediately following Mass.
Note: Just to be clear, while both 7th and 8th grade (and older) will be meeting at the same time, in the same place, only the 8th graders and high schoolers will be receiving confirmation in 2027. The 7th graders will be coming back next year, for the second year of their program and will receive confirmation sometime in 2028.
7th Grade Confirmation
This will be the first year of a TWO year confirmation Program.
8th Grade (and High School) - Confirmation
This will be a ONE year confirmation Program. These students will be confirmed around Eastertide 2027.
Confirmation Class Schedule
Sundays from the 5:30 Mass at OLA to 7:45. Mass attendance is required for the program.
September 13, 2026
September 20, 2026
September 27, 2026
October 4, 2026
October 11, 2026
October 18, 2026
October 25, 2026
November 1, 2026
November 8, 2026
November 15, 2026
December 6, 2026
December 13, 2026
January 10, 2027
January 31, 2027
February 7, 2027
February 28, 2027
March 7, 2027
March 14, 2027
YOUTH GROUP
Are you looking to grow closer to God? To dig deeper into your faith life? To make new friends and make a difference in the world? Would you be interested in teen nights, overnight retreats, service trips, and more? You belong here. There is a place for
you
in this church.
Youth Group is a vibrant gathering place for Tweens and Teens from both parishes, held once or twice a month in the Our Lady of the Assumption parish hall.
Youth Group gatherings and events are all about community, not curriculum—they’re separate from the Confirmation program and completely optional. Whether you're looking to deepen your faith, make new friends, or just enjoy a night of games, music, and meaningful conversation, Youth Group is for you.
Expect a mix of Faith, Fun, and Fellowship—from inspiring talks and prayerful moments to laughter-filled activities and snacks. Come as you are, bring a friend, and be part of something special!
You belong here. Come join us!
