At Saint Therese, our Faith Formation program ranges from Pre-K to post confirmation! We believe in the importance of fostering an environment where children understand the faith. Catholic education is truly a communal effort, and shepherding our children in faith is a shared responsibility. At Saint Therese Parish, we believe that families play a crucial role in this journey. It’s not just about what happens in the classroom; it's about how we all work together—parents, teachers, and the entire parish community—to guide our kids in their faith.
To contact the Faith Formation office:
Paris Rodriguez
Director of Religious Education
- Email: formation@stpgranby.org
- Call the Parish Office: (860) 653-3371 EX 103
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Praying with Your Young Child
- From Birth: Gently take your child's hand and make the Sign of the Cross on them. They will begin to mimic this gesture around 18 months or earlier.
- Teach Basic Prayers: Each night, say the three basic prayers with your child:
- Our Father
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
- Gradual Learning: With regular practice, your child will start responding with some of the words and eventually say the prayers along with you.
- Weekly Mass Attendance: Bring your child to Mass every week. If they become fussy, do not be embarrassed!
If a Parish isn't crying, it's dying. The presence of children is a gift to the church, and reminds us of what Jesus says, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt 19:14
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PreK 3 & 4
In the PreK children learn:
- How to bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross
- Engage in fun activities: Watch a prayer video, listen to stories about the season or the Mass readings of the day, make crafts, play games, and have FUN!
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners will learn:
-Who is Jesus? Who is Mary?
-What is the rosary?
-Prayers: Sign of the Cross/ Our Father/Glory Be
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1st Grade
1st graders will learn:
-What is the Holy Trinity?
-What is Advent/Christmas/Lent/Easter?
-What religion are you?
Prayers: Our Father/Hail Mary
1st Reconciliation/1st Communion (Typically 2nd Grade)
Children learn:
-What are the 10 commandments?
-What is sin?
-What is the sacrament of Reconciliation? What is confession?
-How can we examine our conscience? (The five-finger prayer)
-What is the sacrament of the Eucharist?
-What happened at the Last Supper?
Prayers: Act of Contrition/Our Father/Hail Mary
The sacrament of reconciliation is taught from September to December, with the Sacrament received in December.
The next Sacrament is Communion, taught from January to April, with the Sacrament received in May.
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade
Children learn:
-What are the seven Sacraments?
-What is the Bible? Who are the Gospel writers?
-Why did Jesus come to earth?
-What does it mean that Jesus is truly human and truly divine?
-What are the Beatitudes?
-What are the seasons of the Liturgical Year?
Prayers: The Rosary/ Stations of the Cross/ Mass Responses
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6th, 7th & 8th Grade (Pre-Confirmation Prep)
Children Learn:
-What is Pentecost?
-What are the Holy Days of Obligation?
-What are the parts of the Mass?
-What is Original Sin?
-What is Transubstantiation?
-What are the Four Marks of the Church?
-Who was the first Pope? Current Pope?
Prayers: Apostles' Creed/Rosary
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Confirmation
Saint Therese has a two year Confirmation Preparation program. Students must complete year 1 before entering year 2.
Overall, students will learn:
-Why be Catholic?
-Who is the Holy Spirit?
-Why do we suffer?
-Virtuous living
-The Saints
-The healing power of confession
-Care of God's creation
Prayers: Apostles' Creed/Lectio Divina
Confirmation Year 1 and 2 Completion Requirements:
-Attend Mass each week.
-Attend Confirmation classes each week.
-Attend Confirmation retreat (2nd year).
-Participate in class service project (one per year).
-Assist with at least 2 parish activities per year.
-Complete 12 volunteer hours per year.
-Write a letter to Father William requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation (2nd year).
-Write a biographical summary on the saint selected as the Confirmation name (2nd year).
Post-Confirmation
We offer a variety of opportunities for you:
- Volunteer as a teacher or teacher's assistant during the school year. (Especially for the younger kiddos).
- Support the Pre-Confirmation classes.
- Volunteer in the Faith Formation Office.
-Volunteer at our youth ministry program!
-Volunteer at our pancake breakfast events on the first Sunday of every month!
Let us know what interests you now that you are Confirmed. There are always opportunities for you to be involved and active at Saint Therese.
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We are thrilled to announce our Youth Ministry program at Saint Therese is fusing with Saint Catherine of Siena's Youth Ministry as of 2024.
All junior high and high school youth are invited to join us for our upcoming Youth Ministry events. All of our events include teens from Saint Catherine of Siena (West Simsbury), Saint Mary (Simsbury), and Saint Therese (Granby).
All youth ministry events can count towards volunteer hours for Saint Therese's Confirmation Preparation Program.
Youth Ministry Website:
Youth ministry | St. Mary's Church | Simsbury, CT (stmarysimsbury.org)
Youth Ministry Registration:
2024-2025 YOUTH MINISTRY REGISTRATION (google.com)
Photo Release Form (Required if registering):
Photo release photo release-1.doc (live.com)
Manuela Hanshaw
Director of Youth Ministry
(860)658-1642 or (860)408-9888
*If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Ministry Program or have any questions contact Parish Secretary:
Frank Ippolito
(860) 653-3371 ext 101
