The Faith Formation for students K-12 is coordinated by Sister Ellen Kehoe, a Sister of Providence from St. Mary of the Woods, IN. Sister Ellen is also a pastoral associate and is involved in both Parish and Campus ministries.
CCD Classes
CCD ("Confraternity of Christian Doctrine") Classes are designed to introduce children to the Catholic Faith and prepare them for the Sacraments. Adults who are interested in joining the Church can attend RCIA.
Intended for grades Kindergarten through High School, CCD classes are held on Sunday mornings between the 9:00 and 11:30 AM Masses at approximately 10:10 to 11:10 AM. Since we are a University Parish and many of the Catechists are college students, classes are held each semester around the University schedule, meaning that we do not meet during official college breaks. The current University schedule can be found on the University of Kentucky Academic Calendar.
Each Catechist is required to take the Diocese Mandated Virtus Training Protecting God’s Children and attends Continuing Education training classes. Catechists work in teams of three to four per class.
Service projects are encouraged for each grade. During Advent, for instance, classes collect clothing, food, toiletries, and wrapped gifts for server refugee families. Several grades have made cookies or a meal for the Catholic Action Center. High School and Middle School students have occasional Youth Group activities.
Sacramental Preparation
Reconciliation and First Communion takes place in Second Grade. This is a special Year of Preparation and includes parent/guardian meetings and a gathering in a parent/guardian’s home with Father Al to share a meal and talk about the Eucharist. Students prepare for First Reconciliation and then receive the Sacrament prior to the beginning of Advent.
Confirmation takes place every other year for Seventh and Eighth Grades and any High School students who want to participate. There are two retreats prior to Confirmation:
A Twilight Retreat on a Friday evening which is led by College Students and facilitated by Sister Ellen
A Sunday afternoon retreat for parents, confirmandi, and sponsors facilitated by Mike Thompson that is traditionally followed by Mass and a Spaghetti Dinner.