Our objective is to promote, impart and teach the Roman Catholic faith in accordance with Vatican II doctrines to children in San Carlos Cathedral Parish from infancy through 8th grade.
For more information contact Cynthia Friesen – (831) 373-2628 x 17 or cfriesen@sancarloscathedral.org
The Children’s Faith Formation Ministry oversees the following:
Baptism: Our call to Holiness begins at Baptism. Therefore we provide classes for parents and godparents in the norms of the Roman Catholic Church on the Rite of Baptism for infants up to age 6. Advance notice of one month, minimum. Pre-Baptism instruction for parents and godparents is required.
Children’s Catechumenate: Provides instruction and experience through the Sunday Gospels to children of catechetical age (over age 7). Through a series of Rites, children not baptized as infants enter a process of initiation into the Roman Catholic Church to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. This is a two-year process with a one-year follow up. In addition to the Gospel study on Sundays, the children are expected to attend the regular faith formation classes as well.
Children’s Sacramental Preparation for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist: Combined sacramental preparation for all baptized Catholic children over the age of 7 through age 14 who attend San Carlos Cathedral. This preparation is for children who attend San Carlos School as well as home-schooled children and children that attend our public and private schools in the Monterey area. In addition to attending the Tuesday or Wednesday Faith Formation classes, children and their parents are asked to attend a total of 6 classes designed to prepare for both sacraments. Children who are preparing for the sacraments who attend San Carlos School and are members of the parish are included in this preparation
Faith Formation: Children 1st-5th grade who attend public, private or home schools other than San Carlos School, meet on Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 PM; grades 6-8 meet on Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 pm to study the tenets of the Roman Catholic Faith through the teachings of the catechism of the Catholic Church. Trained catechists echo the heart of Jesus by sharing their time and talent with the children to teach them the faith. Downloadable forms are available below. Forms must be delivered in person to San Carlos Cathedral – Children’s Faith Formation Office. To schedule an appointment please call or e-mail Cynthia Friesen at (831) 373-2628 x 17 or cfriesen@sancarloscathedral.org.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Scripture comes alive for children on Sunday mornings during the 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM masses. Children ages 4 – 10 are invited by dismissal after the Opening Prayer at Mass to share the Scripture readings for that Sunday with a trained catechist and aid.