Welcome to Grade 1 - Faith Formation for 2025 - 2026
A Special Note to New Families -- Welcome!
Hello Parents! If you're new to the area or have been away for awhile, welcome to St. Theresa's Faith Formation Program! We're delighted to have you join us this year. Our formal religious education program (which used to be called CCD, now called Faith Formation) typically begins when students are in the first grade. This first year of instruction will serve as an introduction to the Catholic faith and the parish so students will be ready to begin instruction for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion next year (typically in grade 2).
At St. Theresa Parish, we have a unique approach to Faith Formation for the lower grades (1 - 5) that includes what we call our Family Program for grades 1, 3, 4, and 5. In this program, a parent comes to class twice a month with all students in the lower grades to learn together in a community of families. We offer several different class days/times for your convenience.
We love working with you in family groups because it allows us to support whole families, and it helps us assist you in answering the tough faith questions that young children often have. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and no prior knowledge is expected. We aim to meet each of you where you are in your faith journey and help you to grow. Along the way, we hope that you'll meet other parish families to journey with and will discover the joy of coming to know Jesus in a personal, life-giving way.
Faith Formation and an active life of faith is good for the health of the soul (at any age)! Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Brenda Terranova, Faith Formation Director
email: [email protected]
phone: 978-664-2962
At St. Theresa Parish, we have a unique approach to Faith Formation for the lower grades (1 - 5) that includes what we call our Family Program for grades 1, 3, 4, and 5. In this program, a parent comes to class twice a month with all students in the lower grades to learn together in a community of families. We offer several different class days/times for your convenience.
We love working with you in family groups because it allows us to support whole families, and it helps us assist you in answering the tough faith questions that young children often have. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and no prior knowledge is expected. We aim to meet each of you where you are in your faith journey and help you to grow. Along the way, we hope that you'll meet other parish families to journey with and will discover the joy of coming to know Jesus in a personal, life-giving way.
Faith Formation and an active life of faith is good for the health of the soul (at any age)! Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Brenda Terranova, Faith Formation Director
email: [email protected]
phone: 978-664-2962
Program Details for 2025 - 2026 for Grade 1
Again this year, for grade 1 students, you have the option of an on-site family program or an online homeschool course.
We hope you will strongly consider attending the twice per month family program with your student, as we believe that learning in a community of faith is an enriching experience. We had great feedback from our Family Program participants for the past five years, and we're looking forward to offering this program again in the coming year. You can read parent feedback from the program on the Family Program page, linked below.
Note that the family program class is designed for multiple grades (1, 3, 4, and 5), so you choose one session and bring all of your students in these grades to that one class. This is more time-efficient for you. For example, if you have a 1st grader and a 3rd grader, you can bring them both to one session, and not two separate classes. If you have more questions on how this works, click the "Details" button below, or email the director at [email protected].
Please click on the grey buttons below to read more about each option before making your choice. To complete the online registration form (which is linked to Home page), click the blue "Home" in ribbon above to go back there).
We hope you will strongly consider attending the twice per month family program with your student, as we believe that learning in a community of faith is an enriching experience. We had great feedback from our Family Program participants for the past five years, and we're looking forward to offering this program again in the coming year. You can read parent feedback from the program on the Family Program page, linked below.
Note that the family program class is designed for multiple grades (1, 3, 4, and 5), so you choose one session and bring all of your students in these grades to that one class. This is more time-efficient for you. For example, if you have a 1st grader and a 3rd grader, you can bring them both to one session, and not two separate classes. If you have more questions on how this works, click the "Details" button below, or email the director at [email protected].
Please click on the grey buttons below to read more about each option before making your choice. To complete the online registration form (which is linked to Home page), click the blue "Home" in ribbon above to go back there).
Options for 2025 - 2026 for Grade 1
Option 1: Family program -- on-site class where parent & students in grades 1, 3, 4, and 5 meet twice/month
Families have a choice of 5 session times:
Session A: Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5 pm
Session B: Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30 pm
Session C: Thursdays, 4 - 5:30 pm
Session D: Thursdays, 6 - 7:30 pm
Session E: Sundays, 10:15 - 11:45 am
Please also note that the family program is flexible. If you sign-up for a particular session, and then want to switch to a different session permanently (or just for a particular week) we are usually able to accommodate that. In the past, we've had families switching sessions mid-year when sports schedules change, or for one-off things like doctor's appointments.
Option 2: Homeschool course -- Students work with parents to complete a self-paced, online course on your own schedule. This option also includes an online parent meeting, attendance at 4 Class Masses, and a welcome chat with the program director.
Families have a choice of 5 session times:
Session A: Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5 pm
Session B: Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30 pm
Session C: Thursdays, 4 - 5:30 pm
Session D: Thursdays, 6 - 7:30 pm
Session E: Sundays, 10:15 - 11:45 am
Please also note that the family program is flexible. If you sign-up for a particular session, and then want to switch to a different session permanently (or just for a particular week) we are usually able to accommodate that. In the past, we've had families switching sessions mid-year when sports schedules change, or for one-off things like doctor's appointments.
Option 2: Homeschool course -- Students work with parents to complete a self-paced, online course on your own schedule. This option also includes an online parent meeting, attendance at 4 Class Masses, and a welcome chat with the program director.
