Faith Formation
Mission Statement:
As the Roman Catholic Community of Saint Mary’s we are responsible for sharing our faith with the children and youth of our parish family and must do so with commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm. We are called in our relationship with God, in light of the sacred scriptures, to ongoing comprehensive Christian Formation; knowledge of the faith, liturgical formation, moral formation, learning how to pray, education for community life, participation in social justice and missionary initiation. Let us take seriously our responsibility to be faithful disciples of Jesus and give witness to the Gospel message of compassion, love, forgiveness and peace. In keeping our focus on the Eucharist, our purpose is to develop, strengthen, and encourage the spiritual and educational formation--the heart and mind--of all our children and youth as we continue on our faith journey.
Saint Mary’s Parish has an immediate opening for a full-time Director of Faith Formation (DFF):
Interested Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian discipleship. The DFF will work closely with Pastor to create, organize and administer Catholic religious education programs for children & youth, in cooperation with parents and other parish ministries.
Responsibilities include:
· Directing Faith Formation classes grade K – 9.
· Sacramental Preparation.
· Directing the Parish Summer Bible Camp.
· Organizing and implementing programs that best meet the religious education needs of the parish.
· Maintaining familiarity with educational resources.
Education/Experience Requirements:
· Experience as Parish Catechist preferred.
· Excellent organizational, communication and computer skills.
· Certification in Catechetical Leadership or willingness to acquire the certification within 6 months of the position.
For consideration, please submit resume to:
Father Christopher J. Waitekus, Pastor
Email: hr@stmarylong.org
List of Services
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Faith Formation Class InformationList Item 1
Class Times:
- Grades K & 3: Mondays 3:45-5:00pm
- Grades 4-7: Mondays 5:15-6:30pm
- First Communion Prep 1 & 2 (Grades 1 & 2): Mondays 3:45-5:00pm.
- Confirmation Prep 1 & 2 (8th grade and up): Sundays 5:30pm Mass, class 5:30-8:00pm (including Mass)
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First Communion ClassList Item 2
First Communion remains a 2-year preparation period. Prep 2 students will receive First Communion in the Spring of 2026. To receive First Communion your child must attend scheduled Prep 2 Faith Formation classes at St. Mary’s. All children must complete Prep 1 (1st grade) Faith Formation before entering Prep 2- (2nd grade) First Communion classes.
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Confirmation ClassList Item 3
Confirmation remains a 2-year preparation period. Prep 2 students will be Confirmed in the Spring of 2026. Prep 1 students are in the 1st phase of the program and will receive their Sacrament in the Spring of 2027. To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, students must have knowledge and understanding of our Faith. This is achieved through ongoing study both at home and in Faith Formation classes
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2025-2026 Class Fees:
Grades K, 1st, 3rd-8th: $75 per child
First Communion Year: $100 per child
Confirmation Year: $135 per child
$25. Late fee applies after September 1, 2025.
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Catholic school students- Confirmation requirements:
NEW POLICY FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS: The diocese has begun a new policy as of the 2025-2026 Confirmation class. ALL candidates: including Catholic School students need to enroll in the 2nd year of Faith Formation Confirmation prep classes and participate fully with the program’s requirements. As Bishop Byrne states: “Students enrolled in a Catholic School are not required to attend the 1st year of preparation. These candidates are required to attend their 2nd year of preparation to help on the parish level to verify the data, plan retreat and rehearsal. We encourage and invite these Catholic School candidates to make the two-year journey of preparation in the Spirit of community with their Confirmation Candidate peers and with the Parish.”