Parent Formation
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Parent Formation is an opportunity for parents to grow in their own relationship with Jesus Christ while gaining the tools and confidence to lead their children in faith at home.
Parent Formation is an important part of the formation experience for families whose children participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, First Communion preparation, Confirmation preparation, Elementary School Youth Group, Middle School Youth Group, and High School Youth Group.
For families in First Communion preparation, Confirmation preparation, and Elementary School Youth Group, participation in Parent Formation is a required part of the program. For families in our other formation programs, Parent Formation is strongly encouraged and provides an opportunity to grow alongside their children in the life of faith.
These gatherings are also open to any parent in our parish who desires to grow in faith and better lead their family toward Christ.
What to Expect
Parent Formation is more than another meeting on the calendar. These gatherings are designed to help parents:
Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
Grow in prayer and Scripture
Learn how to pray with their children
Gain practical tools for teaching and discussing the faith at home
Prepare to accompany their children more intentionally through sacramental preparation
Discover ways to make the Catholic faith part of everyday family life
Build community with other parents who are striving to raise their children in the faith
Some sessions will focus on personal spiritual formation, while others will give parents practical ways to bring prayer, Scripture, conversation, and faith formation into the home.
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Regular sessions are 8:45–9:45 AM unless otherwise noted.
October 3 — Mother Seton Hall
November 7 — Retreat, 8:00–11:00 AM
December 5 — Sanctuary
January 23 — Mother Seton Hall
February 6 — Retreat, 1:00–3:30 PM
March 6 — Mother Seton Hall
April 10 — Mother Seton Hall
May 8 — Mother Seton Hall
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Regular sessions are 8:45–9:45 AM unless otherwise noted.
October 24 — Mother Seton Hall
November 7 — Retreat, 1:00–3:30 PM
December 19 — Sanctuary
January 20 — Mother Seton Hall
February 6 — Retreat, 8:00–11:00 AM
March 13 — Mother Seton Hall
April 24 — Mother Seton Hall
May 22 — Mother Seton Hall
Registration & Participation
Parent Formation is offered at no cost to participants.
Parents whose children are participating in First Communion preparation, Confirmation preparation, or Elementary School Youth Group are expected to participate in Parent Formation as part of their child’s formation experience. Parents will receive invitations and opportunities to register throughout the year, including through individual conversations with our formation team.
For families participating in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Middle School Youth Group, and High School Youth Group, Parent Formation is strongly encouraged as a way to support and extend their child’s formation into the home.
Because Women’s and Men’s Formation are offered separately, families are encouraged to plan for one parent to attend while the other remains home with the children. Children are always welcome to attend with their parent, including children who need to remain close to Mom or Dad during the session.
We recognize that every family situation is different. If childcare becomes a significant need for families, particularly for single parents or those without another parent available at home, we will explore ways to provide additional support.
Come and Grow With Us
Whether you are just beginning to grow in your faith or are looking for a deeper relationship with Christ, Parent Formation is a place to pray, learn, and walk alongside other parents.
Our hope is not simply to give parents more information, but to help equip them to make the home a place where their children encounter Jesus Christ every day.