​Faith Formation for Children & Teens

​Contact: Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister
Every year we have about 600 children and teens enrolled in Faith Formation. Kids come to church after school to make friends, have fun, and learn about our Catholic faith. This is not just sacrament preparation; it is for every year from age 3 through high school. Church is fun and amazing the more we learn about Jesus!

Registration for the 24/25 program is open! 

​Children and Teens Parent Orientation Meeting: 
​Monday, September 16, or Tuesday, September 17
6:30 pm, Serra Center

Little Church Parent Orientation Meeting:
Sunday, September 8,
10:15 am, Carmel rooms

Faith Formation Schedules
​FREQUENT Q&A ABOUT Children's FAITH FORMATION
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Our registration form is Online, available on our parish website June 1, 2024:
Engage → Children → Faith Formation Registration

Q: I don’t have internet access, Can I still register my child/teen?
A: Yes, you can stop by the Parish Office. A member of our faith formation team can assist you with the online form.

  • Office is open Monday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm,
  • Thursday and Fridays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm,
  • Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Q: How much does it cost?
  • $25 for 4:12 (high school youth group)
  • $50 for Little Church (ages 3-5)
  • $70 for Middle School Ministry
  • $120 for Spark! and Confirmation Year 1
  • $145 for Confirmation Year 2
  • $45 extra for First Communion year 2
​***$20 discount if registration is received before July 1***
Q: What if I can’t pay today?
A: We ask for a $40.00 minimum at the time you submit the registration application. It is ok to make payments over a few months for the balance, all due by December. If you are worried about the fees, please contact Tere Delgado. Tere does not want anyone to miss out on Faith Formation because they are worried about fees.

Q: When does it start?
A: Registration is open on June 1, 2024. We plan the lessons and purchase materials in the summer. We form learning Centers in late August and recruit and train Catechists (teachers) and Leaders in September.  Parent meetings come next in late September. Program year will begin last week of September or first week of October. Exact dates will be given at parent orientation meeting.

Q: Can I get a calendar?
A: Yes, calendars will be handed out at the parent meetings, also available on our Parish Website, under the children's tab.
Q: When are the parent meetings?
A: Parent meetings will be on Monday September 16 OR Tuesday September 17, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Serra Center. Come to the evening that fits your schedule. You will meet all the Coordinators for all your children in one night.
Q: My kids are Catholic, I am not. How can I keep up with what they are learning?
A: For all ages, pre-school and above, just volunteer! Be a parent helper. Attend all the family events that we host. Check the bulletin for adult formation opportunities. This year check out The University series during Lent. Contact Tere Delgado for more information and more hands-on ways to participate in children’s formation.
Q: I am not Catholic, can I still help?
A: Yes, we have so many ways to get involved, contact one of our Coordinators to find out how. Our children benefit most from having many loving adults around!! Join in!

Q: My child/teen has special needs, can my child/teen still make their sacraments?
A: YES! Each year we have children or teens with special needs that are enrolled and preparing for sacraments. Tere Delgado would love to sit and talk to you to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Q: I have been away from the church for a while, how can I come back?
A: Just walk through the door…come to Sunday mass; or make an appointment with our Faith Life Minister; or contact Landings Ministry, a group that will welcome you and answer your questions; or through your children, contact Tere Delgado to get involved. There are many ways to come home. Please let us know how we can best welcome you.

Q: I want to help out but I don’t want to teach, what can I do?
A: There is no end to the possibilities! We always need help in the office with administrative work or preparing teaching materials. Meet with Tere Delgado to discern a good spot for you based on your interests and availability.
Q: Can my kid start mid year?
A: As long as we have space, children and teens can start at any time. For Sacraments, First Communion and Confirmation, baptized participants must receive two full consecutive years of preparation. Contact Tere Delgado, she will partner with you to discern the best plan for your family.
Q: Can my teen bring a friend?
A: For youth…always! 4:12 (pronounced four-one-two), our high school ministry, teens may bring a friend; simply introduce your friend to Brett that night.
Spark!
Grades 1 to 5
For children in grades 1 through 5 where ‘sparks’ of faith turn into hearts on fire for Jesus! Lessons are
written and prepared by our wonderful Faith Formation Coordinators, sessions are taught by parent
volunteers. We provide training and mentoring to ensure you are comfortable and everyone is enriched
and having a good time. Children meet in small groups 10 children, 2 adults, and a teenager about 3
times a month. Whole Family Events are built into the curriculum too!
Questions
Christine Olsen
Spark! Grades 1 and 2
Meet about 3 times a month
Children in grades 1 and 2 will learn and grow in
their relationship with Jesus and their
understanding of our faith traditions, prayers,
and practices through games, crafts and
hands-on lessons.​
Coordinator
Jennifer Gutierrez​
Spark! Grades 3, 4, and 5
​Meet about 3 times a month
​Third and fourth graders will learn about our
Catholic faith in a way that fosters fun,
fellowship, and discipleship with a focus on
service to the poor and the meaning of the
gospel message in their daily lives. Grade 5 also
studies the bible.
Coordinator
Christine Olsen
Three:Sixteen
Grades 6, 7, and 8​
Meets most Wednesdays
Kids have a blast reading scripture, playing, praying, and being crazy. They have an equal focus on bible study and building community with one another. This has an informal youth group feel. The name is from the gospel of John 3:16! Three:Sixteen is completely run by our team with a couple of parents by our side. Kids can join all year long.
Coordinator
​Tere Delgado
Baptism for School-Age Children
Grades 1 through 8
We have a loving and welcoming process at Padre Serra through which children 6 years of age and older are prepared to be received into the Church. Infants and very young children are baptized based on the faith of their parents, godparents and the community. But school-age children, capable of having a faith of their own, are initiated through the Becoming  Catholic process, adapted for children.
(805) 482·6417 x346
[email protected]
First Reconciliation and Communion Retreats
Grades 1 through 8
2 half-day retreats with their parents
​After a minimum of two consecutive years of the whole family participating in Faith Formation, children in grades 2 through 8 who are ready to receive their First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Communion, will attend two half-day retreats with their parents to prepare for these holy sacraments.
Coordinator
​Tere Delgado

Weekend Experience for Children

Stay & Play
12 to 36 Months
Sundays
​During 9:00 am ​and 11:00 am mass
Parents, come meet Miss Soraya and see this free resource in the Carmel room, it is for you!
Miss Soraya lovingly care for your little one while you go to Mass. Stop by to see all the toys and fun. You are welcome to stay to be sure your toddler is settled.
Contact
​Tere Delgado or ​​Soraya Thenoz
Little Church
3 through kinder
Sundays
During 9:00 am ​and 11:00 am mass
Sign up your little one for a fun time at church during Mass.
Children enrolled in Little Church gather to make friends and learn about God and our Catholic faith in a preschool-style environment. ​Children learn so much, from the Sign of the Cross to bible stories, prayer, songs, crafts, and more! This is a co-op style ministry; parents help lead about four times a year.​ Super fun to make friends and be at church on Sundays. Parents love it too! Register your child as soon as they turn 3.​
Coordinator
​Soraya Thenoz
Liturgy of the Word
Grades 1 through 5
Most Sundays
During 9:00 am ​and 11:00 am Mass
Children are invited to listen to the readings and Gospel, read and
explained at their level. No pre-registration is required.
Contact
Tere Delgado