Thank you for your interest in the St. Finn Barr Parish Children’s Faith Formation program (CFF). Children’s Faith Formation is for children who do not attend a catholic elementary or middle school.
Faith Formation at St. Finn Barr's Parish is Family Catechesis – you, as parents and guardians, are the primary faith educator of your child, as it is within the family that children come to know God’s love. Our role at St. Finn Barr's is to support you and your family in your ongoing faith development.
We offer a small group classroom experience where your child will learn about Jesus, gospel values and church teachings at every stage of their development. Our classrooms are a safe place for children to ask their curious questions about God and to discover the beauty and tradition of our Catholic faith.
It is our joy to meet each child and each family where they are, and to help you share in the Good News of Jesus!
St. Finn Barr’s Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) offers two-year sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Children requiring baptism in addition to other sacraments will be prepared separately through the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) program. Please contact the Parish Office (415) 333-3627 for more information.
Preparing to receive God’s forgiveness and Jesus in the Eucharist is a beautiful time of faith development for families and children. This special time takes place over two years, usually beginning in 1st grade and concluding with First Holy Communion in the spring of 2nd grade. Children may also join the First Year Sacramental Program in 2nd grade, receiving First Communion in the spring of 3rd grade.
Family participation is an essential part of Sacramental Preparation in Years 1 and 2.
The First Year Sacramental Preparation class is focused on getting to know Jesus in three ways – through his Word, the Sacraments, the Mass and talking to Him in prayer. The classroom portion centers on Jesus’ living word in the Gospels. The family catechesis portion supports parents as they bring their child along to full participation in the Mass and laying the foundation for a life of prayer.
The focus of the Second Year Sacramental Preparation class is preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. The children grow in their knowledge and understanding of God along three intersecting paths: His Love, His Forgiveness and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In the classroom, children discover God’s love for us through his mercy, forgiveness, and the gift of his Son Jesus in the Eucharist. At home, families work together to strengthen their prayer life and their full participation in the Mass and establishing a well-formed conscience.
Registration forms should be completed and payment should be submitted before the first week of class. New families – please email a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate to: [email protected], or mail a copy (photocopy is fine) to the parish office. After you have finished registering please return to this page and click on the payment link.
St. Finn Barr Parish is committed to the protection and safety of all Parish children. The Archdiocese of San Francisco requires that all adults who work with children (volunteer or paid) complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check and remain current with the Archdiocese safety curriculum. In addition, the Archdiocese mandates yearly Child Safety classes for all students through VIRTUS.org. At St. Finn Barr, this extends to expectations of positive conduct within the learning environment for all.