“Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”

Luke 18:16-17

Youth Faith Formation brings the living word of God to preschool and elementary children as well as older students through 12th grade.

Our school year runs from October - May.

Preschool Program

Ages 3 through Kindergarten (child must be 3 by December 1st)
Sundays during 9:45 AM Mass
A fee applies for this program.
Let your preschooler “come to Jesus!” Each week your preschooler will participate in different age appropriate faith filled stories, songs and crafts in a safe and warm environment. A parent/guardian must walk the child to and from the classroom.

"[Jesus] said, …"Come, follow me."
Luke 18:22

Elementary Program

Includes First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Grades 1st through 6th
Sundays 10:00 to 11:15 AM or
Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:15 PM or
Wednesdays 4:00 to 5:15 PM
Home study programs are available for all grades.
A fee applies for this program.

By participating in the Youth Faith Formation’s Elementary Program, your child will come to know Jesus by studying the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The two year preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist usually begins in 1st grade and is done through our Elementary Program.

Sacrament Preparation
Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Ages 7 through 12th grade
A fee applies for these programs.

Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism welcomes us into a life of following Jesus Christ. Baptism washes away our sins, incorporates us into the Church, and makes us members of the Body of Christ. The baptism process for children over 7 but not older than 12th grade is individually designed so duration time varies.

If your child is under age 7, please call Sister Irma Gomez MESST at the Parish Office 714-826-0760 or irmamesst@sticypress.org for Infant Baptism.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist continue the child’s faith journey through the forgiveness of sins, restoration of grace and communion with Jesus Christ. The sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist usually begins in 1st grade and takes two years. However, individualized programs exist for older children through 12th grade.

Thank You for the earth so sweet, Thank You for the things we eat,
Thank You for the birds that sing, Thank You, God, for everything.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Grades 1st through 4th
Sundays during 9:45 AM, 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM Mass
There is no fee for this program.

After an announcement at the start of Mass, adult volunteers will lead the children into the Sacristy. Once there, the weekly bible readings and discussions will be specifically tailored to them. Children will return to Mass after the collection of the gifts. This is a great opportunity for parents and children to talk about what each has learned at Mass that day!

Listen for the announcement to learn when this program begins!

Bible Camp

Don’t miss out on Bible Camp. One week each July, St. Irenaeus’ Youth Faith Formation offers campers a faith filled adventure complete with bible study, lessons on the Catholic Church, crafts and other summer activities. Camp is available for preschool through 6th grade students. A fee applies for this program. Watch the Spring bulletins for details. Visit our Bible Camp website at stibiblecamp.org.

A parent/guardian must come to the Youth Faith Formation Office to complete the registration and health information cards.

To get started or for questions on any of the above programs, please call 714-826-1140 or send an email to Ruth at rbradley@sticypress.org or Elaine at ebrewster@sticypress.org.

How To Help

The Youth Faith Formation programs need volunteers to help children build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. We can use your assistance in the following positions:

Teachers

Teachers Aids

Office Help - fold, sort, stuff envelops, etc.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word ministers

Middle and High School student aids for Bible Camp

Parents with children in St. Irenaeus Parish School can get Fish hours for volunteering.
To volunteer, contact Ruth or Elaine at 714-826-1140 or send an email to
rbradley@sticypress.org or ebrewster@sticypress.org.

“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10

Ministries

Youth Faith Formation

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me!
This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Words: Anna B. Warner 1860
Music: William B. Bradbury 1862

Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God,
My Guardian Dear
to whom God’s love commits
me here.

Ever this day be at my side
to light and guard and rule and guide.
Amen

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:14

Ancient Words
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words, ever true
Changing me, changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart
by Lynn DeShazo

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.
Psalms 119:105