Family Formation K-8th
St. Gerald Family Formation is a partnership between the Church and parents. The goal is to encourage and equip parents to form their children as disciples of Jesus.
Registration for 2026-27 will open on Wednesday, July 1. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Zamora at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
WHAT DOES FAMILY FORMATION LOOK LIKE AT ST. GERALD?
Children and parents K-8: Lakeview Chapel
In the fall, the parish provides workbooks for children that they will use/bring to class. Each week, there will be an optional formation for parents, except that once a month, there will be an Encounter night that parents are required to attend with their kids. Those nights will begin with Eucharistic Adoration as a Family, then children will go with their catechist, and parents will stay in the chapel for a guided prayer/teaching.
Family Formation Kick-off Event: Wednesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. in the school gym (Lakeview St.)
Join us for a potluck picnic, fellowship with families, a chance to meet catechists, and receive information for the upcoming year.
Mandatory parent ENCOUNTER nights are Wednesdays starting at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
- September 23
- October 21
- November 18
- January 20
- February 17
- March 17
- April 7
Click the button below for a complete Family Formation Schedule.
2026-2027 Family Formation Schedule Coming Soon
Any parents who have not attended Alpha are encouraged to attend the program in the Fall. Please register at (www.stgerald.org/Alpha). Any parent who has a 2nd or 8th-grader will be required to attend a Sacrament Workshop Day for parents. More information to come.
What does FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST COMMUNION preparation look like?
Parents with 2nd-grade children will be given materials that include activities and teachings they can facilitate at home with their families. Click the button below to read more.
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
What about CONFIRMATION?
Confirmation 7th & 8th Grade: 96 & Q
7th grade participates in Alpha Youth in the first semester and bible study in the second semester. 8th grade uses Decision Point for their formation all year long. Formation evenings will start with a meal, thanks to the generosity of the Alpha team. Children eat with their class and catechists while adults who are in Alpha are at tables with other adults. Then, the children will receive formation in their individual programs in separate rooms in the church. For more information about Confirmation, click the button below.
REGISTRATION and TUITION
Please complete the online registration form for all of your family's children in grades K-8, including those participating in sacramental preparation. Please note that we have updated our tuition system to a scaled system.
- The first child is $150
- The second child is an additional $100
- The third child is an additional $50.
- The maximum fee for a family is $300.
We welcome all children and will not turn anyone away. If you're having financial difficulties, please contact Teresa Zamora prior to registering your family's children. We offer catechists a 50% tuition discount and class helpers a 25% discount. Before registering, contact Teresa Zamora for coupon information.
If you purchase H.O.P.E. certificates, you can use your credits towards your Faith Formation tuition. Contact the parish office at 402-331-1955 to purchase and apply credits.
TERESA ZAMORA
Director of Family Formation
402-331-1955
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of the Word gives children the opportunity to hear the Sunday scripture readings proclaimed and explained on a level appropriate to their age during the 9:30 am Mass.
Before the first reading, children ages four through 1st grade will be invited to gather up front to be escorted out by the catechist to their designated room. Children will listen to an age-appropriate scripture reading and reflect on its meaning through dynamic activities. They will return to the congregation during the collection and preparation of the altar.
Become a catechist
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a great way to share the Gospel readings with children during a Mass you are already attending! Being a CLOW catechist helps you grow in your faith while sharing God’s word with the young children in our parish. Safe Environment training is required, and materials to lead the readings are provided. If you are interested in helping, please contact the parish office.
