Faith Formation

Philosophy of Religious Education and Catechesis

It is the task of the Faith Formation Board to assist the Bishop, Pastor and Director in nurturing the faith development and catechesis (knowledge of the faith) of all members of St. Michael’s Catholic Community.

Religious instructions and formation are provided to serve the needs of Adults, Youth and Children. Its purpose is to enable each person to discover that their faith is living and active and to assist them in the practice of their faith. Each person who is baptized is called to be an active follower and disciple of Jesus. Each person is called to prayer and worship. Each person is called to live out the Gospel values of peace, freedom, love, and justice. Each person is called to be of service to God's People.

All programs in the parish are in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church, Catechism of the Catholic Church, General Directory for Catechesis, our National American Catechetical Directory, and the guidelines and policy of the Diocese of Gary. The Church also teaches that the parents are the “first and foremost educators of their children.”

The Faith Formation program is able to assist parents in this task throughout their child’s elementary, middle school and high school years. It is expected that children attend Faith Formation sessions continually from First Grade throughout their High School years.