Children's Faith Formation
Helping children encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their Catholic faith, and prepare for the Sacraments.
2026-2027 Faith Formation Program
Welcome
At St. Rita in the Desert, our Faith Formation program partners with parents to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
Through prayer, Scripture, engaging lessons, and preparation for the Sacraments, children are invited to encounter God's love and build a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship.
We use the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, providing authentic Catholic teaching in a format that engages both students and families.
Program Information
Welcome to a new year of Religious Education!
Registration continues every Sunday after all Masses in the Verhagen Building.
Important Reminder
Families with children preparing to receive a sacrament this year must bring the following physical certificates to complete registration:
- Baptism Certificate (First Communion & Confirmation candidates)
- First Communion Certificate (Confirmation candidates)
Important Dates
Sunday, August 2
Mandatory Parent Meeting
Finalize registration, meet your child's catechist, and receive class materials.
Sunday, August 9
First Day of Classes
Kindergarten–5th Grade, OCIY, & Confirmation
Wednesday, August 12
Middle School & High School Youth Group Kickoff
We look forward to partnering with your family as we help our young people grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Religious Education Pricing Sheet
Religious Education tuition is based on the number of children enrolled in your family.
Sacramental preparation fees are separate from annual Religious Education tuition.
| # of Children | K-12 OCIY | Sacrament Class Fee per child (Supplies & Resources) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $60 | 1 Sacrament - $20 |
| 2 | $120 | 2 Sacraments - $40 |
| 3 | $180 | 3 Sacraments - $60 |
| 4 | $230 | 4 Sacraments - $80 |
| 5+ | $280 | 5 Sacraments - $100 |
2026|2027 Important Religious Education Dates
August
Sunday, August 2
Mandatory Parent Meeting & Open House
2:00–3:30 PM
Sunday, August 9
First Day of Classes
K–5th Grade, OCIY & Confirmation
2:00–4:00 PM
Wednesday, August 12
Youth Formation Begins
Grades 6–12
6:00–8:30 PM
Saturday, August 15
Solemnity of the Assumption
(Holy Day of Obligation)
November
Sunday, November 1
All Saints Day (Observed)
Sunday, November 8
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Observed)
March
Saturday, March 6
Mandatory Parent & Child First Reconciliation Workshop
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
April
Saturday, April 24
Mandatory Parent & Child First Holy Communion Workshop
2:00–4:30 PM
May
Saturday, May 22
St. Rita Feast Day & End-of-Year Family Potluck
Friday, May 28
Mandatory First Holy Communion Rehearsal
5:00–6:00 PM
Saturday, May 29
First Holy Communion Mass
Confirmation Mass
Date to be announced by the Diocese.
Please Note: Classes are not held during Vail School District holidays and breaks. Families will be notified of any schedule changes throughout the year.
Parents Are the First Teachers of the Faith
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Our Faith Formation program is designed to support and assist families as they grow together in their relationship with Christ.
We believe faith is most effectively formed when children see it lived at home, celebrated at Mass, and reinforced through parish life.
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Faith Formation program introduces young children to God's love through age-appropriate lessons, Bible stories, prayer, music, activities, and the lives of the saints. In a warm and nurturing environment, children begin building a lifelong relationship with Jesus while developing an understanding of the Catholic faith.
Using the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, students explore Scripture, the liturgical seasons, sacred art, and salvation history through engaging lessons designed for a variety of learning styles.
Parent Portal
Parents receive access to the Word of Life Parent Portal, which includes videos, family activities, liturgical calendar resources, explanations of sacred art, and additional Catholic resources to help continue faith formation at home. Because parents are the primary educators of their children's faith, these tools are designed to support your family's spiritual journey throughout the year.
Program Information
Grade: Kindergarten
Meeting Time: Sundays • 2-4pm
Sunday, August 9
• First Day of Classes
Middle School Faith Formation (Grades 6–8)
As children grow into their teenage years, they begin asking deeper questions about faith, purpose, and the world around them. Our Middle School Faith Formation program helps students strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ while exploring the Catholic faith through Scripture, discussion, and real-life application.
Using the Word of Life curriculum from Ignatius Press and the Augustine Institute, students discover how faith and reason work together to reveal God's plan for their lives. Lessons encourage critical thinking, meaningful conversations, and practical ways to live the Gospel each day.
Family Resources
Faith formation doesn't end in the classroom. Students and parents have access to the Word of Life digital resources, providing videos, activities, and faith-building materials that encourage continued learning and meaningful conversations at home.
Program Information
Grades: 6-8
Meeting Time: Wednesday • 6-8:30pm
Wednesday, August 12 • First Day of Classes
High School Youth Formation (Grades 9–12)
High school is a time of growth, questions, and discovering who God created us to be. Our Youth Formation program invites teens to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthen their understanding of the Catholic faith, and build lasting friendships within a welcoming parish community.
Whether preparing for Confirmation, exploring Scripture, serving others, or simply asking life's big questions, our goal is to help every young person become a confident disciple of Christ.
What to Expect
Our program combines authentic Catholic teaching with opportunities for discussion, prayer, fellowship, and service. Teens are encouraged to grow in faith while learning how to live the Gospel in their everyday lives.
Students will:
- Deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and the Sacraments.
- Learn the teachings of the Catholic Church through engaging discussions and Scripture.
- Build friendships with other Catholic teens.
- Participate in service projects and parish life.
- Grow as leaders who are prepared to share their faith with others.
Confirmation Preparation
Students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will receive formation that helps them understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthen their commitment to Christ, and actively participate in the life of the Church.
Family Matters
Parents remain the primary educators of their children's faith. Our Youth Formation program partners with families by encouraging conversations at home, participation in Mass, and active involvement in parish life.
Program Information
Grades: 9-12
Meeting Time: Wednesday • 6-8:30pm
Wednesday, August 12 • First Day of Classes
Questions?
Contact the parish office or our Youth Formation team for additional information.
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is typically a two-year journey beginning in first grade. Throughout the program, children grow in their understanding of God's love, learn the foundations of the Catholic faith, and prepare to receive these beautiful Sacraments with confidence and joy.
We understand that every child's faith journey is unique. Whether your child is beginning preparation at the traditional age or later in elementary, middle, or high school, we offer age-appropriate formation designed to meet them where they are.
Preparation Options
- Grades 1–3: Two-year sacramental preparation beginning in first grade.
- Older Elementary Students: Age-appropriate classes with a specialized second-year sacramental program.
- Middle School Students: One-year intensive sacramental preparation.
- High School Students: Individualized preparation based on each student's faith background and needs.
If you're unsure which program is right for your child, we're here to help. Please contact Geraldine Durman, Director of Religious Education, and we'll gladly help place your child in the program that best fits their individual needs.
Questions?
📧 dre@stritainthedesert.org
Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation is the Sacrament in which baptized Catholics are strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and sent forth to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Confirmation program helps teens deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, and actively participate in the life of the Church.
What is Confirmation?
- Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens us with His gifts so that we may more faithfully witness to Christ in our daily lives. Together with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation completes the Sacraments of Christian Initiation and prepares us to live our Catholic faith with confidence and purpose.
Program Information
Who: High School Students (Grades 9–12)
Class Time: Mondays • 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Parent or Sponsor: A parent or sponsor is required to attend each session.
Candidate Requirements
To prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates are expected to:
- Be a baptized Catholic who has already received First Holy Communion.
- Submit a recently issued Baptismal Certificate (dated within the last six months) showing the reception of First Holy Communion.
- Be registered parishioners of St. Rita in the Desert.
- Complete one year of Faith Formation before beginning Confirmation preparation.
- Continue participating in Youth Formation throughout the Confirmation year.
- Attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation while actively participating in parish life.
- Attend and participate in the required Confirmation Retreat.
Sponsor Requirements
Sponsors are an important part of the Confirmation journey and should be practicing Catholics who can support the candidate's growth in faith.
Sponsors must:
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (having received Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation).
- Be at least 16 years of age and living a life consistent with the Catholic faith.
- If married, be married in the Catholic Church.
- If not registered at St. Rita in the Desert, provide a Letter of Good Standing from their parish.
- Submit a recently issued Baptismal Certificate (dated within the last six months) showing the reception of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage (if applicable).
Important Deadlines
All required paperwork must be submitted by November 1, 2026.
Please note that failure to complete the required documentation or program expectations may delay a candidate's reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Religious Education Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our RE Team
Director of Religious Education (DRE)
Youth Ministry
Mr. Tony Hughes
Confirmation leader
Scholarships are available. Please contact us for additional information.
