Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) and Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM)

We have programs for preschool children through to 8th grade.
  • Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) – children from 3 years through to 5th grade.
  • Middle School Youth Ministry (MS-YM) – children in grades 6th to 8th grades. Visit the Youth Ministry Page here.

Please note there are important dates on the CFF Calendar. Click on the calendar button for the full year calendar.

If you are interested in volunteering as an assistant, helping out from time to time or becoming a Catechist for our Children’s Ministry, please contact the Director of Children’s Faith Formation. Any and all help is appreciated as we work together in our St. Simon community.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word meets on Sundays during the 9:00am Mass. Children in grades K-2 are encouraged to hear the Word of God at their own level. There is no registration for this program and children are welcome to bring their friends and family to join in hearing God’s Word. Children attend Mass with their parents, are dismissed following the Opening Prayers and then return during the Offertory Song.

Contact Sr. Mary-Han Nguyen, OP, Director of Children’s Faith Formation mhnguyen@stsimon.org or ph: 650-880-1432

Sacramental Preparation – First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is normally a two-year process beginning in 1st grade or older.
You may view the calendar of important dates for the “2nd Year” of First Holy Communion preparation HERE.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – Adapted for Children (RCIA – AC)

Children over the age of 7 who are not baptized or catechized, or who are 3rd grade and older seeking the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist, must make special arrangements with the Children’s Ministry office. Contact Sr. Mary-Han Nguyen, OP, Director of Children’s Faith Formation mhnguyen@stsimon.org or ph: 650-880-1432.

Faith Formation Processes / Learning Styles

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

Children’s Faith Formation for Pre-School and Kindergarten.

CGS is for children ages 3 through 6 years old and is a Montessori based Church-readiness program. You can read more about the learning process here.

Contact Ana Bonilla, Coordinator, Sunday Preschool and Kindergarten Program

abonilla@stsimon.org or ph: 650-880-1430

 

Children’s Faith Formation

Children’s Faith Formation for children in 1st to 5th grades. More information on the learning process here.

Contact Sr. Mary-Han Nguyen, OP, Director of Children’s Faith Formation

mhnguyen@stsimon.org or ph: 650-880-1432

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a one-week summer camp open to children entering Kindergarten through grade 6. Counselor positions are available for students entering grades 7 and older.The annual camp is a fantastic leadership opportunity for our youth and is a sought-after volunteer experience.  For more information, please see the Vacation Bible School page.

Contact vbs@stsimon.org

Altar Server Training

Children in fifth grade and above are invited to the ministry of altar serving. Those who feel called to this ministry attend several training sessions throughout the year, shadow experienced Altar Servers, and are then scheduled during regular Sunday liturgies. If you or your child are interested in serving in this ministry, or would like more information, please visit the Altar Servers page.

Contact & Links

Altar Servers

Children’s Choir

The Children’s “Joyful Noise” Choir, is open to all students in grades 1-8, and serves the parish community as dedicated music ministers throughout the school year. Through song, sign language, liturgical movement and reverence, the children strive to not perform, but to serve as role models to the assembly, to lead them in sung prayer and to enhance worship.

Contact & Links

Music Coordinator – musicministry@stsimon.org

Youth Ministry/Faith Formation for Middle School and High School

More information for Middle School here and High School here

St. Simon Parish Youth Council

Youth Council to learn more about how to get involved in our Parish Youth Council. This is an advisory council to the pastor and program leaders who plan and implement our programs for parish youth.