Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. It is to just such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.
Mark 10: 13-16
Children’s Faith Formation and Middle School Youth Ministry (Source MS-YM)
We have programs for preschool children through to 8th grade.
- Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) – aged 3 years through to 5th grade.
- Middle School Youth Ministry (MS-YM) aged children in grades 6th to 8th grades called “Source” MS-YM.
Register now for 2022-23 School Year!
You can register for our programs online by clicking on the button above.
Please note there are important dates on the Children’s Ministry Online Google Calendar. Click on the calendar button for the full year calendar at a glance.
If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a Catechist for our Children’s Ministry, please contact the Director of Children’s Faith Formation.
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. Session choices are:
- Sunday mornings 8:50 am to 10:05 am (concurrent with 9am mass);
- Sunday mornings 8:50 am to 11:10 am (concurrent with both 9am mass and CFF for grades 1st-5th),
- Sunday mornings 10:00am – 11:10 am (concurrent with CFF for grades 1st-5th) and
The program begins the last Sunday of August and continues through the end of April.
You may view the calendar here CGS/CFF 2022-2023 Calendar
Contact
Ana Bonilla, Coordinator, Sunday Preschool and Kindergarten Program
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.
Sessions are held:
- Sundays from 10:10 am – 11:10am
The program begins the last Sunday of August and continues through April.
You may view the calendar here CGS/CFF 2022-2023 Calendar
Contact
Sr. Mary-Han Nguyen, OP
Director of Children’s Faith Formation
mhnguyen@stsimon.org
650-880-1432
Sacramental Preparation
2022 First Reconciliation Celebration
See some of the photos of our 60 Saint Simon School and Saint Simon Parish children and their families here
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 2021-2022 sacrament prep year here: First Reconciliation-First Eucharist 2022-2023 Sacramental Prep Calendar
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
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
Liturgical Programs
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
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
650-880-1432
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
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
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.