Faith Formation Ministry for Children

“I came so that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

At St. John Paul II Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, we believe life is a precious gift from God, meant to be lived in fullness—both here and for eternity. Our Faith Formation Ministry for Children is designed to nurture young disciples of Christ in a way that goes beyond traditional learning. We offer engaging, hands-on experiences that allow children to live their faith through service, prayer, and community.

From classroom lessons to involvement in liturgy, music, outreach, and leadership, our ministry helps children grow spiritually while deepening their connection with the Catholic faith.

Our Vision

“Be a missionary disciple of Christ, through liturgical life and prayer, to inherit heaven.”

Our vision is to guide children to become missionary disciples—rooted in faith, committed to prayer, and active in their communities. We aim to inspire them to live out their faith not just in words, but through action, service, and deep personal connection to God.

Our Mission

The mission of the Faith Formation Ministry for Children is to:

Form deeply committed disciples of Christ through education and hands-on faith experiences.
Nurture Christian values and foster a direct encounter with God through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.
Encourage active participation in the liturgy, sacraments, and prayer life, building a strong foundation for spiritual growth.
Develop moral consciences through teachings from Scripture, Catholic tradition, and real-life applications.
Empower children to discern God’s plan for their lives and embrace a life of service, whether in a consecrated vocation or a family life.
Follow the ‘Way of St. Thomas’ by being witnesses of Christ within our parish and community, embracing our Syro-Malabar heritage.
Build future leaders rooted in Gospel values, who will make a positive impact on society.

Core Values

Our ministry is built on the following values:

Love: Love as Christ loved—unconditionally and sacrificially.
Faith: Trust in God’s promises, and unwavering belief in His goodness.
Hope: A deep confidence in God’s plan for each of us.
Courage: The strength to stand firm in our Christian beliefs.
Humility: Recognizing our dependence on God and respecting others.
Respect for Life: Protecting and nurturing life, which is a gift from God.
Integrity: Upholding the truth, regardless of circumstances.
Self-Control: Developing discipline in body and mind to achieve our spiritual goals.
Chastity: Living pure and holy lives, aligned with God’s plan for relationships.

Program Overview

Our Faith Formation Ministry for Children offers a well-rounded program that includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on opportunities for spiritual growth and active participation in the Church. Children from Pre-K through 12th grade receive age-appropriate lessons that cover the core tenets of Catholicism, sacraments, and living out their faith as disciples of Christ.

This ministry is more than just classroom-based education. We offer sub-ministries that allow children to experience the faith in real-world settings through active service, music, leadership, and community-building activities. These opportunities help children apply what they learn and grow in their relationship with God.

Sub-Ministries in the Faith Formation Ministry for Children

In addition to classroom instruction, we encourage children to actively participate in the life of the Church. Our sub-ministries allow children to deepen their spirituality and live out their faith through service, music, and leadership:

1. Classroom-based Religious Education

Our Religious Education Program provides children with a solid foundation in Catholic faith and teachings. They learn about the Bible, sacraments, prayer, and Church history in an engaging and interactive environment. Our catechists are experienced and committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of every child. Through age-appropriate activities, we make learning fun, relevant, and meaningful.

2. Altar Server Ministry for Children

The Altar Server Ministry for Children invites children to serve at the altar during Mass. This is a unique opportunity for them to actively participate in the liturgical life of the Church, understanding the importance of the Eucharist and the Mass. Children learn about the rituals of the Church and develop a sense of responsibility, reverence, and service. Being an altar server helps children grow spiritually and fosters a deeper appreciation for the sacred traditions of the Church.

3. Cherupushpa Mission League (CML)

The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) is our children’s outreach ministry, focused on service and spreading Christ’s love through charitable works. Children involved in CML learn to serve those in need, both within the parish and beyond. Whether it’s organizing food drives, volunteering at local shelters, or fundraising for causes, CML encourages children to live the Gospel through acts of kindness and generosity. This ministry helps instill a heart of compassion, teaching children to make a positive impact on the world around them.

4. Children’s Choir Ministry

The Children’s Choir provides children with an opportunity to use their musical talents in the service of God. By singing at Mass and special liturgical events, children contribute to the beauty of worship and deepen their connection to the faith. This ministry is not just about music—it’s about worshiping God through song and learning how to offer one’s gifts in service to the Church. The choir fosters a sense of community and helps children appreciate the role of music in liturgy.

5. Play & Pray Ministry for Kids

This ministry offers a unique blend of sports, recreation, and faith formation, providing a safe and joyful space for children to grow spiritually, physically, and socially.Rooted in the mission of our Faith Formation Ministry, Play & Pray combines fun, fellowship, and Christian values to help children not only develop athletic skills but also build friendships, learn teamwork, and deepen their relationship with God. We believe that God’s gifts of creativity and strength are best nurtured when they’re developed alongside a strong foundation of faith.

Safe Environment Policy

The safety of every child is our top priority. Our Safe Environment Policy is strictly enforced in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s guidelines. This includes:

Background Checks: All catechists, staff, and volunteers undergo thorough background checks and child abuse clearances.
Supervised Activities: Every program and event is overseen by at least two adults to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
Child Protection Training: All volunteers and staff complete Protecting God’s Children training to ensure they are prepared to address any concerns.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, with immediate reporting to the authorities.

Who Can Join?

The Faith Formation Ministry for Children is open to all children from Pre-K through 12th grade. Our program helps children:

Learn about the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with God.
Prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Grow spiritually, emotionally, and morally as they live out their faith in everyday life.

We welcome all families to join us on this faith journey!

How to Register

To register for the Faith Formation Ministry for Children, please:

Complete the Registration Form (available online or at the parish office).
Attend Parent Orientation (where we’ll discuss program details and how you can support your child’s faith journey).
Start Classes (beginning on [Insert Date]).
Commit to Regular Participation to help your child grow spiritually.

Contact Us

For more information about the Faith Formation Ministry for Children, please reach out:

Faith Formation Coordinator: [Name]
Email: [Email Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]