Frequently Asked Questions

I teach my children about faith at home. Why do they need formal classes?
The parent’s role as “first teacher” is irreplaceable. Parents teach and bear witness to Catholic faith, morality, prayer and religious practice through their example in word and action. However, the Church also recognizes a need for a formal, comprehensive and systematic religious education concerning the faith.

Should I enroll my child in faith formation (FF) classes each year?
Yes. The religious curriculum that children receive in their Faith Formation classes builds upon itself from year to year. Even if you do not plan for your child to receive a sacrament during the current school year, the content of what your child will learn will help them grow in their faith and enter into deeper communion and intimacy with the person of Jesus.

Are FF classes required in order for my child to receive the Sacraments?
Yes. If you want your child to receive a sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation), then they must enroll and regularly attend Parish Faith Formation classes, in order to adequately prepare for that sacrament.

Does my child's age matter when considering FF as preparation for Sacraments?
Yes. Depending on your child’s age and grade level, your child may need to attend the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (CIC) program in preparation for his or her sacrament. See our Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation pages for more information.

When and where is Faith Formation taught?
The Catholic Community of Pleasanton offers many opportunities for your child to grow in their faith. Faith Formation for children in 1st through 5th grade you can participate in the Elementary program which offers a learning station format to teach the essentials of the faith. These groups are offered on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon from 3:45pm-5:15pm or Wednesday evening from 5:45pm-7:15pm. These gatherings meet every other week.

Children in 6th to 8th grade attend our Middle School Youth Ministry Program which is called “All My People” or AMP.  This occurs on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:45pm.

The High School Confirmation preparation classes meet every other week on either a Sunday from 4:00pm-5:30pm or Wednesday night from 7:30pm-9:00pm.

 The High School Youth group meets on Wednesday nights from 7:30pm-9:00pm
 
All of these programs meet in the St. Augustine Parish Hall (the building to the left as you are facing the church).
 
Another opportunity for children in 1st-12th grade are the Intergenerational Faith Communities. This program (adults & children together) include 4-6 families who form a small Christian community. Materials are provided for each family to use at home to explore faith-based topics and prepare for upcoming gatherings. In addition, families share the role of facilitating and hosting gatherings.

How do I enroll my child in FF?
CCOP conducts faith formation registration in May and the end of August. The Middle School Youth Program and High School Youth group accepts registration on an ongoing basis. Classes begin in September.

What is the fee for enrolling my child in FF?
The current fee schedule is as follows:
One Child - $ 150.00
Two Children - $ 220.00
Three Children - $ 270.00
Four or More Children - $ 320.00
Additional Eucharist or Confirmation Sacrament Fee (receiving the sacrament in the Spring of 2019) - $ 70.00

What about Religious Education for parents?
All adults are encouraged to continue to grow in their faith. There are many wonderful websites that cover a variety of topics. Please see our Adult Faith Formation and Online Resources pages for more information.