Our Program
Since the inception of Our Lady of Victory Parish in 1922, catechesis, or the echoing of the
Word of God, has taken place in varying ways and formats.
Today we are blessed to carry on this important mission of the Church as we evangelize a new
generation of families who, in many ways, are very different than those of almost one hundred
years ago but who, like their ancestors, are still in need of the Good News of Jesus Christ that
according to God’s plan we have been saved in faith and through the work of the Holy Spirit
continue to build the “The Kingdom of God.”
The After School Faith Formation Program considers the whole family in its approach by recognizing parents as
the “Primary Catechist.” It is in the context of the family that faith is first introduced and the ground nurtured for
all other catechesis that follows. Therefore, it is our intention to partner with parents as they continue this
important role, which was first promised at their child’s baptism, of preparing their children to become disciples
of Jesus ready to carry out his work in the world.
Through the efforts of our volunteer Catechists, we are able to offer a program that uses methods that speak to
different learning styles. We aim to service our families through a variety of ways and for every age group from
three years of age through eighth grade. The Sunday Preschool Program is for three and four year olds, and the
After School Faith Formation Program is for children in grades one through eight. For those families unable to
attend sessions during the week, we offer the option to be involved in our “homestudy” program for a short
period of time or the full year according to their family’s commitments and schedule.
Sacramental preparation is an important aspect of our program. For second graders, preparation for First
Reconciliation and First Eucharist is a major portion of our year together. Eighth graders prepare to complete
their initiation sacraments by preparing for and celebrating Confirmation. All sacramental preparation processes
have expectations and requirements that we have found lend a deeper appreciation for their reception by the
family as a whole. It is our policy that all sacramental preparation be done onsite.
We also offer a wide variety of preparation processes for those children who are in need of baptism after the age
of five, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist after second grade and, of course, Confirmation for teens in High School.
We are inclusive in that children of all abilities are welcome to come to us. Each is evaluated and will be served
according to his/her needs.
Our program is based on the Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines. We are currently using the RCL/Benziger series
Faith First as the basal text as well as other resources that aide us in presenting the doctrinal theme of each week.
All communications are done by email which allows us to send to families, every week, the theme of our
upcoming session as well as offering to parents a variety of internet links and resources for their further growth in faith.
We also offer, as enrichment to our regular programs, The Children’s Liturgy of the Word, during the Sunday,
9:30 a.m. mass, for children kindergarten through second grade and Vacation Bible School which is held in June.
Families may find out specific information by calling the Faith Formation Office and speaking to Mary Ellen Skene, our Director.
God’s blessings!