Faith Formation
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The Holy Trinity is at the center of all we do in our Holy Trinity Catholic school community. Faith Formation completes the educational program at HTCS. We believe Catholic education is an absolute benefit in building the character and morals of young children. We teach our students the importance of sharing the Gospel in deeds more than words. We want them to Learn their Faith, Live their Faith, and Love their Faith.
PHILOSOPHY OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
To help each student make decisions which flow from a Christian conscience and strong personal integrity.
To provide opportunity for active participation in prayer and liturgical celebrations.
To guide each student in discovering his/her personal worth and unique God given talents.
To provide a spiritual atmosphere that will allow each student to discover the presence of God in his/her life.
To instill in our community, students, and faculty, a sincere concern for others.
To help make each person’s faith become living, conscious and active through the light of instruction.
To develop an awareness of the true meaning of “Church” and membership.
RELIGION / CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION
All grade levels, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8, participate in a Religion class taught by a staff member who has Catechetical certification from the Belleville Diocese. All textbooks for religious instruction are approved by the Belleville Diocese. All students participate in our Religion classes. Students who are not Catholic will learn about the Christian traditions, study and reflect upon Sacred Scripture, join (in their respective ways) in prayer/worship, and participate in Gospel ministry and service.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
A preparation program has been instituted for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Since sacraments are parish-centered activities, the formation program will place the emphasis on parish-based formation and catechesis.Within communities of faith, the core teachings of the Church are passed on through the process of catechesis (instruction). Those who teach and share their faith are catechists. Some may remember the early catechisms such as Baltimore Catechism and its process of instruction. We may remember the Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine (CCD) programs of instruction. The new Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) provides a framework for Parish School of Religion (PSR) programs and is included as the religious education curriculum component for Catholic Schools.
Our catechetical process at Holy Trinity Parish has developed over time as we have endeavored to pass along the teaching of the Christian Catholic faith. Continuing faith formation for the whole parish community is being emphasized as the Church focuses its efforts on the new evangelization - ’owning’ and living our individual life of faith; growing and sharing our faith within our parish (and school) family; and giving witness to those who have fallen away from parishes or the Church. Evangelization is also primary as we pray with those who may be interested in becoming Catholic. It is our hope to expand our catechetical process to include the whole parish and school as “Youth Faith Formation.”
Rather than a program, sacramental preparation may be seen as an ongoing process. The Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, which bring candidates into full communion with the body of believers, form the basis for living out our lives as followers and disciples of Jesus. The journey of faith continues as lifelong learning.
Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion & Confirmation
Primary catechesis for school students will be conducted during school-based religious instruction
Primary catechesis for public school students will be conducted during parish-based religious instruction
Combined catechesis and formation will take place during Youth Faith Formation events and Diocesan programs
Under the leadership of our Pastor and Director of Faith Formation, ongoing discernment of the best pastoral practices will be developed. This process will invite open dialogue with our entire faith community and help guide our future sacramental preparation.
WORSHIP & CATHOLIC TRADITION
Students participate in many worship opportunities. (Note: Non-Catholic students are expected to respectfully participate in all such events. However, all services include ways to involve active participation for people of all faiths. Non-Catholic students will not be forced to proclaim Catholic beliefs.) Parents are ALWAYS welcome to attend any worship service that is held during school time. The following list illustrates many of our spiritual opportunities for students.Students in Grades K-8 attend Mass one day per week, usually on Wednesdays
Students in Pre-K will occasionally attend Mass (they are assisted by parent volunteers and/or students who act as "Buddies")
Mass is celebrated either at Holy Trinity or at our partner parish, St. Stephen
Sacrament of Reconciliation is available for students in Grades 2-8 in Advent and Lent
Each day begins with prayer and/or scripture readings via the main office announcements or in classroom
Devotional prayer: Rosary, Living Rosary, Stations of Cross, Advent wreath blessings
Family prayer resources are provided on a seasonal basis
Students perform liturgical ministries:
Mass planning by classes
Servers, Lectors, Gift Bearers, Petition readers
Vocal Choir, Bell Choir, Cantors
Grade 8 presents a “Parade of Saints” for the student body
Recognition of special feast days and Catholic traditions
SERVICE TO OTHERS
A key part of our school’s mission is to serve the needs of others. We strive to be good stewards and offer our time, treasure, and talents for the good of others. Some of our initiatives include:Canned food drives for food pantries in Fairview Heights and Caseyville
Special collections for people in financial need
“Young Vinnies” service club helps to coordinate outreach programs
Christmas caroling and visits to the elderly
Class projects (in conjunction with Religion class)