This program is family based, in the sense that students work with the assistance of parents to complete a primarily online course that instructs them in various Faith concepts based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using a textbook and an online Website Portal, students work through simple modules, one a time, building their knowledge base and growing familiar with basic Catholic teachings.  This is not a stand-alone independent study, but necessitates family support and parent interaction as the student moves through the material.

This program is available to start at any time.  Parents should anticipate that it will most likely take a few months to complete before enrollment in regular Faith Formation classes can happen.

There is a wealth of resources available on the website! 

• An introduction to the program and how it works.

• A "Before You Begin" segment that introduces student and family to the beginning of the program with some foundational elements to be reviewed.

• The Modules.

• Checkpoint Links - to be completed after every few modules, to be certain the student is grasping concepts.

• A Parent Resource Page - filled with videos and articles to assist with brushing up on content being taught to the student so that parents are well prepared to answer questions and assist with the teaching process.

• A Saint Page filled with some popular saints that might assist the student along the way!

• Basic Prayers that we assume students learn as they move through the youngest grades, that our pre-teens and teens will need to know, especially if they are preparing for sacrament reception.

A Module is similar to a Session or Lesson.  It's one chunk that needs to be completed before moving on to the next.  Within a module there would be assigned textbook readings, perhaps a few short instructive videos to watch, and a few activities to complete, most done by journaling.  Once a module is complete, the student can progress to next module.

Your child will need the following:

• A new notebook or binder in which he or she can journal freely and complete assignments.

• Internet access through a browser on a tablet, laptop, or PC.  Although a phone may be used, it is not conducive to families working together so is to be discouraged for this course.

• Access to the "Totally Catholic Portal" (provided when registration is complete).

• The textbook "Totally Catholic: A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers" by Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND.  This text will be loaned to you for use during the weeks that your child is working on this course and must be returned when finished, in good condition.  Please do not write in the textbook for any reason or remove any pages.

• That students are not left on their own to wade through the material, but have support and assistance from their families. 

• That families will commit to working on at least one module a week.

• That all assigned readings and writings are completed.

• That families are attending Mass regularly throughout this process (as they should be regardless!)

• That students, once they have completed this initial course, will be enrolled in regular Faith Formation classes moving forward. 

Parents and students can request a Zoom or Face to Face Meeting with the Catechist as needed for clarification, to have questions answered, to touch base, or to simply ensure that they are on track.  A minimum number of meetings will be suggested but additional sessions are always available upon request.

The Catechist for Our Faith on Fire! Forward could be any of our Faith Formation staff, depending on the needs or location of the student.  Most students will work with the Director of Faith Formation at Saint Mark Parish, Mary French.  Mary is also the developer of the "Totally Catholic Portal" and it's modules that will be utilized by the students and their parents. Andrea Wheeler, Director of Youth Ministry, and Jo Scheller, Associate Director of Faith Formation will also work with students enrolled in this program when appropriate.