Faith Formation
Forming Loving Disciples
It is of great importance for both children and adults alike to continue to grow in the faith that we share. With this understanding in mind we focus on serving the formation and spiritual needs of ALL parishioners, both children and adults throughout the life cycle.
Throughout the year we offer faith formation programs and opportunities for our children, youth, and adults. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunities that best fit with your individual or household needs.
We also offer Supplemental Formation options, and we hope that you will take advantage of these in addition to our Core Faith Formation Programs.
Core Faith Formation
One of the primary ways we serve the formation needs of our parishioners is through our three core faith formation programs:
Together Growing in Faith (TGIF)
- This whole community approach to faith formation is available to every parish household. T.G.I.F. meets on Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM beginning with prayer and followed by faith formation sessions for all ages. Adults attend general session presentations on various faith topics, attend mini-courses or participate in small group break-outs, while children & youth attend their grade-respective classes (pre-K through high school). Nursery care is available for infants & toddlers. Each evening concludes at 7:00 PM.
- A parent/ guardian must accompany children to this program.
Family Intergenerational Religious Education (FIRE)
- This program offers a unique opportunity to grow in faith as a community. F.I.R.E. is open to every household in the parish community. A typical F.I.R.E. group consists of five to seven households with adult participants taking turns leading sessions. Typical sessions run from 1-1/2 to 2 hours in length. The curriculum is grounded in scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The curriculum is intergenerational; younger and older participants learn from one another. This program addresses the Faith Formation needs of both adults and children. Requests for groups based on language and/or ethnicity are happily accommodated.
Homestudy
- This option supports the belief that parents/ guardians are the primary formers in the faith of their children. The home study option allows parents/ guardians to work at their own pace with their child throughout the year. An age-appropriate textbook will be provided for each child, along with the materials that help parents/ guardians in teaching multiple children of different ages within the same household. Households are provided with a brief training session and ongoing support which includes a parent/guardian meeting in the fall for material distribution and training, as well as additional opportunities for community connection and student accountability.
These three programs meet regularly throughout the school year. The brochure detailing our programs as well as the registration form are available below. You will also find information in the brochure about additional formation opportunities offered for children, youth, and adults.
Supplemental Adult Formation
Staff Contact: Brian McCrohan, Pastoral Associate
We believe that all of us are called to lifelong faith formation and that the journey begun at our Baptism continues through every stage of life. We truly believe in building a culture of formation within our parish; for our children, our youth, and especially for our adults.
Our adult faith formation begins with Mass, but should not end there. Throughout the year we have many ways that we can engage with our faith, deepen it, and come to a fuller understanding of God’s love. Through ministries like our Small Faith Communities, regular Bible studies, retreats, Kate’s Cinema, adult mini-courses, and special events throughout the year, our adults are offered opportunities to continue to deepen their faith and learn how they can live that faith in their daily lives.
Register for our NEW 8 Week Bible Study. CLICK HERE for registration and information.
Small Faith Communities
Staff Contact: Brian McCrohan, Pastoral Associate
While individual prayer and study, as well as large group formation opportunities, are great ways to deepen our faith, we have found that small groups are often one of the best ways to deepen our faith through dialogue with other believers. These groups become small faith communities as the individuals within them share their faith, their joys, their challenges and walk together on the road of discipleship. If you enjoy the fellowship of praying, reflecting, and sharing with people in a more personal setting, one of our small faith community options might be right for you!
Bensalem Group
This option, for adults, is a regular gathering of groups of six to ten people, enabling participants to reflect on the Word of God, on their faith, and on their call to holiness and Christian discipleship in their daily lives. This is a great way to connect on a more personal level with other parishioners. Groups typically meet in homes twice a month. Requests for groups based on language and/or ethnicity will be happily accommodated.
Christian Family Movement
The Christian Family Movement offers marriage enrichment to parents while helping them put faith into action in everyday life. This program offers support to parents in raising a Christian family, for teaching children the value of serving others, and for staying connected to the parish family. Groups of five to seven families meet monthly, taking turns hosting in their homes. Provided materials guide the families through the program.
Kate's Cinema
Gather together with other parishioners to view and discuss movies and the themes that relate to our faith. This is a fun way to enjoy a good movie and time with other parishioners. Details about titles and times are provided in the bulletin.
African Faith Community
Staff Contact: Alexis Zabsonre, Coordinator of Outreach to Immigrant Families
Our Saint Katharine Drexel Parish African Faith Community (AFC) is a ministry of the parish organized by our African families to join together in community, in prayer, and in support of each other, and to welcome new African immigrant families into our parish. They meet regularly, contribute their talents to our Music Ministry, and host events to share their culture and faith with the whole parish.
Catholic Schools
- Saint John Regional Catholic School – PreK through grade 8 (http://www.sjrcs.org/)
- Saint Thomas Moore Academy – PreK through grade 8 (http://www.stmamd.org/)
- Mother Seton – Pre-K through grade 8 (https://www.mothersetonschool.org/)
- Saint John’s Catholic Prep – Grade 9 through 12 (https://www.saintjohnsprep.org/)
- Mount St. Mary’s University – Catholic undergraduate and graduate degrees (https://msmary.edu/)
