Coming into full communion
Is your child ready for Baptism or entry into the Church?
The Become Catholic for Children program at Stella Maris prepares children ages 7-14 (grades 1-8) to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil each year.
The program is specifically designed for children who have not yet been Baptized or have been Baptized in another Christian faith.
Formation sessions will be held 2x per month from late September through early April.
Register by September 9, 2026.
Parents are the key
Get involved and stay involved in your child’s life of faith.
Parents play a pivotal role in the faith life of a child. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.” (CCC 2226)
This is why we have designed our Become Catholic for Children program to engage parents in their role as the primary teachers of their children.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend sessions with their children. At least one parent is required to attend key sessions. As a parent, you will find that the formation sessions deepen your own understanding of the Catholic faith, while providing meaningful moments of connection with your child(ren).
Not Catholic or Christian yourself? No problem. Our sessions are designed for anyone who is open to learning more about the Catholic faith and supporting their child’s faith journey.
Comprehensive Formation Sessions
2026-2027 Schedule
Become Catholic for Children will take place 2x per month from late September through early April. Sessions will be held in Stievenard Hall on the St. Bernadette campus from 6:45-8:00 pm.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend all sessions with their children. At least one parent is required to attend key sessions.
Scroll down to view and download the 2026-2027 class schedule.
2026-2027 Schedule
Classes will be held from 6:45-8:00pm in Stievenard Hall at
St. Bernadette Church unless otherwise noted.
*At least 1 parent is required to attend key classes as denoted.
- Wednesday, 9/16/26*
- Parents Only Orientation Session
- Wednesday, 9/23/26*
- Wednesday, 10/7/26*
- Wednesday, 10/21/26
- Wednesday, 11/4/26
- Wednesday, 11/18/26
- Wednesday, 12/2/26*
- Please arrive at 6:15pm for the Rite of Entrance.
- Thursday, 12/17/26*
- Wednesday, 1/6/27*
- Wednesday, 1/13/27
- Wednesday, 1/27/27
- Wednesday, 2/10/27*
- Wednesday, 2/24/27
- Wednesday, 3/10/27*
- Please arrive at 6:15pm for the Scrutiny.
- Wednesday, 3/24/27
- Wednesday, 4/7/27*
EASTER VIGIL: Saturday, March 27, 2027
- St. Thomas More Church
- Rehearsal: 10:00-11:00am
- Vigil: 8:45pm-12:00am
Register Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Become Catholic for Children is…
Have questions about Become Catholic for children?
Contact Courtney Smalley
You can reach her at csmalley@stellamarisfamily.org.