CHILDREN AT AVE MARIA
The following are the programs offered for children at Ave Maria Catholic Church. Please see the Faith Formation Calendar for dates, times and location. Most events for children take place at Donahue Academy.
Contact Becky Hampton, Director of Religious Education, to find out more and to register your child.
Becky.H@avemariaparish.org or call: 239-261-5555
Children’s GUIDED Eucharistic Adoration
Becky Hampton and Jean Prather of CatholicKids101 lead children of all ages in reflection, stories, prayers, and the rosary. Everyone is welcome! (No registration needed) Adoration sessions start Monday, August 28, 2023, from 6:30-7:30 pm in the church.​
​
SAINT Margaret Castello Ministry
Faith Formation for persons with disabilities and their families. Sacramental preparation included as needed. Starting Friday, September 15, 2023, from 3:45-4:45 pm in the Parish Hall
​
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
(CGS)-Kindergarten/First Grade (1st year First Communion Preparation): A reflective-based program of religious formation that is rooted in Scripture and the Liturgy. Starting Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:15 am -12:15 pm in the CGS Atrium located on the 3rd floor of the First Foundation Bank building.
2nd year First Communion PreP
The core of this communion preparation program is the Catholic Children’s Bible. The students will explore the sacraments through the biblical lens of Jesus’ life and works and learn more about their faith in language they can understand. Starting Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:15 am -12:15 pm in Donahue Academy.
Bridges to Faith
RCIC-Sacramental preparation for 3rd-5th grades: the essentials of the Catholic Faith for ages 8 to 11 are centered on the four pillars of the Catechism-the Creed, the Sacraments, the Moral Life, and Prayer along with the Catholic Children’s Bible. These resources fill in faith formation gaps for students preparing to receive sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Starting Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 11:15 am -12:15 pm in Donahue Academy.
​
Word of Life FROM Augustine Institute
Continuing catechesis for 3rd-8th graders who have received their first sacraments. Word of Life brings together faith and reason and demonstrates how the truths of the faith speak to the human heart. This catechesis centers on an initial proclamation of the kerygma.
​
Totus Tuus Summer Program
A summer program for 1st-12th graders dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. June 17-21, 2024
I would like my heart to be as pure as a lily for Jesus.