Children and Family Evangelization (C.A.F.E.)

C.A.F.E. Sacrament Preparation

This ministry is geared toward children entering 1st grade to 8th grade and requires a minimum 2-year commitment.  For children entering TK-Kinder, we offer a pre-sacrament program that helps the family begin to share the gospel readings and practice Catholic prayers.  Additionally, we also offer sacrament preparation for adaptive learners (special needs youth) and their families.

All groups meet year-round (with small group sharing, family events, and more).  Our ministry is different from other sacrament preparation as we bring the child and parent together to connect through the Eucharist and Reconciliation over this two-year journey. A family mentor walks with 8-12 families over the two-year process meeting after Sunday mass to discuss the gospel, work on prayers, and learn about the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

There are four different tracks you can be a part of:

1. 1. Father Track: Year 1 of sacrament preparation – For children (grades 1^st-7^th ) ready to learn about the Gospel, practice prayers, and attend mass weekly.
   2. Son Track: Year 2 of sacrament preparation – For children (grades 2^nd-8^th ) ready to learn about the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, know basic prayers, practice Act of Contrition and mass Eucharistic prayers, and attend mass weekly.
   3. Holy Spirit Track: For those who have completed the sacraments of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist (usually children grades 3^rd-8^th), ready to share about the Gospel, attend mass weekly, and families actively attend C.A.F.E. events, Light the World gatherings, and/or In the Middle Youth Ministry (ITM – grades 6^th-8^th)
   4. Amen Track: Pre-sacrament preparation, for children (grades TK-Kinder) interested in learning about the Gospel, ready to practice prayers, and attend mass with family weekly.