Faith Formation: Back to School September 8, 2023

It’s back to school time and our Faith Formation programs are getting ready to welcome students back. At The Basilica we offer a vibrant selection of programs for children, families, and youth. Our educational programs explore learning and nurturing our Catholic faith.

Next Sunday, September 17, join us to learn more about our programs at the Childrens’ Ministry Open House in the school building at 10:45am (following 9:30am Mass). All new and returning students will have the opportunity to meet our catechists, visit the classrooms, and tour the school.

Families with children attending Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation classes are welcome to gather and enjoy light snacks and refreshments in the Great Hall (third floor of the school building) from 11:30am-12:15pm. Classes for the 2023-2024 program year start on Sunday, September 24 and run through the week of April 28, 2024.

Doris Ortiz, our Coordinator of Learning for Children and Youth says, “The Church’s Faith Formation (catechetical) mission aims to help the faithful of all ages grow in both human and Christian maturity, enriching life with the leaven of the Gospel. At The Basilica, we seek to reach this mission by offering Faith Formation to all our diversified age groups from Preschool to High school.”

From our families:

Our family participates in faith formation at The Basilica because it provides a framework and faith-in-action examples for our Catholic family life. My kids look forward to it each week. As a catechist, I’m proud to say I’ve served with some of the most amazing, kind, generous and faithful people who have made our family feel welcome, appreciated and supported. We feel connected and part of The Basilica community through our participation in the faith formation programs.

Gretchen Amigon

Recently we welcomed Katie Wethli as the new Coordinator of Sacramental Preparation. Her previous roles include Director of Music at Saint Benedict’s College Campus Ministry and Liturgy Coordinator at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. She holds a Master of Arts Degree from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and BA in Music Performance from The Catholic University of America.

Katie is excited to join The Basilica team and shared a favorite quote, “Sacraments are like hoses. They are the channels of the living water of God’s grace. Our faith is like opening the faucet. We can open it a lot, a little, or not at all” (Peter Kreeft).

Katie stated, “God’s grace and love is abundant, freely given to us all. I look forward to preparing for the Sacraments with you.”

Faith Formation Registration is open at mary.org/faithformation.

Sacramental Preparation Registration is open at:

Baptism Class mary.org/baptism

First Eucharist mary.org/eucharist

Youth Confirmation mary.org/confirmation


For more information contact:

Doris Ortiz, Coordinator of Learning for Children and Youth

Katie Wethli, Coordinator of Sacramental Preparation