Our Family Faith Formation Program called Gather is for families registered in our parish with children in grades K to 4. Our program is designed to be a learning experience for both children and their parents.  We recognize the calling and responsibility of parents as primary educators and role models to their children. Gather is here to assist parents in passing on our faith to their children and to build the domestic church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:   “Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. 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. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.” (cccc 2226)

Families will attend Gather together in the church and then after opening prayers, the children will break into small groups by grade level while the parents remain in the church.  Gather meets on Tuesday nights in the church and school buildings from 6:15 – 7:30 pm (see Gather calendar on our website for exceptions). Parents are expected to attend with their children  for Parent Enrichment sessions. There is no virtual or homeschool option available for Gather.

Our attendance policy allows for four absences per school year and lessons missed should be requested by the parents in order for the children to remain on track for their sacramental preparation.

The fees for Gather are $80/child for registered contributing parishioners until August 30th. (Families with more than two children, are discounted 50% for additional children; contact will@stmm.net for paying the discounted fees). Note: If your child is in their second year of Faith Formation and preparing for their Sacraments, there is a $75 Materials fee. This includes two workbooks, one for each sacrament, two retreats and all the supplies provided for sacramental preparation. Scholarships are available to families based on need.

Registration is available online beginning July 1, 2025, until August 30, 2025.   After August 30th, a $50 late fee will be charged in addition to the registration fee.  Late Online registration will remain open until September 30, 2025. Our first night of Gather will be Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

If your child needs to make their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist and did not begin their formation in the first grade, or if you need assistance with your login, please contact Suzanne Will at 919-657-4800 x7280.  If you need financial assistance or scholarship information, please contact Julie Hoffman, hoffman@stmm.net.