Lifelong Faith Formation

Faith Formation – How It Works

First Communion Preparation – How It Works

Two consecutive years of Catholic education in 1st grade and 2nd grade are required prior to receiving Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion. 

Those who do not attend Catholic school or have not completed a Catholic homeschool curriculum should enroll in our program in 1st grade in order to fulfill the above requirement to receive the sacraments in their 2nd grade year.

Those who do attend a Catholic school or Catholic homeschoolers should enroll in our 1st communion program before the beginning of their 2nd grade year.

Participation in the home study option offered by our Parish also fulfills these requirements for sacramental preparation.

Home Study – How It Works

Home Study 1st through 5th grade

As part of our Catholic home study program, each family will receive curriculum materials to complete at home together at their own pace and convenience. Please note that this program is not taught as live online instruction by catechists; in this model, parents serve as the primary catechists for their children in the home.

In addition to the home study work, participation in six required family sessions is part of the program. These sessions will include four gatherings on select Wednesdays and two gatherings on select Thursdays (three sessions per semester, for a total of six across the school year). These in-person sessions will be offered between September 2026 and April 2027 and will provide important opportunities for fellowship, guided discussion, support, and shared spiritual growth as families journey together in faith.

We hope this structure offers both flexibility for family learning at home and meaningful opportunities to connect with other families in the parish community.

4th and 5th Grade – How It Works

The 4^th & 5^th Grade Faith Formation program seeks to help the children of St. Timothy become more familiar with Scripture by teaching the students about the upcoming Gospel reading for every Sunday at Mass. Students engage in lively discussions about the readings that relate the words of Scripture to their daily lives. Students can expect to participate in a wide variety of activities from week to week including energetic games, creative skits, and different forms of prayer such as the Rosary, Reconciliation, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Every week is different! Come join in on the fun!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
Montessori Program (3 1/2-6 year olds)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious education program. Through hands-on materials and guided reflection, children engage in an enriching environment where they encounter the profound truths of the Catholic faith at their own pace. Inspired by the parable of the Good Shepherd, this hands-on experience, helps the children develop a lifelong love for Christ.

Find out more about our CGS program click here

Baptism for Children/Youth 7 years old through High School

• First year – attend faith formation classes in their grade level
• Second year – attend OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation) Adapted for Children sessions. These sessions will prepare them for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• Click here for more information!

Please contact Joseph Nieves-Serrano at 813-961-1716 or joe@sainttims.org for more information.

Middle School or High School youth who have been baptized Catholic but need First Communion preparation, please contact Justin Lantz at justin.lantz@sainttims.org.