LIFE-LONG FAITH FORMATION
Faith Formation at Holy Spirit is where children and families learn to recognize God’s presence in their everyday lives. Through Scripture, prayer, and hands‑on experiences, we help young people understand what it means to follow Jesus with joy, curiosity, and confidence. Our programs are designed to meet children where they are — nurturing their minds, hearts, and spirits in age‑appropriate ways.
Parents can trust that their children are learning in a safe, welcoming environment, surrounded by caring adults who want to see them grow. Whether you’re new to parish life or have been here for years, Faith Formation offers a meaningful way for your family to deepen your relationship with Christ and with one another.
Our Life-Long Faith Formation educational approach focuses on four specific areas:
- Liturgy of the Word
- Family Faith Formation
- G.I.F.T. Program
- Summer Sessions
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Every Sunday, our Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) gives young disciples a chance to hear the Gospel in a way they can understand. Children begin Mass with the full assembly, then are joyfully dismissed after the Gathering Song to explore the day’s readings through stories, crafts, and activities that bring Scripture to life.
They return about 30 minutes later — often with big smiles, new insights, and a sense of belonging. CLOW helps children feel at home in the liturgy, teaches them how to listen for God’s voice, and builds a foundation for lifelong participation in the Mass. And for parents, there’s nothing more heart‑warming than seeing a child excited about church.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is normally every Sunday, at the 8:30 Mass in Woodstown, and the 10:30 Mass in Mullica Hill.
FAMILY FAITH FORMATION
Once a month, families gather after Mass for a liturgy‑based session that connects faith to real family life. These gatherings explore themes from the Sunday readings, highlight important Catholic practices, and sometimes build on the pastor’s homily.
Family Faith Formation strengthens the bond between home and parish. Parents and children learn together, talk about faith together, and discover simple ways to bring prayer and discipleship into daily routines. It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment — and a beautiful reminder that parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith.
Family Faith Formation sessions are on the third Sunday of each month.
G.I.F.T. PROGRAM
GIFT — Growing in Faith Together — is faith formation on a deeper level. Designed for junior high students, teens, and their parents, GIFT brings multiple generations together for shared learning, conversation, and reflection.
Sessions are curriculum‑based and include teaching, small‑group discussion, and opportunities to connect faith with real‑life questions. GIFT helps families grow not only in knowledge but in discipleship — strengthening relationships, encouraging honest conversation, and forming a faith that lasts beyond childhood.
GIFT sessions are on the second Wednesday of each month, 6-8 times per year.
SUMMER SESSIONS
Our Summer Sessions — often called Summer Bible School — offer a week of joyful, energetic, Scripture‑centered learning for children in grades 1–8. Catholic summer programs across the country emphasize Bible stories, hands‑on activities, music, crafts, drama, and community‑building, helping children experience their faith in a fun and memorable way.
Many programs also include interactive learning, small‑group activities, spiritual practices, and opportunities to reflect on how to live like Jesus — all of which help children grow in confidence, compassion, and understanding.
For parents, Summer Sessions provide a meaningful, screen‑free environment where children can deepen their faith, make friends, and discover the joy of being part of a Catholic community.
Faith Formation is more than a program — it’s a pathway for children and families to grow closer to Christ and to one another. Whether through Sunday liturgy, monthly gatherings, intergenerational learning, or summer experiences, each offering helps young people build a faith that is joyful, confident, and rooted in God’s love.
We invite every family to take part in these opportunities. Your presence enriches our parish, strengthens our community, and helps us pass on the gift of faith to the next generation.