Elementary - Grades K-5

Diocese of Austin

Is God calling you to become a catechist, substitute catechist, hall monitor, nursery volunteer, or helper? Being the largest parish in the Diocese of Austin, our programs rely on many generous volunteers, missionary disciples who want to share the gift of the faith they have received. To find out more, click here. Reach out to Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation Dustin Parks at dparks@st-william.org or 512-600-8171.

The early years of a child's life form the foundation for both physical and spiritual growth. Through faith formation at Saint William, we partner with parents to support their child's growth in learning to love and live the Catholic Faith. We also provide our parents with ongoing faith formation so the whole family may grow together.

Instruction at this level includes age-appropriate lessons, activities, and experiences designed to help children learn about God's great love for them and how to love Him in return. They are introduced to the main truths of the Faith and to basic prayers. In second grade, children prepare for and receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Eucharist (Communion).

For young Catholics with special needs, St. William has a faith formation that includes. The Church is a place where all are welcomed and where everyone belongs.
Children who have special needs learn their faith side by side with their neurotypical peers of the same chronological age, within capabilities. Children learn best when they learn together. All of this interaction is a healthy preparation for adult life.

We encourage parents and guardians of children with special needs to contact the Elementary Coordinator, Dustin Parks, to discuss and plan their child’s religious education formation and sacramental preparation. Mr. Parks can be reached via e-mail at dparks@st-william.org, or by phone at 512-600-8171.

All Parents are encouraged to register their children for Faith Formation classes and assure they attend regularly. Because parents are the primary educators of their children, our catechists in the Faith Formation program and Religion teachers in Catholic schools partner with parents in preparing the children for these very important steps in their life of faith. Parents are truly irreplaceable in this process. 

Since it is so important for parents to know and constantly grow in their faith in order to help their children do likewise, we have adult faith formation classes as well. These include various classes offered by the parish such as "Healing the Whole Person" and "Unbound" that are open to all parishioners. Please register here for these programs. We also offer parent classes that take place at the same time your children attend their Faith Formation classes. Please plan to sign your child into his or her classrooms in the Education Building a bit early, then go over to the Pavilion (if your child attends Sunday Faith Formation classes from 3:00 to 4:30 PM) or the PEC Auditorium upstairs (if your child attends Monday Faith Formation classes from 6:00 to 7:30 PM). 

While a parent must do many things to properly raise a child in virtue and faith, the most important thing every Catholic parent must do is to take their children to Mass faithfully every Sunday. The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith! It (or rather, He--Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament) is the most precious gift in the universe. Parents make the promise at their child's Baptism to rear the child in the faith, most especially by faithful weekly Sunday Mass attendance. And when your child makes his or her First Reconciliation, make a regular habit of going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family. This will bless and transform our families and the world around us if we all do it faithfully.

A child who is in second grade and has been baptized in the Catholic Church and faithfully attended 1st grade Faith Formation classes the previous year is eligible for preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. (Note, parents of 1st graders, that 1st grade Faith Formation is a required prerequisite if your child is to attend 2nd grade Faith Formation and receive Sacraments during that year.) If your child is in third grade or beyond and has not received either of these Sacraments, please call Coordinator Dustin Parks in the Faith Formation office at 512-600-8171 to ensure your child is enrolled in the correct class and on the right path to prepare to receive these awesome Sacraments. Likewise, if your child has not yet been baptized, please reach out to Dustin Parks.

Outlined below are the requirements for admitting children to First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist. As mentioned above, parents play a key role, and for that reason are included in these requirements. Each of these is intended to help children adequately understand, appreciate and prepare for reception of these two great Sacraments.

• Children must have been enrolled in and faithfully attended classes in a parish faith formation program or Catholic school for one year prior to their second grade year. 
• Children must be enrolled in the parish faith formation program by October 1 or attending Catholic school by then.
• Parents are to provide Proof of Catholic Baptism (Baptismal certificate) to the Faith Formation office at or before the First Reconciliation Parent Meeting.
• Parents are required to attend meetings in preparing their child to receive these Sacraments:  Parent Meeting for First Reconciliation, Parent Meeting for First Eucharist, and the First Reconciliation Retreat and First Eucharist Retreat for parents and children. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion books will be given out at the parent meetings.
• In May, there is a mandatory Friday evening practice for those students receiving First Eucharist with the large group of students. This First Communion Mass will take place during a Sunday Mass in May. The specific date will be provided on the Faith Formation calendar.
• Students are required to complete their home-study workbook. Parents actively guide and help their children with this. The preparation they receive in class is supplemental to the preparation they receive at home through parental example, Mass attendance, and conversations about our faith. The cost for the home study book is $25 in addition to the student's $75 Faith Formation registration fee.
• With the assistance of parents, children are to memorize key Catholic prayers. These prayers will be sent home by catechists at the beginning of the school year to be practiced at home.

This is a time of great joy, both for the children and for their families. At Saint William we are happy and grateful to God to share these special times with students and their families!

For more information about the Saint William Elementary Faith Formation Program, please contact Dustin Parks, Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation by filling out the form below.