Frequently Asked Questions

Faith Formation FAQs for students in Grades Prek-7th

What is Bridge? Is it the same as CCD when I was a kid?

Yes…well sort of! CCD, Sunday School, Catechism Class, are all older names for what we now call Faith Formation. At Holy Family we are passionate about growing in faith together as a family unit, so our Faith Formation program is a family-based program that we created, called “Bridge”.

Why is there a parent component to your Faith Formation program?

Holy Family Duxbury’s Faith Formation process is family based. We strive to be a community of families growing in faith together. We are at different places in our spiritual lives, however disciples are formed when we are on the journey together. We want to have adults and children learning about the same topic and assist parents by giving them the language and tools by which to share faith with their children. Faith Formation is lifelong!

What do I need to do for my child to make their First Communion?

Any student in 2nd grade or above who has not made his/her First Communion is invited to participate in our First Communion Program. If your child is in 2nd grade, they will automatically be enrolled in First Communion prep when registering for Bridge. If your student is older than second grade, please email Mary Juliano Hayes and she will enroll your child in our Sacramental Prep program. First Communion families will participate in the following; attend a one-time information session in the Fall, participate in our monthly Bridge sessions, attend special workshops in the Fall to prepare for First Reconciliation and then again in the Spring to prepare for First Communion.

For students in Grades 8th – 12th

Why did you change the age of Confirmation?

This was a decision made by Cardinal Sean for the entire Boston Archdiocese, not just a change Holy Family decided to make. Parishes throughout the Archdiocese have 3 years to implement this change based on the needs of their community. Here at Holy Family, we decided to make this change all at once. Other parishes are changing gradually over the allotted 3-year transition period. During this period, you might have friends or family members in other parishes that are being confirmed in 9th or 10th grade still. By 2027 every parish in the Archdiocese of Boston will be preparing for Confirmation in 8th grade. This change will allow our students to receive the gifts and graces of the Sacrament of Confirmation at an earlier age. To learn more about the Archdiocese’s decision to change the age of Confirmation, please visit their website dedicated to this change - www.evangelizeboston.com/confirmation/

I have an 8th grader, what does the change in Confirmation mean for them?

Students entering 8th grade in the Fall of 2024 should register for our Confirmation program and will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in March of 2025. Classes are held on Sunday evenings beginning in November.

I have a 9th grader, what does the change in Confirmation mean for them?

Students entering 9th grade in the Fall of 2024 should register for our Confirmation program and will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in March of 2025. Classes are held on Sunday evenings beginning in November.

I have a 10th grader, who still needs to be Confirmed, what should I do?

Students entering 10th grade in the Fall of 2024 should reach out the Matthew Bensman to receive a link to register for our Confirmation program that begins in November and will receive in Sacrament in March 2025. Classes are held on Sunday evenings.

What happens next year with the students after 8th grade, are they done with Faith Formation?

Our faith is a life long journey, just because formal classes may be over, that doesn’t mean our learning stops! We will be offering something for our High School students after Confirmation, but the specifics of what that will look like are still being discussed. Stay tuned for more information!

My student attends a Catholic School, do they still need to attend Faith Formation at Holy Family?

Our Catholic School students are invited to join us for Bridge every year, but are not required to do so, since they will be receiving formation at school. The Catholic Schools however do not do Sacramental Preparation; that is the responsibility of the local parishes. So, our Catholic School students are asked to attend Bridge while preparing for First Reconciliation/First Communion and to attend Confirmation Preparation classes.

My child is a junior or senior in High School but hasn’t been Confirmed yet, what should I do?

It is never too late! Please contact Matt Bensman and he will be able to work with your family to prepare for and receive Confirmation.

What if my child isn’t sure if they want to be Confirmed?

Great question! Confirmation isn’t just something you do nor is it simply a rite of passage, but rather a life long commitment to the Church and our Catholic Faith. Questioning such an important decision is natural and healthy. We would encourage students who are interested but not 100% sure to sign up for classes and see what it is all about. Attending classes doesn’t mean you have to be Confirmed. There have been students who have gone through the program and decided that this was not the right time in their life to make this important decision. And that’s ok, we are always here for you. Matt is always available to talk with teens or parents about questions they may have about their faith or their desire to be confirmed. Please reach out to Matt if you would like to set up a meeting.