Little Disciples - Children's Ministry
Every Sunday, during the school year, at the 10:00am Mass, children are invited to continue their worship in the lower church, where they will hear the Word of God, with a lesson and activity to engage them at their level. There is no fee for this program, but registration is required.
St. Agnes Parish Family Catechesis is incorporated into the evening portion of our new
Day of Encounter & Glory in the Lord.
Faith Formation resumed on Wednesday, September 17th.
In addition, our parish's weekly Adoration has been moved to Wednesdays, and each Wednesday evening will conclude with an Hour of Glory from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.
Although there is a fee associated with our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Elementary School Faith Formation, for the 2025-2026 School year, our newly established Middle School LifeTeen program is FREE due to a generous contribution. It is open to any middle schooler (grades 6-8), making it ideal for those recently Confirmed. Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Elementary School Faith Formation, and Middle School LifeTeen is now open. Please follow the link below to register and remember that a student must be registered in Faith Formation this year and have been registered in Faith Formation last year - or have been registered in a Catholic School - in order to participate in Preparation for any Sacrament. ​
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If the fee is an issue for your family, please contact Fr. Hamilton.
3-6 Year Olds
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
CGS is a Montessori-based, hands-on approach to learning the Catholic Faith, meeting the first Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 - 8:00pm, and on the third Wednesday of each month, from 6:45 - 8:00pm, starting on September 17th.
7-10 Year Olds
Elementary School Faith Formation
A program for Elementary School aged students, who are not enrolled in a Catholic School.
Our in person class sessions take place on the Third Wednesday of every month, from 6:45 - 8:15pm, begin in September 17th.
Grades 6-8
Middle School Life Teen
The goal of our Life Teen program is to provide a safe and fun place for middle schoolers to find a solid Catholic community, get answers to their questions, and experience Jesus in a profound and personal way, helping our youth become life-long disciples. Starting on September 17th, they meet on the 1st Wednesdays of the month from 6:30 - 8:00pm, and on the 3rd Wednesdays, from 6:45 - 8:15pm.
For this inaugural year (2025-2026) the Middle School program will be FREE, but we still request that you please register your participating family members.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
We are excited to walk with you and your family as your child prepares for the beautiful celebration of their First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation!
These are special and joyful milestone in the life of every young Catholic, and our parish looks forward to accompanying your child on this meaningful and grace-filled journey.
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Start Date: This year's sacramental preparation program will begin on Wednesday, November 12th in the Old School building on St. Agnes campus from 7:00 - 8:00pm. We ask that at least one parent please be present.
Schedule: Sacramental prep sessions will take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Please note, however, that there will be no sacramental prep on Wednesday, November 26th or Wednesday, December 24th due to the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. Fourth Wednesday sessions will begin on January 28, 2026.
Cost: There is a $55 fee for each sacramental preparation program. This helps cover the cost of materials, resources, and other expenses that ensure a meaningful and memorable experience for your child. Payment may be made by cash, check, or card. The link above is provided for those who wish to pay online. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, please drop off your payment at the parish office or bring it with you on November 12th. We thank you in advance. If the fee is an issue for your family, please contact Fr. Hamilton.
Support: If you have any questions, concerns, or anything you'd like to share before we begin, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email or stop by the parish office. We are here to support you and your family.
Our Catechist Team at St. Agnes looks forward to walking with your family and seeing you on November 12th!
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Sacrament Policy: All young people desiring to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation must attend Catholic School or our Faith Formation Program for the year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. During the sacramental year, candidates are also required to enroll in one of our Sacramental Preparation Programs. Sacramental Preparation is separate from regular Faith Formation, in accordance with the policies of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
2nd Grade and Up
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
The start date for preparation for second graders and older, who have not yet received these sacraments is November 12th, from 7-8:00pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Please note that the fourth Wednesdays of November and December are just prior to the holiday, so we will not begin the fourth Wednesday classes until the start of the new year. Register using the link above. All students in this dedicated program must already also be enrolled in Religious Education for one year or is attending Catholic School.
3rd - 5th Grade
Confirmation
Confirmation is offered annually to students in 3rd - 5th grade. The start date for preparation for second graders and older, who have not yet received these sacraments is November 12th, from 7-8:00pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Please note that the fourth Wednesdays of November and December are just prior to the holiday, so we will not begin the fourth Wednesday classes until the start of the new year. Register using the link above.
If needed, a separate group will be formed for Middle and High School aged students. All students in this dedicated program must already also be enrolled in Religious Education for one year or is attending Catholic School.
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Adults seeking Confirmation should reach out to the parish office about OCIA. Meeting will take place at 8:45am, each Sunday, in the Activity Center Meeting Room.
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Children ages 7-17, who have not been baptized are offered the OCIA for Children. Please see details listed below.
Adults
OCIA
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming those who are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian tradition and seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. This October, join Fr. Hamilton on a journey of prayer, reflection, and gradual conversion, marked by meaningful steps along the way. Do you know someone who regularly attends Mass but hasn’t taken the next step toward becoming Catholic? Maybe a friend who often brings up thoughtful questions about faith, God, or spirituality? Or perhaps it’s you - attending Mass but still missing one or more of the Sacraments? Whoever it may be, take a moment to pray and reflect.
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​Who benefits from OCIA?
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Anyone who has never been part of a faith community but feels a deep desire to belong.
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Individuals raised in another Christian tradition who are now curious about the Catholic Church.
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Baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation.
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Those married to Catholics who want to learn more about the faith and explore the possibility of becoming Catholic.
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Anyone who senses a call or gentle prompting from the Holy Spirit to take the next step in their spiritual journey.
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OCIA meets at 8:45am, on Sundays, in the Activity Center Meeting Room.
Children Ages 7-17
OCIA - Adapted for Children (OCIC) ​
St. Agnes Church warmly welcomes children of catechetical age, together with their families, to begin a faith-filled journey of preparation for full initiation into the Catholic Church. Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) - adapted for children (OCIC)- our parish helps young people grow in faith and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
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Children who have reached the age of reason (around seven years old) and who have not yet been baptized take part in this special process, which culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
As the Church teaches, "Since children who have reached the use of reason are considered, for the purposes of Christian initiation, to be adults (canon 852:1), their formation should follow the general pattern of the ordinary catechumenate, with the appropriate adaptations permitted by the ritual. They should receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, together with older catechumens" (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).
The OCIA for Children is a beautiful journey of faith for those ages 7-17, guiding them into a deeper relationship with Jesus and full participation in the life of the Church.
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Periods of the OCIA Process (Adapted for Children)
Period of Inquiry/Evangelization: This is a time of inquiry and discovery - a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the values and message of the Gospel. It is an open-ended period, without a fixed schedule, allowing for the beginnings of faith to take root. At St. Agnes, we offer a year-round inquiry process, so families and children may begin their journey at any time during the year.
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Period of the Catechumenate: After celebrating the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming, participants - now called catechumens - enter a time of deeper instruction and spiritual formation. During this period, they grow in understanding of the Catholic faith and in personal conversion as they prepare to celebrate the sacraments.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Following the Rite of Election, this stage invites the Elect into a more intense period of prayer and reflection. It is a time for spiritual cleansing and deeper union with Christ. Traditionally, this period coincides with Lent, though since our OCIA process is ongoing throughout the year, it may take place whenever a catechumen is ready.
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Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: At the end of their journey, the Elect are fully received into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, most often celebrated at the Easter Vigil. This moment marks their full initiation into the life of Christ and His Church.
Period of Mystagogy: After initiation, the newly baptized - now called Neophytes - enter a time of continued growth and reflection. During this six-week period, they deepen their understanding of their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and begin active participation in the life and mission of the Church through service, prayer, and community involvement.
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OCIA for Children and Teens (OCIC) - Registration Now Open
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St. Agnes Parish invites children and teens who have not yet been baptized to register and take the next step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic faith. If your family would like to take part in this process or learn more about this ministry, please contact: Ms. Meghan Fleming @ 410-744-2900 or via email: Meghan.Fleming@archbalt.org
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For additional information about the OCIA/OCIC process, visit: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/christian-initiation-of-adults