Little Disciples - Liturgy of the Word Children's Ministry
Little Disciples is Children’s Liturgy of the Word; a special ministry geared for our youngest disciples. On Sundays during the school year, at the 10:00am Mass, children aged 3 - 6 are invited to the lower church to hear and respond to God's Word in an age-accessible way. Our Faith Formation program for children aged 3 - 6 is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; a Montessori-based, hands-on approach to learning the Catholic Faith (description below).
We are always looking for Adult and Teen volunteers who have a heart for serving the children of the Parish. If you are a new volunteer, please be sure to visit our "I'm New" page for instructions on registration and training as a Volunteer in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
St. Agnes Parish Family Catechesis information will be posted by the end of the Summer of 2026. This will include Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Elementary School Faith Formation, Middle School LifeTeen and High School LifeTeen. Remember that a student must be registered in Faith Formation this year and be registered in Faith Formation or in a Catholic School, during the 2026-2027 school year in order to participate in Preparation for any Sacrament.
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​​​​​​First Wednesdays
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Faith Formation
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-6) 6:30 - 8:00pm
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Middle School LifeTeen (grades 6-8)
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​Third Wednesdays
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Faith Formation
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-6) 6:45 - 8:00pm
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Faith Formation (ages 7 - 10) 6: 45 - 8:15pm
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Middle School Life Teen (grades 6-8) 6:45 - 8:15pm
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3-6 Year Olds
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
CGS is a Montessori-based, hands-on approach to learning the Catholic Faith. Class session schedules and registration information will be available at the end of the Summer of 2026.
7-10 Year Olds
Elementary School Faith Formation
A program for Elementary School aged students, who are not enrolled in a Catholic School.
In person class sessions registration information will be available at the end of the Summer.
Grades 6-8 and 9-12
Middle and High School Life Teen
Life Teen provides 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. Next year, we hope to have both a Middle School Program and a separate High School Program. If you are interested, please contact Meghan Flemming at Meghan.Flemming@archbalt.org.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Sacramental Preparations and OCIA/OCIC sessions will begin again this Fall. Registration and session information will be made available at the end of the Summer of 2026. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Meghan Fleming, our Pastoral Associate for Evangelization and Faith Formation, at Meghan.Fleming@archbalt.org or call the office.
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!
​Sacramental prep sessions and information will be published at the end of the Summer 2026. The Sacramental Prep Fees help cover the cost of materials, resources, and other expenses that ensure a meaningful and memorable experience for your child. When the time comes to register, payment may be made by cash, check, or card. We thank you in advance. If you have any questions, concerns, or anything you'd like to share before we begin, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Meghan by email. We are here to support you and your family.​
​​​Note: 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
Preparation Sessions for 2nd - 5th graders are held at 6:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. All students in this dedicated program must already also be enrolled in Religious Education for one year or is attending Catholic School. Register using the link above. Please note that the 4th 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.
3rd Grade
Confirmation
Confirmation is offered annually to students in 3rd grade. There will also be an opportunity for those in grades 4th - 8th, if they are not yet Confirmed. Preparation Session and registration information will be posted by the end of the Summer. As a reminder, all candidates in this dedicated program must already also be enrolled in Religious Education or attend Catholic School for the year prior and the year of preparation
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Adults seeking Confirmation should reach out to the parish office about OCIA.
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 who seek to gain full communion with the Catholic Church. Our parish leadership will walk with you on your 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.​
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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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, email our Pastoral Associate for Evangelization and Faith Formation, Meghan Fleming at 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