Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church’s formation program provides religious instruction and formation that seeks to evoke and mature in each child an intimate relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ, love of the Church He founded, and a life-long process of conversion and missionary witness. It endeavors to develop this relationship with Christ through the liturgy and the sacraments, the promises and commandments contained in the Good News of His Gospel, and through prayer and charity. This effort is accomplished within the context of the student’s family (the domestic church) and is supported by the parish community (the parish church). Other Thoughts: We are all made to be saints, so now we must become what we are! This is made possible through ongoing faith formation that enables us to encounter Jesus Christ and be changed by Him. In the formation of children, the program seeks to create an atmosphere of genuine cooperation with parents, in recognition of the latter’s primary role in the education of their children, with the overall goal of developing in the children an authentic and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a dedication to the Church He founded.   You can find more information about our Faith Formation program in the Parent-Student Handbook(s) below.  

Religious Education (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade)
Our Religious Education program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and runs from August through mid-May. The Sacraments of Penance and     Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First Communion) take place in second grade, while the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in fifth grade. Those     students who are in grades 3-5 who have not received First Communion will be placed in our Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) program. This will     include additional preparation classes throughout the year outside of the regularly scheduled Religious Education sessions.

Youth Ministry (Middle School and High School)
Edge (Middle School)
EDGE is a component of Life Teen and focuses on leading Middle School students closer to Christ.  Topically related games, informative talks, small-group discussions, and a faith-based closing make up the formation's format.  Yearly activities include periodic social nights, participation in March for Life, retreats, our parish Living Stations, and summer camp at Camp Hidden Lake.  Grades 6-8 comprise the Edge program, and participation is part of the Confirmation program. 

Life Teen (High School)
LIFE TEEN is designed for shared companionship, faith-filled talks, small group discussions, prayer exercises, and Eucharistic Adoration.  Life Teen also provides social nights such as ice skating, bonfires, messy games, color wars, and Main Event nights.  Service opportunities include clothing drives, food distribution in the homeless community, and assisted living visits.  Our youth have also participated in N.C.Y.C, Steubenville/Atlanta, Catholic Heart Work Camp, Life Teen Restore Camp, and Life Teen Camp Covecrest.  High School students preparing for Confirmation are expected to attend Life Teen.

Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC)
OCIC is the formation program for those children who are “off cycle,” meaning they did not receive sacraments at their assigned time. This includes children who have not received Baptism and/or First Communion in 3 -5 grade and those who have not received Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation in 6 -12 grade. Students who are in the OCIC program are required to attend regular RE and YM formation in addition to their sacramental preparation. 

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For more information regarding the faith formation programs we provide, please use the buttons below to access the 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook and the 2026-2027 Calendar.

FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCIÓN PARA LA EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSA 2026-2027 (K-12)