July 29, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare for a new year of Faith Formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, we are grateful for the opportunity to assist you in the important responsibility of forming your children in the Catholic faith.

Please carefully review and complete the enclosed registration materials. All registration forms must be completed and returned to the parish office no later than Thursday, August 20, 2026.

This year, we are introducing a new Faith Formation Handbook. Please take time to read it carefully with your family. The enclosed Handbook Agreement Form must be signed and returned to the parish office along with your child’s registration form. A complete schedule for the upcoming Faith Formation year is also included in this packet.

For the safety of every child, parents and guardians are required to bring their children directly into the classroom each week. Children may not be dropped off in the parking lot or at the entrance to the building. Parents or guardians must check in with the teacher at both drop-off and pickup. Teachers will not be stationed in the parking lot, and students will not be released from their classrooms unless a parent or authorized guardian is present.

During the first class session, all parents and guardians are expected to remain for a brief meeting with their child’s teacher in the classroom. This meeting will provide important information about the year, classroom expectations, communication, and ways that parents can support what their children are learning.

Faith Formation classes are intended to support the faith that is being lived and practiced at home, especially through regular participation in Sunday Mass. Attending class without attending Mass is like sending a child to every sports practice but never allowing the child to play in the game. The lessons may be explained, but they cannot be fully experienced or understood.

At Mass, children encounter the very heart of our Catholic faith. They hear the Scriptures proclaimed, join the parish community in prayer, and receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Faith Formation helps children understand what happens at Mass, while Mass allows what they learn in class to become part of their lives.

Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith. Your example matters. When children see that Sunday Mass is a priority for their family, they learn that faith is not simply another activity on the calendar, but a relationship with God that shapes every part of life.

We look forward to partnering with you during the coming year. Please know that we are here to help your family grow closer to Christ and His Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Very Rev. Fr. Andrew M. Boyd, V.F.                     Mr. Greg Cummings
Pastor                                                                         Director of Faith Formation
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish                        Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish