Many local school districts have recently announced they will be transitioning middle and high school students to a completely online learning model staring the week of November 2 through December. As St. Timothy’s stated via email earlier this week; “Our intent is to follow the actions of the surrounding school districts, namely Anoka-Hennepin and Spring Lake Park, where most of our children are enrolled.” Following this intent, St. Timothy’s middle school and high school students (grades 6-12) will shift to a completely online learning model of faith formation beginning Sunday, November 8 through Christmas break. Elementary children (pre-k through grade 5) are not currently a part of this change in format. 

We may have sensed this change was coming, but it’s difficult nonetheless. Your family is in the prayers of St. Timothy’s staff and parishioners during what may be another tough transition. To that end, we are offering four online sessions with Christian counselor Heather Goochey, MS, LCPP who will support parents in finding normalcy and reducing stress related to juggling work, teaching, and supporting their children through social isolation. Please scroll down for more information and email sttimothychurch@churchofsttimothy.com if you would like to participate. We hope you will join us.

If you have questions about high school faith formation, contact Kristen Neuman in the parish office.

Confirmation Preparation

Fall 2020

When a young person feels ready to affirm the promises their parents made for them at Baptism and to complete their initiation into full members of the Catholic Church, youth are encouraged to begin the 2-year preparation process. The first year is called “Level 1” and the second year is “Level 2.” For specific details and dates on the 2020-2021 confirmation preparation process, please click here. 

While we have made adaptations for the 2020-2021 year due to Covid-19, the following lays out the usual confirmation preparation process.

• Attend small and large group sessions
  • 11-12 per year
  • meet in the home of the small group leader
  • most groups meet on Sunday evenings
• Read the material in the candidate handbook (Chosen)
• Attend 1 retreat per year
  • Level 1 evening retreat on a Wednesday in the fall
  • Level 2 overnight retreat on a Saturday morning to Sunday morning in the fall.
• Group and individual service projects
  • Level 1 – Donut Sunday
  • Level 2- House of Charity and Lenten Fish Fry
• Meet and discuss preparations with their sponsor 2-3 times per year
• Participate in the sacraments, especially weekend Mass

In-home groups, led by volunteer catechists, are at the heart of the process. Groups meet approximately twice per month to study our faith, discuss, and share their own faith experiences. Parents, sponsors, and Guardian Angel prayer partners also play crucial roles in supporting youth in their preparation for Confirmation.