HR K-8th Grade Faith Formation
Director of Lifelong Faith Formation: Aaron Giard / 978-462-2724 x 405 / agiard@hriccatholic.org
Assistant to Lifelong Faith Formation: Melinda Burrell / 978-462-2724 x 420 / burrell@hriccatholic.org
All volunteers need to fill out a CORI Form before assisting with children. Download the 2026 form here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S CONFIRMANDI!
On Saturday, March 7, 35 teens and 5 adults received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Hennessey was unfortunately not able to make it for health reasons, but Fr. Bob Connors returned to IC (he used to be pastor here) and presided over a beautiful liturgy. Come, Holy Spirit! Here are a few photos, courtesy of Linnea Tangorra:
2025-2026 K-1st; 3rd-7th Grade Faith Formation
Respecting your role and the importance of learning from trained catechists, Faith Formation meets every other week in person at the Pastoral Center in Newburyport and every other week in your homes.
8th & 9th Grade: If your child has received Faith Formation in recent years, he/she is ready for preparation for Confirmation. If your child has not received Faith Formation recently, please reach out to me directly: agiard@hriccatholic.org.
Remaining 2025-2026 Schedule
Sundays after the 9:00 AM Mass (~10:05 AM - 11:20 AM)
Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center, Newburyport
| Mar. 15th - At-home |
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| Mar. 22nd - In Person |
| Mar. 29 - In Person *Holy Week Special |
| Apr. 5 - Easter - At home |
| Apr. 12 - In Person |
| Apr. 19 - At home |
| Apr. 26 - Final In Person |
2nd Grade Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation at our Collaborative is set up to involve both parish volunteer catechists and parents. Our Church has always understood that there is no substitute for the role of parents in passing on faith and devotion to the sacraments to their children.
Respecting your role and the importance of learning from trained catechists, 2nd grade meets every other week in person at the Pastoral Center in Newburyport and every other week in your homes. We will be using a great new curriculum this year from Ascension Press that can be accessed online
Remaining First Communion Prep Schedule
- First Communion Church Tour: Make-up: Tuesday, March 31 @ 3:30 - 5:00 PM
- First Communion Retreat: Sunday, April 12th @ 12:35 (after 11:30 AM Mass) - 2 PM
| Mar. 15th - Lesson 5.2 at home |
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| Mar. 22nd - Lesson 6.1 in person |
| Mar. 29th - In Person *Holy Week Special |
| Apr. 5 - Easter - Lesson 6.2 At home by Apr 12 |
| Apr. 12th - FIRST COMMUNION RETREAT |
First Communion Masses:
Sat. May 2nd @ 4:00 PM - Immaculate Conception Church
Sun. May 3rd @ 11:30 AM - Immaculate Conception Church
Sat. May 9th @ 4:00 PM - Church of the Nativity
Sat. May 16th @ 4:00 PM - Immaculate Conception Church
Sun. May 17th @ 11:30 AM - Immaculate Conception Church
Sacrament of Confirmation (8th Grade)
Beginning two years ago, Confirmation in the Archdiocese has moved from 10th/11th Grade to 8th Grade. Our preparation program is now only 6-7 months long, featuring 10 sessions, generally every other week beginning in September. Because of this shorter process, please keep in mind that we require previous faith formation leading up to Confirmation prep.
If your child has not been confirmed and is now in high school, please connect with me as we will hold separate classes for older teens and young adults. If your 8th grader has not received faith formation in recent years, we usually will place them with 7th graders so they can get a "foundation" before Confirmation preparation
