Our Religious Education & Formation Programs facilitate a relationship between our youth and God, guiding them and building them up as he did for his disciples: through prayer and instruction, showing them how to live, and through the handing on of his mission to their care.
The youth want to know why? Why do we pray? Why do we seek God? Why do we believe he exists and why do we place our complete trust in HIM, a person we can't see?
We do not fear the tough questions, we embrace them. Rooted in seeking truth and wisdom, our Programs seek to help our youth find the answers to their tough questions.
The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes are at the foundation of the Christian Life. At the peak of their wisdom is the universal call to "Love the Lord your God, and your neighbor as yourself."
We strive to reveal this beauty to our students through the Church's teachings and the witness of our lives.
According to the “National Directory for Catechesis,” the fundamental task of catechesis is the formation of disciples of Jesus Christ. “Jesus instructed his disciples; he prayed with them; he showed them how to live; and he gave them his mission….” Faith must be celebrated, lived and expressed in prayer.
Religious education and faith formation at St. Elizabeth Seton are based on this model of catechesis. Classes are available for children from age 3 through high school. The presentations are based on the curriculum of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. They also include experiences that reinforce the instruction and relate to life experiences. It is expected that children participate in both religious education/formation and Sunday Mass.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is for children ages 4-7. They will be invited to participate during the Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass on those Sundays that Religious Education is scheduled during the school year. No registration is required. Children will be dismissed from the assembly after the opening prayer and will return during the Presentation of Gifts.
For more information, contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045, ext. 3113.
Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Children ages 3-5 use the “Allelu!” textbook series published by Our Sunday Visitor.
CLICK HERE FOR 2025-2026 3'S TEXTBOOK SCHEDULE
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For more information, contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045, ext. 3113.
Kindergarten, First, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade use the textbook series Word of Life by Augustine Institute.
Second Grade uses the Renewed and Received textbooks by Ascension Press.
Kindergarten Textbook Schedule
Second Grade Textbook Schedule
Fourth Grade Textbook Schedule
For more information, contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045, ext. 3113.
Grades 6 & 7 – Middle School Youth Group
Wednesday afternoons - 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Sunday mornings - 10:45 to 11:45am
Middle School Youth Ministry utilizes both small group and large group methods to break open the Catholic Faith beyond what they have learned in the past. Fostering personal relationships with our Lord and Savior alongside talks, socializing, games, and community encompass the middle school youth faith formation experience.
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For more information please call 317-816-0045.
High School Youth Group (Seton Hall)
Sunday evenings, 7-8:00 p.m.
As part of the faith formation team at St. Elizabeth Seton, our youth ministry program seeks to form disciples of Christ and his Church. This encompasses opportunities for prayer, sacraments, service, retreats and fellowship. The program is open to any high school student in grades 9-12. Retreats, scripture study, weekly fellowship, social activities, service—join us for one or join us for them all! Meetings take place on Sunday evenings from 7-8:00 p.m.
Additional retreats, spiritual, service and social opportunities take place throughout the year. An updated calendar for high school youth ministry will be available in the fall.
For more information please call 317-816-0045.
The “National Directory for Catechesis” states: “We are a single flock under the care of a single shepherd. There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities, especially children, are particularly beloved of the Lord and are integral members of the Christian Community. They include those with cognitive disabilities, those with developmental disabilities, those with learning disabilities, the emotionally disturbed, persons with physical disabilities, the hard of hearing, the deaf, the visually impaired, the blind and others. All persons with disabilities have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be living witnesses to its truth within the Christian community of faith and offer valuable gifts. Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church life. They are not just the recipients of catechesis—they are also its agents.” (49).
The staff of St. Elizabeth Seton encourages parents of children with special needs to enroll their children in religious education. The parents and staff will work together to find the most appropriate setting for catechesis for each child. Possibilities include participation in the grade level classroom, the assistance of an instructional assistant, small group instruction, and individual instruction.
The Religious Formation Program at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church relies on the generosity of time and talent from volunteer catechists. Each year, over 100 catechists are needed. Two catechists are assigned to each classroom which may have as many as 20 children.
Orientation sessions are scheduled at the beginning of the year to provide information and guidance to volunteers.
All those who volunteer with children in any capacity are required to complete an online Safe & Sacred training course once every three years.
Learn more about Safe & Sacred
Catechist formation sessions are held throughout the year to provide formation opportunities for all catechists on their own personal faith journeys.
Catechists for children ages 3 through Pre-Kindergarten provide formation for all children attending the 9:30am Mass. Ideal catechists for this group would be individuals who do not have preschool-age children, so that parents are able to attend Mass with their families during class time.
For more information, contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045, ext. 3113.
Formation sessions for Grades K-5 are offered on:
Sundays from 10:45am - 11:45am
Wednesdays from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Catechists are encouraged to remain in the same grade level each year to gain experience and expertise in the curriculum.
An elementary catechist advisory board includes two lead catechists from each grade level who provide a syllabus and coordinate lesson plans for the grade level. This encourages collaboration among those who teach each grade and provides a consistent experience for all children.
For more information, contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045, ext. 3113.
Formation sessions for grades 6-7 are held on:
Sunday mornings at 10:45am
Wednesday afternoons at 4:30pm
Formation for grades 9-12 is held on Sundays from 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Substitute catechists are required when a regular catechist is unable to attend.
Vacation Bible School is a week long summer program that gives children a Catholic experience of community, service and faith. See Vacation Bible School page for more information.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING
Please contact Kristen Swift at 317-816-0045 ext. 113 with any questions.