St. Michael the Archangel Church

Christian Formation

The Christian Formation Commission oversees programs that are focused on the sharing of the faith. St. Michael's offers programs for all ages, ranging from our parish school, a half-day preschool program, religious education for children, youth ministry programs, as well as a very active adult faith committee.

God's Little People Pre-School

Our parish pre-school, God's Little People, is for children ages three and four.  It operates September thru May offering morning and afternoon sessions. The goal of the program is to reach the individual child providing for their academic, social, and emotional formation within a spiritual environment.  GLP comforms to the State of Maryland Child Compliance regulations.  It is in its 29th year of operation.  Contact the Religious Education Office @ 410-665-1054, ext. 101 for tuition and registration information or email us. 

Children's Faith Formation - Grades K-8

The goal of our Faith Formation Program is to systematically present the Catholic faith to our young people through instruction, worship experiences, and service opportunities. Classes are scheduled weekly from mid-September through the end of April.

Volunteer catechists undergo screening and reference checks. They continuously are offered formation workshops and spiritual opportunities leading to various levels of certification in accord with Archdiocesan guidelines.

Parents are encouraged to be classroom assistants or to offer to become catechists. To volunteer call 410-665-1054, ext. 101 or email us.

Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

At the second grade level students are invited to begin preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The pre-requisite is that the child must have first completed a full year in a Catholic school or a parish faith formation program. Preparation includes a parent meeting with instructions and materials to be used at home in conjunction with classroom instruction and a parent/student workshop for each sacrament.

First Reconciliation is received in February of each year and First Eucharist is received during the Easter season.

Children's Catechumenate

Children of any age, who have not received Baptism and Eucharist, are eligible for special instruction to prepare them for these sacraments. Arrangements are made on an individual basis. This may take place as individual instruction or small group instruction.

Confirmation Preparation

At the eighth grade level and beyond, students are invited to prepare for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation. The pre-requisite is that they have completed at least one full year in a Catholic school or a parish faith formation program. All students attend a series of evening classes, as well as engage in service, youth activities, and a one-day retreat. Sponsors (or another responsible adult, if the sponsor lives at a distance) accompany the candidates to class. 


Youth Ministry

Youth ministry opportunities are offered for young people of the parish in middle school and high school. These include social, spiritual, and service opportunities. The students and their parents are an essential part of the planning process and parents are encouraged to serve as volunteers and chaperones for all activities.

Interested youth should call 410-665-1054, ext. 104 or email us.

Christian Initation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Education for Adults is a process of formation for any adult who wishes to become a full participating member of the Catholic Church. This may be someone never Baptized; someone Baptized in another denomination; or a Baptized Catholic who had no formal instruction in the faith. Classes, rituals, and mentoring occur from October thru Easter, when all sacraments are received at the Easter Vigil celebration. There are some follow-up classes after Easter.


Adult Faith Opportunities

St. Michael's has a very active Adult Faith Committee. Each year a number of programs are offered, including parish missions, Bible studies, retreat days, evenings of reflection, small group events, and talks on a variety of topics related to the Catholic faith.

Marriage Preparation (Sponsor Couple)

Marriage Preparation - Sponsor Couple Program

One method of preparing for the sacrament of Marriage is thru the Sponsor Couple Program. After meeting with a priest or deacon, the engaged couple may choose to be assigned to a trained sponsor couple. They will meet with this couple at four or five mutually convenient times to cover the preparation topics. This process offers flexibility in scheduling and creates a friendly and personal contact with an active parish couple.

Registration for this process is done through the clergy in conjunction with the Religious Education Office.

Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults

St. Michael's is in full compliance with Archdiocesan policies on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All employees undergo a criminal background check, must complete the STAND program, and read and sign the Code of Conduct booklet. They are also be required participate in regular updating.

All volunteers who have contact with parish children through the various ministries and services complete a volunteer covenant form. They must supply references that are checked, must also view the STAND video and read / sign the Code of Conduct booklet. Regular updating is also required.

St. Michael the Archangel School

St. Michael the Archangel School offers a Catholic education to children in Grade Pre-K(4) through Grade 8. We are very proud of our parish school. Further information may be found by clicking here.