SPARK
Year 1 of Sacrament Preparation

The First Step
My child belongs in SPARK if...

• My child is 6-8 years old AND in grades 1-3
• My family is registered in our parish
• I deem my child ready to participate in this first foundational year of sacrament preparation
• My child and I will join a peer weekly faith formation group at one of our 4 churches

The Second Step
Registration

• Click the description/registration link on this page to review the SPARK options and to complete the simple form (you will receive confirmation that your form has been received by our Faith Formation Office)
• If your child was baptized outside of our parish, please submit a copy of her/his Baptismal certificate to our office or scan/email to Kim.lovett@portlanddiocese.org
• Review these 2 forms; complete and return them by the end of the SPARK year
  • Sponsor Declaration Form
  • Sacrament Information Sheet

The Third Step 
What is my active role as parent or guardian?

• Attend a SPARK orientation session (date TBD)
• Worship at Mass regularly
• Participate in FIRE, from Sept to May, with your child (adults may include parents, guardians, godparents/sponsors, grandparents, older siblings, other relatives & friends)
• Help your child learn her/his prayers, concepts, and guide words (provided by us)
• Pray often with your child
• Read Bible stories to your child (find Bible stories at each church)
• Share your own stories of faith
• Share your own time-honored Catholic traditions or begin new ones

The Fourth Step 
Information, Resources & Links

• Attend monthly family religious education sessions (FIRE).
• Flash card rings with key SPARK words, concepts, prayers will be provided to each child by our Faith Formation staff.
• Go to pothe.formed.org to create your free log-in on our parish digital platform (Our own Catholic Netflix!). Explore and view all the resources available for all ages, including sacrament-related videos.