Formation

FAITH FORMATION AT ST. ANNE


The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey

Faith formation is a lifelong journey, and our parish is dedicated to supporting families at every step. As the Diocese of Tulsa adopts the Restored Order model for the Sacraments, our parish preparation programs are actively transitioning to this framework to guide our young people into full initiation into the Church.


What is the Restored Order of the Sacraments?

For the first several centuries of the Church, the Sacraments of Christian Initiation were always celebrated in their theological sequence: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. In 1910, Pope St. Pius X lowered the age of First Holy Communion so children could receive the Eucharist sooner. Over time, this unintentionally shifted Confirmation to later in adolescence.


The Restored Order restores the original sequence, placing Confirmation before First Holy Communion. This honors the Holy Eucharist as the ultimate summit of Christian initiation, sealing young Catholics with the gift of the Holy Spirit before bringing them to the Lord's Table.


Sacramental Preparation & Youth Cohorts

We offer age-appropriate cohorts and comprehensive support for students in 2nd through 12th grade. Because Sacramental Preparation is a multi-year process, our programs blend both in-person gatherings and in-home content.


As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, parents are the primary educators and first heralds of the faith (CCC 2223, 2225). Because family catechesis precedes and enriches all parish instruction (CCC 2226), our programs are designed not to replace parent leadership, but to walk alongside and equip your family every step of the way.


The Domestic Church & The Role of Parents

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2223–2226) reminds us that the family home is the first and most vital place where faith comes alive:

  • First Heralds of the Faith: Parents are the primary teachers and first witnesses of God's love, introducing children to prayer and the faith from an early age (CCC 2223, 2225).
  • The Home as the Domestic Church: The family home provides the everyday environment where children learn virtue, forgiveness, service, and sound judgment (CCC 2224).
  • Family Catechesis First: Religious education at church doesn't replace the home—it enriches it! Family faith formation lays the foundation for a child's active participation in the parish and sacramental life (CCC 2226).


Faith Formation for Older Teens & Adults (OCIA)

Faith formation isn't just for children! For older teens and adults seeking to enter the Catholic Church, receive missing Sacraments, or explore the faith, we offer preparation through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).


Get Started Today!

Do not wait to enroll your child(ren) or get involved. Contact our team immediately to learn more or join an age-appropriate cohort!

  • For Children & Youth (Grades 2–12)
  • Email Tom Taylor at TTaylor@stanneba.org
  • For Older Teens & Adults (OCIA)
  • Email Deacon Kevin Malarkey at DeaconKevin@stanneba.org