“Faith Formation” is a broad term that applies to a variety of parish events & programs that attempt to deepen our parishioners’ relationship with God and knowledge of the Catholic Faith. We work with fellow-parishioners to create and maintain such programs /events. If you are interested in learning more about one or more of our programs or are willing to volunteer in any way with one of them, please do not hesitate to contact our Faith Formation Director, John McMahon, at (802)878-5331, ext. 202 or [email protected].

Essex Catholic Community Faith Formation 2023-2024

Dear Parents /Guardians,

Hello! In case we have not met before, my name is John McMahon and I am the Faith Formation Director for Holy Family /St. Lawrence & St. Pius X parishes (HFSL & SPX). Emma Goff (our virtual assistant) & I are excited to begin preparations for the 2023-2024 Faith Formation year in our community! This email will provide an overview of classes and a Registration form for the 2023-24 Faith Formation Program. See below for each program description, calendars, and more.

Registration for our program (grades 1-6) is open
Register Here

Please register now so we can effectively finish up our remaining planning work (like textbook orders & such). Youth Ministry (for post-Confirmation youth) as well as Adult programming will be coming soon -stay tuned for those details. 

Critical Information for Grades 1-6:

• Our life as a Church is centered around community and, most importantly, our Sunday worship of the Liturgy. Therefore, it is extremely important that you role model for them the value of regular Mass attendance.
• Sacramental preparation for Eucharist (& Reconciliation) encompasses grades 1-2.
• Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation spans Grade 6 & presumes successful completion of Catechism spanning grades 1-5.
• Second & Sixth grade students are required to submit a copy of their Baptismal Certificate to complete the registration process –this requirement applies to all children (even children that have been baptized here).
• Tuition is the same for all grades --$45 per child, with a family max of $120
• Scholarships are always available -so just ask John or Emma if your family needs assistance.

Thank you for partnering with us & our faith community as we work to grow a profound love for Jesus Christ & for his Church in your child /children.
The peace of Christ be with you,
Emma & John 

• Parents /Guardians should attend this event with their children.

• This first “class” will consist of a special family brunch & orientation with Mass to follow.
• Families will meet their grade level catechists, see their classroom, get all final materials (textbooks & such), & receive a blessing at Mass for the year ahead. Please make sure to join us for this important first day!

Students who are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will participate in a weekly program specifically in preparing for their sacramental understanding. 

 Sundays 9:30am - 10:45am at Holy Family Parish Hall (starts September 10) see above for details


Register Here Google Drive with Documents for 2023-2024Download the Schedule here

meets Monthly from 6:30-8:00 PM at St. Pius X 
More information for the 2023-2034 programs coming soon!


Contact John McMahon at [email protected] or call him at 802-878-5331 x 202.

All high school youth are invited to gatherings with food, games, and discussion
every other Sunday night 5:00-8pm at St. Pius X.

The “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” is the Church’s process of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church via the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, & Eucharist. RCIA is ideal for:

For more information please contact John McMahon at [email protected] or call him at 802-878-5331 x 202.

• Serve Our Neighbor Day Events (Fall & Spring)
• ALO: Catholic Mom’s Group
• Faith In Action Group
• Advent & Lenten Parish Missions
• ECC Engage
• Men's Group
• Bible Studies

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) formulated a document in 2002 entitled: "The Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People." The purpose of the document was to set guidelines as to how best go about keeping our children & youth safe while on our parish grounds and attending parish functions. The Diocese of Burlington has worked hard to implement these mandates. For parish-based religious education programs such as at St. Pius X, the following requirements must be met: 

Specific Requirements for Every Individual that Works with Children /Youth:

• Read & adhere to the Adult Code of Conduct
• Criminal Background Check
• Virtus training completed (3 hours) (must be over 18 yr. to attend)
• Registered with Virtus Online & continuing education up to date

• Virtus trainings required for catechists /recommended for all parents
• Mailings detailing safety principals for families
• Safe Environment Classes
• Code of Conduct for Children & Youth 
• Install /update an educational billboard of Virtus materials
• Locks installed on inside doors to further secure our parish grounds
• Sign in /out policy for all R.E. & V.B.S. kids
• Permission slips required for minors involved in any extracurricular parish event
• Photography release needed before posting any picture on website or parish social media

As as parish staff, ensuring the safety of our children continues to be one of our top priorities. We are happy to report that our parish has been fully compliance with the mandates of the Charter continually for years. Our parish’s Safe Environment Program for Children & Youth strives to create a culture of safety by educating all concerned parties. Just as “it takes a community to raise a child” so too does it take a community to protect our children. We continue to require your active support in order to make our parish community as safe for our children as it could and should be. 

If you suspect a minor (person under 18 years of age) has been abused or neglected or if a minor has told you that he or she has been abused or neglected, make a report to local law enforcement or call the Vermont Department for Children and Families at 1-800-649-5285. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may report anonymously. 

If a child is in immediate danger of harm, dial 911. Follow up by making a report to DCF.

more informaiton can be found on the diocescan website here: https://www.vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/protecting-our-children/

Safety Letter  Code of Conduct  Circle of Grace