Christ the King Family & Faith Formation
Hello, and welcome to the Family & Faith Formation page!
Our ministry serves the “littles” of our parish, all the way up through young adults and young families.
We want to be a one-stop-shop for you and your family; a place where you can find everything you need and want from a spiritual community. If we fulfill our vision, our ministry will be a place for every family to grow in their relationship with Christ, the King.
We look forward to walking with you!
Our Ministries
Navigation: Click the icons below to view each ministry by life stage. It designed to make it as easy as possible for you to see the fullness of offerings for each group.
Littles Ages 1-5
Faith Formation Classes
Children Grades 1-6
Youth Sacraments
MS Youth Grades 7-8
Volunteer Opportunities
HS Youth Grades 9-12
Family & Faith Formation Ministry Team
Young Family Ministry
Our Discipleship Pathway
Stay Connected
Quarterly Newsletters and Event Updates
Parish Instagram
Parish Facebook
Littles
The littles are our youngest age group at the parish. We cherish our littles and their expressions of “wonder and awe” as they come to know Jesus’ love for them, and love him in return. Our Littles Ministry is also a way to support our parents during the joys and struggles of early parenthood.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is part of the Summer’s “Week You Don’t Want to Miss” along with CTK FAST. VBS is for potty-trained three-year olds through rising fourth grade students and offers a four-day, fun, high-energy immersion into the Catholic faith and our parish community. Song and dance, crafts, games, and Bible story time help convey the week’s central message through a yearly theme! This week is made entirely possible by dedicated adult and high school volunteers, who run the activities and stations. VBS is coordinated by the St. Anne Ministry at our parish. Dates will typically be published under parish events in the Spring.
“CTK Littles”
CTK Littles is our re-branded PKFF (Pre-K and Kinder Faith Formation) program. It is offered on Sunday mornings, September-April, during the 9:30am Mass for potty-trained 3-year olds through kinder students. This program is for ALL, regardless of where your child attends school. CTK Littles is a time for our precious little ones to be introduced to a weekly “bite-sized” Gospel message, while making friends we hope they will have forever! Your children will have a chance to sing, listen to the Bible, and bring home a fun craft for mom and dad. Speaking of mom and dad... CTK Littles isn’t just for the kids! CTK Littles makes it easier for parents to focus while at Mass. The program is made entirely possible by adult and middle/high school volunteers, who come as regularly as possible to run the classes and get to know the kids by name! See “Volunteer Opportunities” for more information.
children
We know that children hold a special place in the Lord’s heart. Our Children’s Ministry seeks to ensure that they have a place and a home within our parish to learn about their faith, make friends, and be themselves. Our ministry encourages parents to foster the sacramental life of their children by making it a priority to attend Mass on the weekends and planning to bring their families to Reconciliation. “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is part of the Summer’s “Week You Don’t Want to Miss” along with CTK FAST. VBS is for potty-trained 3-year olds through rising fourth grade students and offers a four-day, fun, high-energy immersion into the Catholic faith and our parish community. Song and dance, crafts, games, and Bible story time help convey the week’s central message through a yearly theme! This week is made entirely possible by dedicated adult and high school volunteers, who run the activities and stations. VBS is coordinated by the St. Anne Ministry at our parish. Dates will typically be published under parish events in the Spring.
CTK FAST
CTK FAST is part of the Summer’s “Week You Don’t Want to Miss” along with Vacation Bible School. This “Faith And Service Tour” was designed to offer rising fifth through eighth graders a tactical experience putting Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching into action. After receiving a brief teaching and training at the parish, students travel to various charities around the Dallas area to serve. Some locations have included St. Joseph’s Residence, Catholic Charities, White Rock Lake, and Brother Bill’s Food Distribution Center. Dates will typically be published under parish events in the Spring.
Altar Serving
Altar Serving is a liturgical role during the Mass that provides support for the priest and deacon. At our parish, one can start altar serving in the 4th grade (with training as early as the Spring of 3rd grade) and continue through high school. Learn more HERE.
Trainings for Altar Serving take place on a monthly basis.
Volunteer Opportunities
Service is our faith in action. The Family & Faith Formation Ministry makes a point to provide regular service opportunities for our young people and families in hopes that they will experience working with a particular group of people or organizing that sparks a life-long passion in them. Please contact a member of our team if you are interested in serving to see options.
1-6 Faith Formation
Faith Formation for Grades 1-6 is an opportunity for the children in our parish who do not attend the school to receive catechesis, or Catholic education. Our catechists, or teachers, work hard to know your children’s names, prepare engaging lessons, and connect them with Jesus so that they grow up excited to be Catholic. We prioritize offering your children as much time in the physical church building as possible for tactical experiences such as exploring the church and sacramentals through the senses.
Middle School Youth
Our middle school youth are integrating the worldview offered by the Church with their lived experience among their family, schoolmates, and peers. They are making sense of a broken world, the reality of suffering, and challenging teachings. At the same time, they are a gift to our community as they act in compassion toward one another and share their gifts to accomplish good. Our ministry seeks to be radically present to our young people. We offer them the Good News of the Gospel and encourage them to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit as they think critically about their own beliefs and consider their relationship with Jesus and the Church.
CTK FAST
CTK FAST is part of the Summer’s “Week You Don’t Want to Miss” along with Vacation Bible School. This “Faith And Service Tour” was designed to offer rising fifth through eighth graders a tactical experience putting Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching into action. After receiving a brief teaching and training at the parish, students travel to various charities around the Dallas area to serve. Some locations have included St. Joseph’s Residence, Catholic Charities, White Rock Lake, and Brother Bill’s Food Distribution Center. Dates will typically be published under parish events in the Spring.
Youth Family of Faith
Youth Family of Faith Safe Environment is a program that was developed in house at CTK as "Safe Environment” training for young people. It aims to equip them to behave appropriately with others in person and through technology, as well as to recognize/ respond to inappropriate behavior. Our larger youth volunteer efforts will require teens to attend Youth Family of Faith before participating in the service opportunity. Confirmation students have an opportunity to attend training during their scheduled formation.
The program is a two-hour training hosted by the Safe Environment Director and Coordinator of Youth Ministry and held at periodic intervals throughout the year.
Altar Serving
Altar Serving is a liturgical role during the Mass that provides support for the priest and deacon. At our parish, one can start altar serving in the fourth grade (with training as early as the Spring of third grade) and continue through high school. Learn more HERE.
Trainings for Altar Serving take place on a monthly basis.
Volunteer Opportunities
Service is our faith in action. The Family & Faith Formation Ministry makes a point to provide regular service opportunities for our young people and families in hopes that they will experience working with a particular group of people or organizing that sparks a life-long passion in them. Please contact a member of our team if you are interested in serving to see options.
7-8 Faith Formation
Grades 7-8 Faith Formation is dedicated to preparation for Confirmation for those in our parish that do not attend the school. More than just classes alone, our 7-8 Faith Formation offers a comprehensive two-year sacramental preparation process that includes retreat/conference experiences, participation in service activities, involvement in the service roles of the Mass, the selection of a Confirmation sponsor, and the choosing of a “Saint Name”. Students are encouraged in building their relationship with the Spirit and living a Spirit-lead life. CKS students are prepared through school.
High School Youth
Our high school students are taking ownership of their Catholic faith and relationship with Jesus in a manner that reflects their growing maturity. Their discipleship is evident in the expression of their faith: living in virtue, cultivating a daily prayer life, frequenting the sacraments, serving one another. Our ministry offers our high school young people leadership opportunities that form them into contributing members of our parish home and missionaries to their local communities outside of our parish.
Vacation Bible School Volunteers
Vacation Bible School is part of the Summer’s “Week You Don’t Want to Miss” along with CTK FAST. High school volunteers are a key part of the experience for our parish “littles”, who look up to the older kids. High school volunteers (current 9th through graduating seniors) greet our VBS participants as they’re dropped off; help them feel comfortable when they’re nervous; model participation by singing, dancing, and playing with the kids; assist in running activities and stations; and help with clean up and set up. It’s a great way to spend time with your friends, while simultaneously serving the church community. VBS is coordinated by the St. Anne Ministry at our parish, and the High School Youth Minister organizes the high school volunteers. Dates will typically be published under parish events in the Spring.
Youth Family of Faith
Youth Family of Faith Safe Environment is a program that was developed in house at CTK as "Safe Environment” training for young people.It aims to equip them to behave appropriately with others in person and through technology, as well as to recognize/ respond to inappropriate behavior. Our larger youth volunteer efforts will require teens to attend Youth Family of Faith before participating in the service opportunity. Confirmation students have an opportunity to attend training during their scheduled formation.
The program is a two-hour training hosted by the Safe Environment Director and Coordinator of Youth Ministry and held at periodic intervals throughout the year.
Altar Serving
Altar Serving is a liturgical role during the Mass that provides support for the priest and deacon. At our parish, one can start altar serving in the fourth grade (with training as early as the Spring of third grade) and continue through high school. Learn more HERE.
Trainings for Altar Serving take place on a monthly basis.
Volunteer Opportunities
Service is our faith in action. The Family & Faith Formation Ministry makes a point to provide regular service opportunities for our young people and families in hopes that they will experience working with a particular group of people or organizing that sparks a life-long passion in them. Please contact a member of our team if you are interested in serving to see options.
Conferences: DCYC & Lonestar
Conferences offer exposure to the larger Catholic Church in the Dallas and surrounding areas so teens can see just how many young, faithful Catholics there are. Both the February “Dallas Catholic Youth Conference”, hosted by the diocese, and Summer “Lonestar”, hosted by Lifeteen through the Steubenville Conferences, are phenomenally produced Catholic immersion experiences that we are blessed to have in our backyard. Compelling formation from national speakers, engaging worship lead by professional musicians, and high-energy activities with friends, and all lead toward reverent and personal encounters with Jesus in the sacraments.
Upper Room
Upper Room is our Sunday High School Youth Ministry gathering that takes place regularly from September through May for all 9th-12th graders, regardless of what school they attend. The Upper Room is a welcoming environment for teens who are serious about exploring their faith, are interested in making friends who are Catholic, and want to have a good time while doing both. The first 30 minutes is dedicated to dinner and socializing, which is followed by a brief talk and teaching, small group time, and often, an opportunity for prayer such a Eucharistic Adoration.
The Upper Room runs from 6-7:30pm in the Youth Room of the Community Center. View the Upper Room calendar HERE.
Josh Berkovsky
Program Coordinator
Summer Bible Study
While the Upper Room will take a pause throughout the Summer, we will offer Bible Study for incoming to graduating high school students. Please bring a Bible (we will use the New American Bible version) if you have one. Otherwise, we will provide one for you. The group meets in the Youth Room from 7-8 on Thursdays in the Summer. Contact the High School Youth Minister for more information.
Young Family Ministry
Our Young Family Ministry exists for families with children, littles through high school, as well as those hopeful to have children. Our ministry aims to support the “domestic church”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Ecclesia domestica” (CCC 1656).
Family Workshops
Family Workshops are designed so that the entire family can participate. Their purpose is to support the “domestic church” (family homes) by offering family-friendly activities that help them prepare for, celebrate, and participate in the liturgical year of the Church.
In the workshop, you will create something to bring back home that will support your family faith life.
Family Workshops are held four times a year. Information will be communicated via Parish Events.
Parent Talks
Raising children in the faith is an essential role of the parent, and we know it’s not an easy one! We don’t want you to worry that you “don’t know enough” about the faith to be a strong Catholic parent. Our Parent Talks combine basic theology with practical application to help you navigate parenting children of different ages.
Parent Talks are held four times a year. Information will be communicated via Parish Events.
Adult Education
Many of our parents thirst for knowledge of the faith. Knowing this, we have been offering Theology 101 on Sunday evenings at the parish during the school year. These sessions run concurrently with our Grades 1-8 Faith Formation. They’re open to all adults, whether you haven’t received any sort of formation since you were a child yourself or if you’re a theology junkie!
Theology 101 is run by our Director of Community of Life. Please contact Andrew Petiprin for schedule and topics.
We Are Growing!
We are growing, and we want you to be part of it! Every parish that is vibrant and thriving depends on parishioners responding to the Holy Spirit and getting involved in the parish community. If you are looking at our many ministry offerings and feeling drawn to support the leadership, we would love to find a place for you to contribute and serve. Furthermore, if you would like to explore the possibility of a new ministry initiative, we would love to discuss this with you. We believe that the Holy Spirit, through our Baptism, has called each of us to participate in his work. Our job is to help you discern that call in your life. Please contact Katie Aguilar, Pastoral Associate.
Faith Formation Classes
Faith Formation classes are offered for our parish children, grades 1-8, who do not attend our Christ the King School (CKS). Students who attend Catholic school receive religious education as part of their school curriculum.
Non-CKS children preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation are to register for Faith Formation classes.
1-6 Faith Formation
Faith Formation for Grades 1-6 is an opportunity for the children in our parish who do not attend the parish school to receive catechesis, or Catholic education. Our catechists, or teachers, work hard to know your children’s names, prepare engaging lessons, and connect them with Jesus so that they grow up excited to be Catholic. We prioritize offering your children as much time in the physical church building as possible for tactical experiences such as exploring the church and sacramentals through the senses. View the 1-6 Faith Formation Calendar HERE.
Heidi Warner
Program Coordinator
7-8 Faith Formation
Grades 7-8 Faith Formation is dedicated to preparation for Confirmation for those in our parish that do not attend the school. More than just classes alone, our 7-8 Faith Formation offers a comprehensive two-year sacramental preparation process that includes retreat/conference experiences, participation in service activities, involvement in the service roles of the Mass, the selection of a Confirmation sponsor, and the choosing of a “Saint Name”. Students are encouraged in building their relationship with the Spirit and living a Spirit-lead life. View the 7-8 Faith Formation Calendar HERE.
Charlotte Dooley
Program Coordinator
Confirmation Materials
Will be available by May 4 for the 2025-2026 Year
Youth Sacraments
The sacraments are beautiful expressions of God’s love for us and a vehicle of his grace. The Family & Faith Formation Ministry is particularly dedicated to supporting our families in making the “lifelong sacraments” foundational in their relationship with Jesus. As part of our ministry’s mission, we encourage our families to participate in frequent Reconciliation and Sunday (or Saturday Vigil) Mass on a weekly basis.
Sunday Mass
Frequent Reconciliation
Sacramental Preparation The Family & Faith Formation Ministry helps prepare the youth in our parish for their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation), as well as 1st Reconciliation. No matter where you are in your faith journey, we would love to help you take the next steps with the sacraments.
Please contact our Coordinator of Youth Sacraments, Charlotte Dooley, to discuss sacramental preparation!
Baptism
The Catholic Church practices infant Baptism, which is for those younger than the age of reason (which is typically considered seven years old). For those seven to eighteen years old who were not baptized as infants or were perhaps baptized into another faith tradition, the Coordinator of Youth Sacraments offers preparation for Baptism, or a “profession of faith”, on an individual or small group setting. The length of preparation is determined by the young person and family’s commitment to preparation and desire to join the Church. If you need to discuss pursuing Baptism, contact Charlotte Dooley, Coordinator of Youth Sacraments, to begin the conversation.
First Reconciliation & First Communion
Preparation for these sacraments often takes place in tandem, as First Communicants are asked to participate in Reconciliation in close proximity to their 1st Communion in order to receive the sacrament in a state of grace.
In our parish, First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation is a two-year process. This is a diocesan policy. Those who attend Christ the King school during first and second grade will receive preparation through Religion Class. Those who do not attend CKS are to register for regular Faith Formation starting in first grade, in order to receive 1st Reconciliation in winter of second grade and First Communion in Spring of second grade. We do not offer Reconciliation and Communion to those younger than the age of reason (seven).
If your child is older than first grade and they haven’t been involved in preparation yet, that’s okay! The Coordinator of Youth Sacraments will determine a preparation timeline and formation plan. We are excited to work with students of all ages. Contact Charlotte Dooley for more information.
Confirmation
In our parish, Confirmation preparation is a two-year process. This is a diocesan policy. Those who attend Christ the King school for seventh and eighth grade will receive preparation through Religion Class. Those who do not attend CKS are to register for regular Faith Formation starting in seventh grade, in order to receive Confirmation in the Spring of their eighth grade year.
If your child is older than seventh grade and hasn’t been involved in preparation yet, again, that’s okay! Contact Charlotte Dooley, the Coordinator of Youth Sacraments, to determine a preparation timeline and formation plan. High School youth preparing for Confirmation receive teaching from our High School Youth Minister and are asked to attend formation classes in addition to our Sunday high school gathering.
Interested in receiving the sacraments as an adult? Click here for more information on becoming Catholic.
Volunteer Opportunities
Jesus offers us a model of service that we seek to emulate through works of mercy. The Family & Faith Formation Ministry supports families in serving both our community at Christ the King, as well as the larger Dallas area.
Volunteer Opportunities for Youth
Volunteer Opportunities for middle school and high school that are offered by our parish are posted on our site, “Track it Foward” (New for the 2025-2026 school year). Students in Confirmation Preparation will be prompted to create a membership to the site in order to track their service hours, but others may view the site and sign up to volunteer without doing so. The site also offers a directory of places our parish frequently partners with for service opportunities. This is a good place to start if you are looking for more chances to serve!
Some regular Volunteer Opportunities offered by our include: Volunteering with “CTK Littles” from September through April, Christmas and Easter set up and take down in the Community Center, Train Delivery for Ronald McDonald fundraiser in January, CTK FAST for middle school & Vacation Bible School support for high school in the Summer, and year-round Altar Serving and coloring book assembly for Children’s Medical Center.
Please note: Some Volunteer Opportunities require participants to complete the “Youth Family of Faith” training offered by our parish. This training is a youth version of the Safe Environment training, as well as additional formation concerning our Code of Conduct.
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults
It is our belief that young people greatly benefit from the presence of faithful adult witnesses! We are so grateful to the adults who are generous with their time and talent to invest in our young people. Please read below for some of the regular opportunities to serve with the youth, our Safe Environment requirements for all adult volunteers, and how to get connected if you’d like to be made aware of volunteer opportunities as they arise.
Some regular service opportunities our parish offers include: Volunteering with “CTK Littles”, Volunteering with our 1-6 or 7-8 Faith Formation programs, volunteering with our Sunday high school program, CTK FAST, and Vacation Bible School.
Our Discipleship Pathway
We walk with families, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey, to develop the desire to dwell within the Kingdom of God through participation in Sunday Mass and frequent Reconciliation. This means that you can “come as you are” and find a safe place to land.
“Develop” - “Desire” - “Dwell” is language that we use to describe our Discipleship Pathway. A Discipleship Pathway is a (limited, but helpful!) tool to accompany one another closer to Jesus, modeled after Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. A Discipleship Pathway illustrates different “stages” in our relationship with God, which, of course, are often not linear. These distinctions can be helpful in directing you to ministries at the parish best suited to your particular needs in this particular season in your faith journey.
Develop
During the “develop” stage, we are developing our love, not just for our parish, but God as well. We also develop a curiosity for the teachings of the faith and develop relationships with other people who attend Christ the King.
Individuals in this stage are attending more parish social events and asking questions about their faith.
Desire
During the “desire” stage, we experience a strong desire for intimacy with Jesus, a desire the truth of Catholicism, a desire for authentic parish community.
Individuals in this stage pursue encounters with God by frequenting Mass & Reconciliation and committing to meaningful engagement at the parish.
Dwell
During the “dwell” stage, we are fully integrated into our parish. Christ the King is our home as they seek to serve other members of the community through leadership, volunteering, and service.
Individuals in this stage will accompany others so that they may develop the desire to dwell within the Kingdom of God as well.
Join our Community
We graciously welcome all new parishioners to Christ the King. Give of your “Time, Talent, and Treasure” by joining us for Mass, volunteering in our community, or personally visiting our church. Click here to get involved ⟶
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