“Let us then, go beyond the initial teaching about Christ and advance to maturity.”
Hebrews 6:1
This ministry provides sacramental preparation for those adults who have never been confirmed. The 2 hour sessions are offered once a week for four consecutive weeks. Since those requesting Confirmation are practicing Catholics, the sessions are a review of what was learned in their early years of faith formation.
Sessions include a review of the Sacraments, especially those of Initiation: the Trinity; Fruits & Gifts of the Holy Spirit; the Blessed Virgin Mary; Angels; Communion of Saints; Four Marks & Precepts of the Church; Adam & Eve; 7 Deadly Sins & their Opposing Virtues; Four Last Things; the Magisterium; Modern Day Heresies; Justice Church & Catholic Social Teaching; and the Works of Mercy (Spiritual & Corporal.)
Adult Confirmands are confirmed at the same time that the youth of the Parish are confirmed.
“I solemnly assure, no one can enter into God’s Kingdom without being begotten of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
Baptismal instructions are scheduled eight times a year. Upon calling the parish office, parents are sent a Baptismal Information Form and schedule. Parents are required to attend three group sessions at the Pastoral Life Center Meeting Room from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on scheduled Thursdays. Godparents are strongly encouraged to also attend three group sessions. Baptismal materials and a video are used to develop an understanding of their roles in relation to the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptisms are celebrated at Sunday Mass. At that time, the congregation welcomes the child into the parish community. (Children, seven years and older prepare for Baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.)
“Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20
The purpose of this religious education program is faith formation for children grades kindergarten through eighth. In-service and supervision is given to volunteers who have a love for children and a love for the Christian community and a desire to pass on a love for our faith.
“Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me.” Psalm 25:4-5
Vatican II expressed the need for “liturgical adaptation for children.” While the main Assembly is experiencing and participating in Liturgy of the Word, children 3 to 10 years go to a designated area to experience and participate in Liturgy of the Word on their own level, which is intended to provide better understanding and meaning for them. This is in the spirit of Vatican II’s call for more participation in the Liturgy by everyone. The Reading, Responsorial Psalm, and Gospel are contained in the Lectionary for Masses with Children which is presented to them as they are sent forth and blessed by Father.
The children may do a simple project to help them internalize the message. Liturgy of the Word for Children is a worship experience. It is not a class, not CCD or Religious Education and is experienced in the context of a whole and complete Mass. The children return to the main Assembly for Liturgy of the Eucharist. Liturgy of the Word for Children takes place during the 8:15 am and 10:15 am Sunday Masses.
Training is provided for parents or anyone who would be interested in participating in this Ministry.
“My prayer is that your sharing of the faith with others may enable you to know all the good which is ours in Christ. I find great joy and comfort in your love, because through you the hearts of God’s people have been refreshed.”
Philemon 1:6-7
R.C.I.A. is a program which serves to guide people in their journey through faith into the Catholic Church. R.C.I.A. is offered once a year between September and Easter. Classes are held each week. Volunteers are needed to serve as sponsors.
The R.C.I.A. program of the Catholic Church is oriented towards those who are searching and inquiring about the Catholic Faith. While this program is oriented for adults, it accepts teenagers who are mature enough to participate in the process.
Through R.C.I.A., the Catholic Church extends an invitation to those who are not associated with a community of faith and who wish to become Catholics, those who want to convert to Catholicism from another faith and allowing them a process to become baptized into the Church, and those who want to learn about the Catholic faith. These individuals may be involved in interfaith marriages or are actively involved in a church of a different denomination and want to learn more about Catholicism in the spirit of ecumenism.
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” Galatians 5:22
The purpose of this program it to prepare students between grades 9 & 12 to confirm their Catholic Faith and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.