Faith Formation -
Click here for latest Faith Formation News Click here for the Religious Education Calendar for 2007 - 2008
Sheryl Petyon, 684.6098 ext. 302
Religious Education and Faith Formation help persons of all ages come to know, to love, and to serve God as revealed in Jesus Christ. The aim of our program is to help persons grow in Christian faith so that they may respond to the message of revelation in an authentic and personal way. We foster a Catholic-Christian identity that gives perspective and unity to the many activities in which each engages. Faith Formation continues from the cradle to the grave; the nurturing and growing never cease; the generations have much to share with each other.
The love of God is experienced through warm and caring relationships in home, church and community. Knowledge about God, our Biblical heritage and the teaching traditions of the Church are presented at appropriate stages in each person’s development. Through a developing process of relationships, instruction and involvement, Catholic Faith is nurtured. There are many opportunities to volunteer your gifts in Faith Formation.
Education Commission Member
The Education Commission advises the Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister on programs, processes, schedules and classes in line with an overall vision provided by the pastor and the Parish Pastoral Council. Qualities needed: A concern for all members of the community and their needs, ability to listen to others and to articulate and advocate for the needs of the community. The Education Commission meets the second Monday of the month from 7-9 pm in the St. Clare Room.
Bible Study Group
Various group Bible studies and special presentations occur throughout the year. Upcoming study groups are posted in the weekly bulletin or can be located by calling the church office. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and grow spiritually.
Adult Education
Adult Faith Formation Catechist must be an active practicing Catholic who is well versed in the teachings of the Catholic Church on whatever topic they are presenting. Qualities that would be helpful in this ministry include the willingness to engage others in delving more deeply into their faith traditions and in applying what the Church teaches to their lives today. If you have an expertise or an interest in a particular subject, please note that on your volunteer form. There are opportunities to plug into existing programs as well as the need for individuals who are willing to take adults through a particular program or study.
Catechist/Assistant/Substitute
Catechists prepare for and teach pre-K through 5th grades. This includes a commitment to training, Catechist meetings (4 per year), and continuing education. Classes are either Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm or Sundays 9:45-10:45 am. Assistants help catechists, and attend training and catechists meetings. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis and are required to attend some training.
Library Volunteer
Library Volunteers process new books, put labels and pockets on books, shelve books and maintain the collections in the library. Once volunteers are trained, they come and do tasks when most convenient for them. Currently we have a small group of volunteers coming in on Thursday mornings to work together, but volunteering can happen any time the building is open. If you have a particular interest or expertise, please let us know.
R.C.I.A. Team Member
Rite of Christian Initiation Volunteer – the Christian initiation process is an opportunity to help those who are considering becoming Catholic. Volunteer positions include: Sponsors, Prayer Partners and Inquiry Team. These positions vary greatly in their purposes and the time commitments required.
R.C.I.A. Sponsor and Mentors
The qualities needed for being a good sponsor/mentor include the ability to listen and empathize with another person’s journey; an active personal participation in the life of the church, the willingness to share one’s own personal faith journey and a desire to continue to grow in one’s own faith. Sponsors/mentors are companions on the faith journey for those coming into the Church. Sponsors are asked to attend class sessions with their candidate. They are also to the candidate during special rites. The duration of their commitment is open-ended to some extent. While some candidates do come into the Church within a year, others will take several years. The sponsor/mentor is asked to stay with the candidate for as long as it takes for them to either join the Church or decide not to do so.
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