Faith Formation Opportunities

In His last words to the apostles, Jesus gave them a mission:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."  (Mt 28:19-20)

Thus, the teaching mission of the Church comes from Christ himself. The responsibility for fulfilling that mandate passes on unchanged to the bishops and to all Catholics.

Within each Catholic diocese, the diocesan bishop is its principal teacher.  He is assisted by clergy, religious, and lay men and women who serve as educators and catechists in Catholic institutions, including elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, seminaries and parishes.

Catechesis is the act of handing on the Word of God intended to inform the faith community and candidates for initiation into the Church about the teachings of Christ transmitted by the Apostles.  It also involves the lifelong effort of forming people into witnesses to Christ and opening their hearts to the spiritual transformation given by the Holy Spirit.  

Opportunities to serve in the area of Faith Formation include:

YOUTH

Catechist 
Teach weekly classes to a group of 7 to 10 students in a classroom setting, mid-September through the end of April. Must be 18 years or older.

Classroom Aide 
Assist the catechist in the classroom. Must be 7th grade or older.

Substitute Catechist 
Fill in for catechists when they are unable to teach.

Assist with Prayer Testing 
Test children on prayers in hallway outside of classroom.

Hallway Monitor 
Monitor hallways during the session. Help catechists when needed.

Dinner/Reception Helper (Faith Formation only)
Set up, serve, and clean up for Faith Formation meals and receptions.

Children's Summer Series Leader/Helper
Assist as a leader for the children's summer series. Must be 6th grade or older.

YOUNG ADULTS

Beyond Belief: Millennial Conversations 
Gatherings with a formative and social component for young adults (ages 21 to 40). Gatherings are held throughout the year. Talks given at gatherings are meant to give a greater depth of knowledge of the Catholic faith. Childcare is provided for those with children ages 1 through grade school.

Childcare Helpers for Beyond Belief Gatherings 
Assist watching children while parents attend gatherings. For those high school age and older, the commitment is for two hours each gathering. Helpers serve with an adult supervisor.

The Branches
The Branches is a Catholic group for young adults in the Bismarck/Mandan area focused on building faith-centered community and fellowship. It is also a place for those interested to find bible study groups, men’s and women’s groups, ways to get involved in parish ministries, and more. They meet quarterly to celebrate Holy Mass, followed by a social. Games, food, and drinks are provided.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Adult Faith Formation Classes
For anyone interested to know more about our faith, whether you are already Catholic or considering becoming Catholic. Review basics such as the Trinity, the existence of God, understanding the Bible, and the Sacraments, as well as more complex topics like life and sexuality issues and Catholic social teaching. 

Monday Evening Bible Study 
We offer a variety of 8- to 10-week bible studies produced by Ascension Press. Open to everyone in the parish. Facilitated by a parishioner.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study for Women
A variety of bible studies produced by Ascension Press are offered. Open only to women and is facilitated by a parishioner.

Mother’s Book Study 
Meets twice a month on Monday or Thursday mornings and is facilitated by parishioners.

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (OCIA)

Sponsor 
Serve as a mentor in the Christian life for a non-Catholic desiring full reception into the Church. Attend OCIA sessions with candidate and be present at their Confirmation. Must be practicing Catholic who has been baptized, received the Eucharist and has been confirmed.

Hospitality 
Provide light snacks/baked goods for those attending OCIA classes Wednesday evening once a month.