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:

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.

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

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

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

Vacation Bible School Volunteer
Assist as a small group leader or as a station leader in the early June VBS program for children. Must be 6th grade or older.

Youth Ministry Adult Mentor
Make a difference in the lives of high school students in a small group setting, utilizing the YDisciple Outreach Program. Groups meet 2 to 4 times monthly. Training is provided.

Youth Ministry Spiritual Support 
Offer daily prayers for the youth and youth programs of our parish.

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

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

Young Adults Gatherings 
For ages 21-40. Gatherings are held several times a year with a formative and social component. Talks given at gatherings are meant to give a greater depth of knowledge of the Catholic faith. Childcare provided for those with children ages 1 through grade school.

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

Monday Evening Bible Study 
Meets from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. A variety of 8-to-10-week Ascension Press bible studies are utilized. Open to everyone in the parish and is facilitated by a parishioner.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study for Women
Begins after the 8:00 AM Mass to 10:30 AM. A variety of bible studies produced by Ascension Press will be offered. This study is open only to women and is facilitated by a parishioner.

Mother’s Book Study 
This book study meets twice a month from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday morning.