Lifelong Formation/Education

Chairperson:

The Lifelong Formation / Education Coordinating Committee is dedicated to providing life-long Catholic religious education and faith enrichment opportunities for our parish community. Formation of our Catholic faith begins in early childhood, but all ages hunger for ways to deepen their faith within the context of the church, family, and society.

Adult Faith Formation

Chairperson: Paula Silliman

Provides opportunities for adults to enrich and grow in their faith, spirituality and relationships through Bible Studies, small group faith sharing, reflection days as well as retreats, resource materials, speakers and other forums.  Needed are hospitality persons.

O.C.I.A.

Chairperson: Paula Silliman

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process of the Catholic Church to initiate new members into the faith. Beginning with an Inquiry phase any person from the age of reason (7 yrs.) to adult who is interested in becoming Catholic may attend weekly sessions on various aspects of the faith. Sessions include sharing stories of faith, breaking open the Word, and learning the teachings and practices of Catholicism. The unbaptized (Catechumens) and those baptized as Christians (candidates) are presented to the parish through the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. After consenting to become Catholic at the Rite of Election they are then brought into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil. Needed are active adult Catholics who are willing to be sponsors.

 

Children’s Faith Formation (Religious Education)

Chairperson: Lauren Battcher

Provides religious education to students grades K-8 and prepares students for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings September through May.  Needed are catechists and aides to teach in the classroom. Training and materials are provided. Also needed are office/lobby helpers to assist the Parish Catechetical Leader with various duties and parking lot volunteers to assist in the safe loading and unloading of students each Wednesday.  Substitute teacher volunteers who can fill in as a backup are appreciated.

Children’s Church

Chairperson: Lauren Battcher

Children’s Church is offered for children in grades Kindergarten – 3rd grade during the 9:00am and 11:00am masses.  Children are dismissed with an adult leader before the Liturgy of the Word through the Offertory to hear and discuss the readings on their level. Adult and teen leaders are needed to dismiss with the children and share God’s Word.

SFX High School Youth Group

Chairperson: Dave Richardson

Youth Ministry program that is open to all high school aged youth. We meet on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for food, fun, and faith. Come encounter Christ through community, learning, service and friendship.

Vacation Bible School

Chairperson: Lauren Battcher

A fun, faith-filled week held in June for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. Enjoy arts & crafts, games, skits, daily Bible lessons, refreshments and music for the selected theme.  Needed are adult and teen volunteers willing to assist in a variety of areas including arts & crafts, games, skits, hospitality, refreshments, decorations, storytelling, and music.

Baptismal Prep Program

Chairperson: Paula Silliman

The first-time parents of children and the godparents are required to attend a Baptismal Prep program called REBORN. This 4 part program includes a video presentation about the Sacrament of Baptism, the responsibilities of parents and godparents and the rite itself. Participant materials include discussion questions about each segment of the program.

Companion (Sponsor) Couple Program

Chairperson: Fr. Dale Cieslik

A marriage preparation program where trained couples, who have been married at least five years, meet with engaged couples to share their personal experience of Christian marriage through a one-couple to one-couple approach prior to their wedding day.

Respect Life

Chairperson: Mary Bleemel

Committed to promoting a renewed respect of human life from conception to natural death through prayer, action, and involvement. Volunteers are needed in May/June to help with the annual Mother’s Day rose sale and distribution/collection of the baby bottles used to seek donations for the Little Way Pregnancy Resource Center, a non-profit organization, offering free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, education and loving care to those facing unplanned pregnancies.

Women’s Retreat Team

Chairperson: Paula Silliman

A women’s retreat is offered biannually with the Archdiocesan Women’s Conference offered in the year we do not host a retreat.

Men’s Retreat

Chairperson: Deacon Earl Baker

Plans and organizes an annual retreat for men of the parish generally held during the Lenten season.