FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS
Faith Formation
St. Mary strives to serve all ages, and so we enthusiastically invite parishioners in every season of life to commit to grow in faith and understanding through our programs. Register today!
Take a little time to read the program descriptions below (listed by age group) and then go to our registration page to sign up. We urge ALL ADULTS to register for any programs they might be interested in so we can get information to the right people when the time comes.
You'll also find our calendars for our children and youth in the "Faith Formation" tab above.
One last thing: please mark your calendar for our Kickoff on September 9th from 5:00-8pm. We'll have games and a meal for the whole parish, and REQUIRED PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS will also be held for those with children in our faith formation programs.
Take a little time to read the program descriptions below (listed by age group) and then go to our registration page to sign up. We urge ALL ADULTS to register for any programs they might be interested in so we can get information to the right people when the time comes.
You'll also find our calendars for our children and youth in the "Faith Formation" tab above.
One last thing: please mark your calendar for our Kickoff on September 9th from 5:00-8pm. We'll have games and a meal for the whole parish, and REQUIRED PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS will also be held for those with children in our faith formation programs.
Adult Formation
Emmaus Small Groups |
Adult Speaker Series |
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"It is through an unbroken chain of witnesses that we come to see the face of Jesus. But how is this possible? . . . Persons always live in relationship. We come from others, we belong to others, and our lives are enlarged by our encounter with others."
These words from Pope Francis highlight the main idea behind our EMMAUS small group ministry for 2018/19. We invite you to take part in the pilot group this fall or in one of many more that will take place during Lent! |
This year, we will be introducing an adult speaker series covering what it means to be a good steward out in our world today. These events seek to help us understand how we are called to care for the gifts God has given us and to equip us with common-sense tools to practice stewardship in our everyday lives.
SEPTEMBER--Stewardship of Environment/Care for God's Creation NOVEMBER--Stewardship of Treasure/Household finances MARCH--Stewardship of Gifts/ Personal Charisms |
Elementary and Family Formation
Ages 3-9 yrs (Grades PreK-3): We will begin to use a Montessori method of faith formation called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). In CGS, children learn in a specially prepared room called the Atrium--a sacred, “hands on” space where catechists and children hear, ponder and celebrate the most essential mysteries of our faith as revealed in Sacred Scripture and Liturgy. As we work towards total implementation of this program, one session of a textbook program will also be offered to ages 6-9.
Ages 10-11yrs (Grades 3 & 4): We will be using an excellent textbook called Alive in Christ (AIC). As CGS catechist training takes some time, we will implementing CGS next year (school year 2019/20) for 10 & 11 year olds. Children attend 3 times a month and have 4 times to choose among: Sunday 9:15-11am or 11:15am-1pm Wednesday 3-5pm or 5:30-7:30pm There are limited numbers of spots in each session, so be sure to sign up for the time that works best for your family soon! Note: If you choose a Sunday time, please remember that our formation opportunities for children prepare them for the celebration of Mass WITH the parish community, so please choose the time directly after the Mass your family typically attends. |
Generations Serving Together
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Youth Ministry and Formation
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High School Journey |
Middle School EDGE |
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Journey is a twice-a-month peer-led ministry that gathers youth in grades 9-12 to grow in community with each other and relationship with God. The group seeks to serve others, and explore what it means to be a young Catholic in today's world. One session each month will be held at a service site, and one will be held at the church.
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Middle School Edge Ministry will happen twice a month on Wednesdays from 6-8pm. 5th-8th grade students are invited to come together, have fun, eat food, make friends, and grow in faith. Free dinner is included!
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Sacraments
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First Communion |
Confirmation |
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Preparation for these sacraments typically happens in second grade (older students may start the process later, please contact Michelle to get this set up.) and the content will be covered in our three-times-a-month faith formation program. Children will also be expected to attend two retreats with their parents. One will happen before First Reconciliation and one before First Communion.
Contact Michelle Stone, Coordinator of Children and Family Faith Formation, for more information Office Phone: (319) 352-2493 X17 Email: michelle@stmarysfamily.com |
We offer a two-year preparation program during teens' sophomore and junior year (older students may start the process later, please contact Julie to get this set up.) We meet 12 Sunday evenings a year from 6:30-8 pm to grow in faith, ask questions and spend time in prayer.
Contact Julie Feldhake, Coordinator of Youth Formation, for more information. Office Phone: (319) 352-2493 X16 Email: julie@stmarysfamily.com |
Michelle Stone
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Julie Feldhake
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