From the Desk of Fr. RobDirector of Faith Formation I am preparing a public report concerning the present status of our Children's Faith Formation Program with highlights of the path to this point since September. Likewise I will review the R.C.I.A. Program and its status in the Inquiry phase.
Faith Formation for Children Program The September launch of our Faith Formation Program resulted in essentially a non-participation by past parents and children. Upon my return to the parish in October I realized a new beginning was required. Thus the month of November was named as Faith Formation Month. With a revised look at our program a few changes were made and a new invitation was extended to parents with children. The result was as Advent marked the beginning of our new Church year so also did it mark the beginning of our F.F. Program year. Volunteer Catechists stepped forward, children were registered, and a change in the location and time of our program, that is, classes are being held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Center, at 6:00 pm, each Wednesday of the month. Pre-school to level #1 has 10 children of ages 3-6Catechists: Shelly Stirrett, and Sue Grates Kerry McLean (associate catechist) Parents have also been and are significant participants throughout the hour long session. Level #2 Sacramental preparation has two childrenCatechist: Elizabeth Weisenbach Level #3-5 has 2 children ages 8-10Catechist: Kelly Richmond Mary Buda (associate catechist)
As we continue the year in 2017 further re-organizing is and will be anticipated. Following this a letter to each parent from our office will be sent to keep each informed. The previous coordinators position has been eliminated leaving administrative issues and direct contact of parent with the Main Office. Fr. Rob Pare' has assumed a more active role as the Director of Faith Formation. Our coordinator, Elizabeth Weisenbach is remaining as part of the volunteer catechist role and associated with the Sacramental program. The details above are meant to help the broader parish view the evolution occurring as our parish of O.L.P.H matures. Parents anticipating entering the program are encouraged to call, use our web page with information found under the Faith Formation Program menu tab, and or call our main office.
Rite of Christian Initiation The Rite of Christian Initiation is the program prepared and approved by the United States Catholic Bishops Conference. It is a program created to instruct and introduce interested persons in becoming Roman Catholics. Inquiry Phase: 3 persons are beginning the sessions (1 hour) duration once a month.Catechist: Fr. Robert Pare'Associate team members: Adam Megge, Tim Wirth, Lisa Pridnia, Linda Oeschger, Doug Grates, Linda Clark We view each phase as a point of passage. The four phases that are key components of this conversion experience are Step One: Inquiry phase, Step two: Catechumenate phase, Step three: Rite of Election, and the final step following entry into the Church is the Mystagogy. The inquiry phase is meant to give opportunity for those present to ask questions and to share their experiences of faith while opening themselves to the Church’s teachings. This phase prepares the inquirer for considering step two.
Faith Formation Opportunities The Lenten opportunity for adults to gather for enrichment related to Church, faith, etc. will begin the first week of lent. It is usually mid-week, 4pm, for an hour to an hour and a half. This has been well received in the past and will continue. The theme for our reading will be announced.
While each level of Faith Formation has its challenges and excitement I believe an Active Youth Group would be an important group for the maturing young adults program. The timing for such an organization remains the question. I hope to say more about this dimension of our overall Faith /Educational ministry in our Parish. Fr. Rob
November 2016 Faith Formation Month in O.L.P.H. Parish. Called to be the word of God to each other we ponder how to share faith in Jesus with our children and adults. Please consider helping this year. The Way:Volunteer to be a Catechist, assistant catechist.Special events support.Be a resource when the unexpected happens.Be a part of the R.C.I.A. Team.Participate in Adult offerings of faith enrichment attending reading group, bible studies, preparing sessions for teaching, etc. This is November and the closing month before Advent. We are dedicating it to enhancing the faith formation program in our parish. Please pray for this effort each day. St. Charles Boromeo, is the patron saint of Catechist. His efforts advanced the knowledge of the faith. Let us pray to St. Charles to assist us in bring the person of Jesus through teaching to our children and families. Call our parish office, 989.856.4933 for information and details. Thank you
