Spiritual Development Ministries
Receiving the True Body & Blood of Jesus Christ
Spiritual Development is a life-long process aimed at personal conversion and growth in faith. These ministries design, implement, and evaluate the total Catholic Christian educational and formational process in the parish. This includes sacramental preparation, formational and educational programs for adults, youth and children, and various opportunities for spiritual and social experiences.
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Committees
Bible Study
Members of Bible Study come together to gain further insight into the wonders of God found in Scripture. Through study, discussion, and video presentations, participants allow current Biblical understanding to touch their minds and hearts in order to enter into a deeper relationship with God. Facilitators are needed; training is provided.
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Youth Ministry
St. Augustine’s, St. Mary’s and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton are sharing a youth ministry. A professional Youth Minister engages with young people grades 6–12 from the three parishes. Youth members participate in social activities, community and justice outreach, and spiritual activities. A volunteer team of adults provides support to the youth community and the youth minister.
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Faith Formation
Catechists, Classroom Aides and Substitute Catechists
“Each of us had something to learn from the others, and something to teach in return.” — St. Augustine
Faith Formation catechists, classroom aides and substitute catechists are faith filled people who have the desire to share their faith with the younger generation, the future of our Church. These giving people initially meet one on one with the Director of Faith Formation to discuss our program and to determine together where the individual’s gifts, skills and talents fit best. They receive training, as 16 well as weekly and as needed support, by the Director of Faith Formation. Come grow with us!
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Faith Formation - Grades 6 and Higher
(Including Confirmation Preparation)
Adolescents and teens face many challenges in society today. In a world with constant distraction right at their fingertips, many of our young people find it difficult to just “be” and struggle to determine who and what they are meant for. Teaching this age group is phenomenally rewarding, as both the students and the catechists discern, grow and learn together, albeit differently. Journey into their world and see it from their eyes and take them into yours. It will be transformative!
Classes for grades 6 and higher meet once a month on Sunday evenings. We start with a Mass at 5:00, with the students attending with their families. After Mass, students come together for fellowship and friendship, enjoying a delicious meal together. Dinner is followed by a learning session that involves a variety of activities. Students also are responsible for completing a “Living the Lesson” activity or project each month. Our night ends at 8:00 pm.
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Faith Formation - Grades 1 – 5
Do you love working with younger children? Do you feel that you’d like to grow in your faith, knowledge, and understanding and would enjoy learning along with them? There’s nothing like introducing children to God and our Church. Come plant the seeds, and watch them grow in their faith!
Our program for grades 1-5 meets twice a month for an hour session. We hold classes on Sunday mornings before Mass and on Monday nights from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Families can choose which day works best for their schedules. Also, families are welcome to make up classes on the opposite day, or switch back and forth between days, if they so desire. Flexibility and “helping families do it all” It is very important to us. We will also include a “Living the Lesson” for families to complete during the month. This will help connect the bridge between church and home and let parents lead their children in acting out their faith.
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Special Education Catechists
It is our fervent desire to share our faith and sacraments with children who have special needs. If you are a special education teacher, or would like to be classroom assistant to students that need one on one teaching and special accommodations for learning, come join us for this very special and rewarding experience.
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First Reconciliation
There is nothing quite like the gift of being forgiven. Our God loves us immeasurably and desires to always welcome us to return to Him 17 with open arms! First Reconciliation classes are direct sacrament preparation classes. Catechists (teachers) and support members are needed to share with the students the information about the Sacrament. Please note that students must also be enrolled in the bi-monthly Faith Formation program or must be attending Catholic School to receive the sacrament. Also, first grade is a required prerequisite in order to receive the sacrament in second grade. However, students may also join our program in second grade and receive the sacrament in third grade. Each student must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist.
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First Eucharist (Communion)
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, no. 11 cf Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324) Partaking in the Body and Blood is our life-giving nourishment. There is nothing like working with children who are learning about this incredible sacrament. They are always in awe and desire to get closer to Jesus by learning more. Their wonder, excitement, enthusiasm, and piety always bring joy to whomever is in their presence. First Eucharist classes are direct sacrament preparation classes. Catechists (teachers) and support members are needed to share with the students the information about the Sacrament. Please note that students must be enrolled in the bi-monthy Faith Formation program or attending Catholic School. Also, first grade is a required prerequisite class in order to receive the sacrament in second grade, as well as having celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation. However, students may also join our program in the second grade and receive the sacrament in third grade.
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Sacramental Preparation Teams
Baptism Team
Baptism team members meet with new parents to help them understand the responsibilities they are undertaking when baptizing their children and to offer support and encouragement. Preparation sessions for parents seeking to baptize their children are based on their schedule. Team members rotate responsibility for offering the sessions. Training for this team is available.
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Marriage Team
Couples serving on the Marriage Team meet with engaged couples and conduct a couple-to-couple marriage preparation session. They are also responsible for conducting the wedding rehearsal, and are present to start off the wedding ceremony. The married couple talks about their own Sacrament of Marriage and topics like communication, sexuality, finances, etc. Training and materials are provided. Interfaith couples are welcome. Day and time of the meetings are at the convenience of the couples.
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Catholic Initiation (OCIA) - Adult Team
The entire Catholic Community is responsible for initiating new members into the Catholic Church. This team represents the community and journeys with adults who are seeking to become Catholic through the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Team members lead faith sharing and catechetical (instruction) sessions for those who are seeking full initiation as well as assist in the planning and implementation of many liturgical rites associated with the process. Ministry opportunities include being a catechist (teacher), providing hospitality, and being a sponsor. Training is provided.
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Initiation (OCIA) - Youth Team
Team members journey with young people who desire to become Catholic through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, as well as with their parents or guardians. Team members are responsible for leading faith sharing and catechetical (instruction) sessions as needed with the youth and their parents. There are some planning sessions Training is provided.
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Spirituality Groups
Men’s and Women’s Spirituality Groups help participants to grow in their relationship with God. In each session, members share with each other their unique experiences of God in their prayer and in their everyday lives. Meetings take place regularly, scheduled by the group.
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We'd Love To Have You Join One
of Our Spiritual Development Ministries!