Faith formation is ongoing and life-long for all members of the church, but the primary responsibility of a parish is the religious formation of all adults. When it comes to the faith formation of children, parents are the most important teachers of their children, and all adults need the skills, comfort level, and deepened faith in order to share it with their children, grandchildren, friends and co-workers. Faith modeled, practiced and taught by parents in daily life is the goal, rather than formal “catechism” or “religious education” classes, in which children learn facts about the faith. Knowledge of the Catholic faith is vital, but experiencing it within the home from their most important catechists is most effective.
It is exciting to know that many adults are searching for this knowledge and confidence in their faith. Many do not feel “qualified” or comfortable sharing their religious beliefs with their children or peers. This is something we are committed to changing.
Adult Bible Study
On Thursdays after morning prayer, we offer a weekly adult bible study gathering, as we explore the meaning of the Sunday Scripture Readings in our own lives.
Adult Faith Formation
Adult faith formation is offered throughout the year in a variety of ways, and including to adult parents who have their children participate in our Sunday Faith formation Program. All are welcome, regardless of children in our program. All are invited, both young and older alike, those with children and those without children.
Lenten Spiritual and Formational Opportunities
During the holy season of Lent, St. Vincent de Paul Parish offers a variety of both liturgical and formational spiritual programs to help parishioners enter more fully into what began in the Church as an annual forty-day retreat in hopes of facilitating ever deepening conversion to Christ. Among these opportunities is the parish tradition of the Lenten Soup Suppers.
Children Faith Formation
Faith formation is ongoing and life-long for all members of the church, but the primary responsibility of a parish is the religious formation of all adults. When it comes to the faith formation of children, parents are the most important teachers of their children, and all adults need the skills, comfort level, and deepened faith in order to share it with their children, grandchildren, friends and co-workers. Faith modeled, practiced and taught by parents in daily life is the goal, rather than formal “catechism” or “religious education” classes, in which children learn facts about the faith. Knowledge of the Catholic faith is vital, but experiencing it within the home from their most important catechists is most effective.
It is exciting to know that many adults are searching for this knowledge and confidence in their faith. Many do not feel “qualified” or comfortable sharing their religious beliefs with their children or peers. This is something we are committed to changing.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
The Church recognizes that young children have special needs when celebrating the Liturgy. Our parish offers Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the Sunday Masses. Children leave the assembly to hear and pray the Gospel in age-appropriate ways. They then return to their families to continue the Liturgy of the Eucharist. There is no registration for this program.
Youth (Middle & High School) and Young Adult Faith Formation
“The most effective catechetical program for adolescents are integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. Such programs aim to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.” (National Directory for Catechesis, p. 201)
St. Vincent de Paul Parish will need to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person, empowering youth to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, and to know him personally, which is the primary goal of catechesis. As we work toward the development of a youth ministry program, our young people will be encouraged to responsibly participate in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community. Teens and adult leaders who work with middle and high school age students will be invited to live out their Catholic identity through prayer, service, retreats, conferences, mission trips, social activities, “hot topic” discussions, Scripture exploration, immersion experiences, and more. We also need to develop a way for young people to follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
In the next few years, we need to offer a comprehensive approach to its youth ministry program. We will need to create both a Middle School and High School Youth Ministry Program.