Faith Formation
Director Jeanne Lewin 865.5715
Youth Ministry Coordinator Andrea Beyrer

Welcome to St. Raphael Faith Formation Program 2010 ~ 2011!
            Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts

As we begin this program, we open ourselves to God’s presence in our lives. God call us to be aware of him in all the people we know, the places we go, and the things we do each day. When we quiet ourselves to allow God’s grace to help us, we see with truth, hear with forgiveness, and act with kindness as God’s love works through us. May God’s Word be in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. Thank you God, for Your presence in our lives.
This is our 5th year using the “Finding God” program created by Loyola Press, a non-profit Jesuit ministry dedicated to nurturing a lived faith. “Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts”, reflects the inspiration of St. Ignatius of Loyola and describes what Catholic formation calls us to do: recognize the presence of God in our own lives, discern the presence of God in all people and circumstances, recognize the presence of God in our experiences of God’s creation, and live as people for others. “Finding God” intertwines experiences in prayer, scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and liturgy for children and adults as individuals, as families, and as learners on a faith journey. Prayer nourishes a relationship with God. Scripture sets the foundation for the Authentic teaching of the Church that is revealed through both Scripture and Tradition. Catholic Social Teaching shows how our faith moves us to concern for others and a commitment to the principles of social action. Liturgy helps children connect their faith to the celebration of faith at Mass and invites all of the faithful to join in a more meaningful participation in the Church’s sacramental and liturgical life. Within each grade, our focus is on God, Jesus, the Church, the Sacraments, lives of the Saints, and Morality. Grade 1: God is our Creator and loves us as our Father. Grade 2: We prepare for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. Grade 3: God calls us to live in community as members of the Church. Grade 4: God calls us to lead a moral life. Grade 5: Through the Sacraments, we live more fully in the Holy Spirit. Grade 6: The traditions of the Old Testament. Grade 7: The New Testament Grade 8: The life of Jesus and the Church, Pre-Confirmation Diocesan Guidelines for Reconciliation & First Communion The diocesan guidelines require students to be enrolled in a faith formation program for two years beginning in the first grade. Students who are beyond the third grade and have not received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion or who are just beginning their faith journey in our faith formation program must attend the program for one full year before transitioning into a Sacramental Preparation Program for older children. Upon completion of the second year in the faith formation program along with additional faith steps for the student and parents, the student will then receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. High School Pre-Confirmation Program Grades 9th ~ 12th This program reflects the inspiration of St. Ignatius of Loyola and describes what Catholic formation calls us to do: recognize the presence of God in our own lives, discern the presence of God in all people and circumstances, recognize the presence of God in our experiences of God’s creation and live as people for others. The Pre-Confirmation program prepares candidates to understand the meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The program invites candidates to deepen their relationship with God, affirm their faith, and live their faith in the world. Forms Faith Formation Registration Form Elementary K- 6th Grade 2010 2011 Faith Formation 7th grade registration Form 2010 2011 Faith Formation 8th grade Registration Form 2010 2011 Faith Formation High School Pre-Confirmation Form 2010 2011

 

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011 IN MADRID SPAIN
Join Bishop Burbidge and Patrick Diener, Diocesan Youth Director, for World Youth Day in Madrid Spain. The trip takes place August 12-23, 2011 and will include a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The cost is $3251 per pilgrim. Please contact the diocese youth ministry office with questions. World Youth Day, the international event created in 1986 under the leadership of Pope John Paul II, is intended to bring together Catholics ages 16-30 as the Church of today to answer the call to evangelization. World Youth Day takes place every two or three years in a different location around the world. The celebration has drawn crowds of more than 5 million and has taken place on every continent except Antarctica. Pilgrim groups are organized by dioceses, parishes, religious organizations and schools. The group will journey to sacred places, cathedrals, participate in Mass and enjoy local attractions. For more information contact Patrick Diener, Director of Youth Ministry by e-mail or 821.9770.008 Schedule