Faith Formation
Catechesis is a responsibility of the entire Christian Community. This is not the work of catechists and priests alone, but the whole community of the faithful. The Christian community follows the development of catechetical processes, for children, young people and adults, as a duty that involves and binds it directly.
Children - Faith Formation
Parents; godparents or designated adult play vital roles in the process of initiation into the faith. Parents are the first and primary educators for their children, family members with whom he or she lives. The home or “domestic church” provides a real place in which a child learns to live his or her faith as well as understanding it. Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 19:14)
Youth - Faith Formation
The most effective catechetical program for adolescents is integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes: topics such as: prayer, sacraments, relationships, mission, and holiness. The intent of the program is to provide a solid foundation for young Catholics to make applications to their daily lives. Our goal is to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, spiritual growth and participation in the mission of the Catholic Church: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).”
(RCIA) Adult - Faith Formation/becoming Catholic
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process whereby adults enter the Catholic Church. Is a spiritual journey…that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place.
RCIA is a process designed to lead a person to an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. RCIA engages a person where they are in their circumstances as an adult, teen, child, unbaptized or baptized. RCIA consist on to lead an individual into a sacred journey of conversion and transformation. RCIA is adaptable to the uniqueness of individuals in their knowledge, cultural, and familiar experiences. As a person grows in faith they are lead into an intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation.
After receiving Christ in the sacraments of Christian initiation, the process continues for a life-time of maturing in Christian experience and spiritual growth.
“I am the Vine you are the Branches, if a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruits” (John 15:5)
At St. Patrick Catholic Church; our goal is to create a program of lifelong faith formation that is centered in and flows out of the events of Church life. It embraces all ages and generation, promotes faith growth at home and promotes participation in Church life.
CATECHISTS (RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS) AND ASSISTANTS NEEDED
~If you feel the Lord has blessed you with an ability to communicate His truths to young people….We need you!!!
~If you are a teacher by profession and would like to share your faith with our young people…..We need you!!
~If you are not a teacher by profession and would like to share your faith with our young people…we will give you the formation and tools needed because….We need you!!
~If you can listen to a child’s prayers during class….We need you!!
~If you are a person of prayer……We need you!!
~If you are a person in touch with the God who directs our ministry……We need you!!
Please consider how you might answer the call to be a disciple of Jesus by sharing your faith with our parish children.
All volunteers must take part in the safe environment requirements. Click here for these requirements and volunteer form. For more information or to serve in this ministry, please call the office at 541-475-2936 or email office@stpatmadras.com
WHY BE A CATECHIST?
Let the catechists tell you themselves! Below are some anonymous reflections from catechists on favorite moments from their ministry.
“My favorite memory as a catechist is seeing the 8th graders make their Confirmation. To see how much they have grown in the months that I first met them, how much they have learned and enjoyed the classes. They learned that ‘religion doesn't have to be boring.’”
“The best part of being a catechist is helping kids/teens see how relevant Jesus really is.”
“The best part of being a catechist is watching students encounter the living God in unexpected ways. As I watched their lives change, I changed, too.”
WHAT DOES BEING A CATECHIST OR ASSISTANT INVOLVE?
Do you have a deep love of Christ, the Church and your faith? Consider being a catechist! You don’t need to know every detail of your faith — part of being a catechist involves openness to learning as you teach. As a catechist, you make a weekly commitment to guide a class from mid‐September through mid‐April. Catechists volunteer to teach 1st through 12th grade. Classes are on Monday nights.
As a catechist, you will receive a schedule for the year, which will help you plan when to teach which lesson. You will also receive the catechist’s version of the text book, which suggests activities and gives tips on how to plan your lesson. Catechists are responsible for planning and presenting weekly lessons. When you make the commitment to guide a class through the year, we make the commitment to support you in your ministry.
The role of a catechist assistant is to offer classroom management support to the catechist. The assistant will often help work with a child who needs extra assistance or help the catechist in a classroom activity. The assistant typically does not help prepare lessons, unless the catechists and the assistant make some prior arrangement for him/her to do so.