Faith Formation

As Catholics, we believe that the first teachers of the faith are family members. What happens in the “domestic church” on a daily basis has a profound impact on the lessons and faith that we learn. The role of a parish religious education program is to supplement the religious education taking place and being lived out within a family’s home.

First Reconciliation

In order to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), students must be enrolled in Faith Formation and have had at least one year of formation prior to the year of preparation, or be enrolled in a Catholic School.

Youth

First Communion

In order to receive the preparation for the Sacrament of Communion, students must complete the process of preparation for First Reconciliation. The Sacrament will be offered to the children attending the 2nd grade Faith Formation class during this coming year.  If you have an older child that has not received First Holy Communion please contact the parish office.

Confirmation

The Diocese of Jackson confers the sacrament of Confirmation on those who have completed their sixteenth year and requires a one-year program of preparation for this sacrament. Older youth, college students, and adults who seek the sacrament of confirmation will undertake a separate program of preparation determined specifically for them by the Rector.

We believe that education in the faith is a lifelong process. We don’t “graduate” from the Church once we receive the sacrament of Confirmation; instead, we strive to continue learning and growing in our relationship with God. That’s why we offer various programs throughout the liturgical year, such as renewal missions, small fellowship groups, and seasonal study series. And for those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, there is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Adults

RCIA is a step-by-step process through which adults learn about the Christian faith and discern their call to live it out in the Catholic tradition. It stresses the living experience of the faith rather than mere knowledge about the church. RCIA may be attended by

  • unbaptized adults

  • adults baptized in another faith denomination, or

  • adults who were raised Catholic but have been away from the faith.

So how do people learn about all that RCIA can offer them?

The short answer is YOU! When parishes have many inquirers, it is a sign that its members have shared their faith and invited others into the community. This happens in parish families, in the workplace, in gatherings of friends and neighbors, and in daily contacts. God continuously strengthens those who seek to do his will in offering a gentle, humble, and clear welcome to the Catholic faith. 

If you know of anyone who may have interest in exploring our Catholic faith, reach out to them in charity; recommend they discover our Catholic faith and heritage by contacting the parish office to learn more about the RCIA process.