Adult Faith Formation

Faith Discussion Blog

St. Anne, Pray for Us

Adult Faith Formation Offerings for 2008/2009

Adult Faith Formation Trifold Brochure

Check the Sunday bulletin for special opportunities to grow in your faith as an adult. Offerings will include the study of Holy Scripture, a Lenten series, Advent by Candlelight for Women, marriage enrichment, catechist topics, and any suggestion you might have for a fall, winter or spring class.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA is the process through which adults are welcomed into the Community as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. RCIA begins with a time of inquiry into the Catholic faith and practices and moves through stages leading to celebration of the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Formation involves catechesis on the teachings of Christ, faith, sacraments and practices of the Catholic church.  This is accomplished throught regular presentation, discussion, prayer and ritual.  Each adult is sponsored throughout this process by another fully initiated Catholic adult.  RCIA is for all adults who are considering becoming a Catholic whether not yet baptized or baptized in another Christian tradition.  For more information, please contact Gloria Boesch, DRE, or the Pastor.

Adult Confirmation

This is a six week preparation that will be offered twice a year for those adults who have been Baptized, received First Eucharist in the Catholic Church but for some reason have not been fully initiated into the Catholic Church through catechesis and the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Those who meet the requirements in the fall class will be Confirmed on Christ the King Sunday, and those in the spring class will be Confirmed on Pentecost Sunday. Both ceremonies will take place at the Most Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit. If you are interested in completing this process, call Gloria Boesch, DRE, for an appointment.

Youth Catechism Programs

Formal faith formation programs meet once a week from October through April.

2008/2009 Religious Education Schedule

Preschool/Kindergarten –  is for children ages 4 and up. This class meets on Sunday mornings during the 10:30 Mass.

Youth (grades 1-6) –  meet for 1 hour and 15 minutes weekly. A snack is provided at the beginning of class. These classes are available Monday or Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30. Car pooling is available for families with a need; contact the Religious Education office.

Middle School (grades 7-8)  - meet once a month on Sundays from 12 noon to 4:00 pm. Lunch is provided.  Because our Middle School program also includes a Confirmation preparation component, strict attendance is the rule.

Middle School Youth Ministry, “Making Service Your Mission” – The focus of this group is on community building, friendship, fun, and serving others.  They meet twice a month on alternate Thursdays.  Check their most recent flyer or the church bulletin for dates.

High School (grades 9 – 12) – See Youth Minstry

Vacation Bible School – This is a fun faith filled week where Bible stories come alive through music, crafts, games, snacks and other fun adventures and will be offered for one week every summer.  Parent and teen leadership is needed to make this week a treat for all who participate.

The Religious Education Office will be happy to work with families to ensure that the children’s religious formation needs are met.  Please call Gloria Boesch, DRE to set up a meeting if necessary.

Sacramental Preparation for Youth

Initiation into the sacramental life of the Catholic Church is accomplished through the cooperative efforts of parents and parish programming. The preparation for the following sacraments is a two year process, which means simply that each Child must have attended one year of regular religious education classes before enrollment into the sacramental preparation, which includes workshops, meetings and a retreat in addition to regular religious education classes.

First Eucharist and First Reconciliation

Children in grades two or higher will begin preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in the fall.  Parents attend an adult formation session and receive materials to work at home with their children. Parents and children come together during Advent for a Reconciliation Service.

Preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist begins with an adult formation session in January when they will receive materials to work at home with their children. Parents and children come together for a spring retreat on a Saturday morning and then the Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter season.

Confirmation

A comprehensive two year program is included in the Middle School program at St. Anne’s.  In January of their second year of formation, a parent/candidate session is held to explain the final process with Confirmation celebrated in the fall of that calendar year.  In addition to the regular lessons, students are asked to participate in youth group activities designed to build community, participate in Christian Service projects, attend a spring candidate/sponsor session, experience a retreat, and be interviewed by a member of this faith community.  All these components teach how to live as a fully initiated Catholic Christian.