Religious Education (Office of Christian Formation)
Faith Formation of Children
One of our most serious obligations--and greatest joys--as a parish family is to pass on the ancient treasure that is our faith. Our goal is to imbue the minds and hearts of both children and adults with the beautiful heritage of Catholic Christianity, and to invite all our parishioners into an ever-deepening love relationship with Jesus Christ. Classes for the religious education and formation of children, levels 1 though 8, begin in late September and continue through the springtime. Ordinarily, First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion are celebrated in the second grade (level 2), while Confirmation is administered in the spring of eighth grade (level 8).
Contact the Office of Christian Formation, (516) 785-0130, for information and details about registering.
Adult Faith Formation
Since growth in understanding our faith and our rich Catholic heritage do not end with Confirmation, our parish is committed to providing its teenaged and adult members with opportunities for ongoing education and spiritual renewal as well. For information about these varied programs throughout the year please consult the weekly bulletin and the special catalogue of offerings published in the Fall.
The following ministries are designed to contribute to the all-important effort of passing on the gift of faith to our children and young people:
Catechists
Men and women engaged in the ministry of teaching the faith, particularly to pre-school and school age children. All the necessary training, supervision and materials are provided by the parish. One need only have a good rapport with the young, and a willingness to share one’s relationship with Jesus with those who are just beginning to know him. Classes meet weekly from late September through the springtime.
Catechetical Aides and Hall Monitors
Lend their own time and presence to assist the catechists in the classroom, and to supervise the building during class hours.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (“RCIA”)
The formation process by which adults are initiated into the life of the Catholic Church. Not merely a “course” for those interested in joining the Church, the RCIA invites mature men and women to participate in a year-long experience of prayer, instruction and interpersonal sharing as they journey toward the foundational sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Team members from the parish play an integral part in this process, sharing their own faith with the candidates and supporting them as the candidates move closer to the celebration of their initiation. RCIA team members, as well as sponsors and support staff, will all be trained before the process begins. Meetings are held weekly, from late September through late Spring.
Vacation Bible School
Invites children ages 4 through 6 to join in a lively week of Bible stories, music, crafts, games and snacks. Adult volunteers and a group of older children help coordinate this special experience for the little ones.
The Baptismal Preparation Team
Consists of adult parishioners who assist in readying couples for the baptism of their son or daughter. Team members are present for the evening preparation class on the first Wednesday of the month, and contribute to the organization and celebration of the baptism liturgy on a rotating basis.
The In-Home Pre-Cana Team
A group of married couples who open their homes to men and women engaged to be married, and who, by candidly sharing their own experience of married life, help to prepare the engaged people for the sacramental commitment that lies ahead of them. Five-week sessions take place in the Fall and the Spring.
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