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| | Faith Formation processes are for everyone from
pre-school through adulthood. Contact Yvonne Kuta, Director of Faith
Formation and Religious Education, at 249-3319, ext. 14; Marija Weeden, High
School Ministry at ext. 19; or Robin Ackerman, Middle School and Junior High
Ministry at ext. 29 for more information on any of these programs. We
deeply appreciate faithful catechists who make these programs successful, and we
welcome anyone, experienced or not, who wants to serve the community as a
catechist.
Our Lectionary-based homestudy program, Seasons of Faith,
is family-centered and can be used by every family, regardless of age,
composition. or family size. Even single adults will benefit from this program
based on the Word of God. Because it is lectionary-based, it can be
started at any time during the year, and can be tailored to every
family's specific needs.
Children need to hear the Word of God in language they can
understand. Liturgy of the Word with Children parallels what the
adults hear in Mass, but in simpler language. Children in Grades 1-5
listen to the scripture readings and the Gospel and learn how God's Word impacts
their lives at home, at play, and at school. They learn to pray for the
needs of God's people. we firmly believe that this experience of Liturgy
of the Word at their level, in combination with the Seasons of Faith
program, gives our children ans understanding of God's Word and the Catholic
faith.
Vacation Bible School is offered during the summer.
Volunteer teachers, craft creators, safety patrol, and musicians. Our
week-long VBS is truly an intergenerational event.
Both the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs emphasize a duty to
worship and serve God. The Church has developed programs for Catholic
Scouts that assist their growth in faith and service. Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts in grades 1 thru 12 can participate. For more information, contact
Deacon Mike Rovella at 249-3319, ext. 15. Youth
Ministry
St. Mary Church has been committed to the youth of the parish
since it began LIFE TEEN in 1993. Our youth programs are centered around
the Eucharist and the Liturgy.
LIFE TEEN is an international Catholic program for high school
youth. The focus of the program is to bring youth closer to Jesus Christ
through the liturgy and the celebration of the Eucharist. In addition,
young adults in the parish come forward to help the youth explore the truth of
the Faith within a warm , welcoming environment at Life Nights every Sunday
evening at 7:00p.m. in St. John Bosco Room after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. In
addition to Life Nights, LIFE TEEN provides retreats, socials and trips for the
youth. Every summer we attend the LIFE TEEN/Stuebenville West Youth
Conference in Arizona. Come be part of the excitement of LIFE TEEN!! If
you are interested in begin a part of this program, please contact Jeff at
249-3319, ext. 13.
JUNIOR LIFE is based on a program called Faithways, which
actively engages young adolescents in exploring what it means to belong to the
Church and to contribute as valued members of St. Mary Parish. This is
done through teachings of our Catholic faith, service to others, prayer and
worship, and discovering the value of a caring Christian community. JUNIOR
LIFE also provides retreats, socials and fun activities, and trips for
youth. Meetings are every Monday in St. Therese Room at the Parish Center
at 6:30 p.m.. Adult and parental
involvement is crucial to the success of this program.. Get involved! If
you want to be a part of planting the seeds of our Catholic faith in the minds
and hearts of our Junior Lifers, call Robin Ackerman at 249-3319, ext. 13. Sacrament
Formation
Our sacrament formation processes prepare children and adults
for reception of the Church's sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist,
Reconciliation, and Matrimony. Contact the Parish Center at 249-3319 for
additional information on any of these formation processes.
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