Faith Formation


Spiritual Formation of Adults

The spiritual formation of all parishioners is a vital concern of our faith community. Faith formation programs at St. Paul's invite everyone to grow in faith through prayer, worship, service, evangelization, education and celebration. Every adult, including students in tenth grade and older, is encouraged to participate in the parish GIFT program which offers opportunities for ongoing religious education and faith-sharing experiences.

Spiritual Formation of Children and Youth

Children and Youth receive their formation in faith, first and primarily, within their family. Our parish assists that process through the celebration of the Liturgy, Sts. Peter, Paul and Michael School, the GIFT program, sacramental preparation programs and Sunday School.

GIFT: Growing In Faith Together

An exciting, faith-filled adventure called "GIFT" forms the heart of faith formation programs at the Church of St. Paul. GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) is open to all parishioners, adults, youth and children, who desire to nurture a growing relationship with God and one another. Typically, the first Wednesday of the month, parishioners gather to explore the meaning of our Christian belief, story, and values. Each year, our GIFT "season" focuses on an important dimension of our faith. Everyone who participates in GIFT explores the same issues or topic, but in ways which are appropriate for their age and experience.

GIFT THIS YEAR: You may view the GIFT schedule and brochure for 2007-08 under the "Forms" tab.)
Sacraments

PARISH SACRAMENTAL FORMATION

Sacraments are community celebrations which mark what God is already accomplishing in our lives. Our formation process invites participants to recognize God's presence in times of belonging, forgiveness and healing.

An important emphasis in our sacramental formation programs is to provide opportunities for parents to grow in their own faith, and to help them pass on their faith, values, and beliefs to their children. In addition, the parish recognizes that it is the responsibility of the entire faith community to foster growth in faith for children and young people. Membership in the parish and involvement in parish life is vital for those participating in sacramental formation.

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that calls our Christian community to initiate new members into our faith. We are called to share our faith journey with each other and with those seeking to become a part of the Catholic Church. It reunites the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in one symbolic action as the Rite of Initiation. The year-round process is facilitated by a team of parish members and parish staff. Inquirers normally begin the process in the fall. The process accelerates through Lent, culminating with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in joining the Catholic faith, contact the parish office.

BAPTISM: All sacramental life in the Church begins with this sacrament. Baptism is a sacrament of welcome into the community of Jesus Christ. Parents who wish to have a child baptized are asked to participate in a Baptism Preparation Evening which is offered at St. Paul's four times a year. Children and youth other than infants, who might be seeking baptism are welcome to prepare for the sacrament through special arrangements and formation. Call the parish office to register. Call the parish office to register for the next Baptism Preparation Night.

CONFIRMATION: Young people in the 10th grade and older may choose to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation by participating in the Mentoring program, the GIFT program, Confirmation Workshops and Confirmation Retreats. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each spring during the Easter Season.

FIRST EUCHARIST (Children of second grade age or older): The Eucharist is the focal point of the entire Church because it involves the nourishment of life given by Jesus in a special way. In addition to special activities at home, parents and children who are preparing for First Eucharist come together for parent and child evenings. Each child who will receive First Eucharist must present a copy of his/her Baptismal certificate to the Faith Formation Office. First Eucharist preparation is from February to April, with First Eucharist celebrated on the first Sunday of May.

FIRST RECONCILIATION (Children of second grade age or older): The formation process for the Sacrament of Reconciliation invites participants (parents and children) to reflect on times they have experienced belonging, forgiveness, and healing. The preparation time is from September to November. Call the faith formation office if you need registration materials for First Reconciliation, 252-6210.

MARRIAGE: The Sacrament of Marriage is a celebration of God's continuing love: this sacrament calls couples to be a sign of God's enduring love for the community of faith and for the world. Engaged couples should contact the pastor 9-12 months prior to the proposed date of marriage.
G.I.F.T.

16 Years of GIFT

Growing In Faith Together


Growing In Faith Together is our parish-wide faith formation program for adults, youth, and children. Growing in our Catholic Christian faith is a life-long process. We never "graduate" from growing in faith – we seek to grow closer to God's love and deepen our relationship with Jesus.

GIFT nights, as well as the new Why Catholic? nights, begin at 6:30 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM. All adults and Confirmation candidates and their mentors meet in church and the parish center for a speaker, small group conversation and Q&A time. Children and Youth meet in the school with catechists and peer ministers. Childcare meets in the community room. Everyone is encouraged to register for GIFT, especially families with children in GIFT. Watch the Bulletin each week for GIFT updates! EVERYONE WELCOME! Even if you have not registered for GIFT, feel free to attend a GIFT night. If your attendance at GIFT involves bringing children, please call a day or two ahead of the GIFT date so that we may prepare adequately for your children.


Scripture Study

Readings for the Week of April 6, 2008

Sunday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/1 Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35

Monday: Acts 6:8-15/Jn 6:22-29

Tuesday: Acts 7:51-8:1a/Jn 6:30-35

Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8/Jn 6:35-40

Thursday: Acts 8:26-40/Jn 6:44-51

Friday: Acts 9:1-20/Jn 6:52-59

Saturday: Acts 9:31-42/Jn 6:60-69

Readings for the Week of April 13, 2008

Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 36-41/1 Pt 2:20b-25/Jn 10:1-10

Monday: Acts 11:1-18/Jn 10:11-18

Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26/Jn 10:22-30

Wednesday: Acts 12:24-13:5a/Jn 12:44-50

Thursday: Acts 13:13-25/Jn 13:16-20

Friday: Acts 13:26-33/Jn 14:1-6

Saturday: Acts 13:44-52/Jn 14:7-14

Readings for the Week of April 20, 2008

Sunday: Acts 6:1-7/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12

Monday: Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26

Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a

Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8

Thursday: Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11

Friday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14/Mk 16:15-20

Saturday: Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21

Readings for the Week of April 27, 2008

Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/1 Pt 3:15-18/Jn 14:15-21

Monday: Acts 16:11-15/Jn 15:26-16:4a

Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34/Jn 16:5-11

Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1/Jn 16:12-15

Thursday: (Easter Weekday) Acts 18:1-8/Jn 16:16-20

Friday: Acts 18:9-18/Jn 16:20-23

Saturday: 1 Cor 15:1-8/Jn 14:6-14


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