Youth Religious Education
Coordinator, Cathichetical Leader: Mary Lou Lauchert, maryloulauchert@gmail.com
Our Faith Formation program begins in the First Grade and continues through Tenth Grade. We follow highly reputable curriculums from Loyola Press, Pflaum and Dynamic Catholic, which guide our students through the foundations of the Catholic Church and understanding the love Jesus Christ has for each us.
Sacramental preparation
Sacramental preparation
- Young parishioners enrolled in religious instruction at St. Mary’s will prepare during Second Grade to receive two Sacraments for the first time; Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Our parish based sacramental preparation program compliments your role as parents, their primary educators, and the instruction provided in weekly religious education classes. We are hopeful that this will be the beginning of regular, lifelong participation in these fortifying sacraments.
- Confirmation preparation begins in Ninth Grade and follows a two year curriculum, with Confirmation being celebrated in the spring of Tenth Grade. By the sacrament of Confirmation, we are "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and strengthened for service to the Body of Christ. Through a variety of experiential lessons and discussions, service projects and retreats, we hope that students will begin to look within themselves, seeking the true person God has created them to be in this world.
- Please note: A copy of the child's Baptismal Certificate is required for all who were not baptized at St. Mary's.
Adult Religious Education
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is a sacramental process of preparation and formation for adults. Conversion is the central and underlying principle of an individual's journey in the RCIA Program. The Rite emphasizes Scripture, Church, Doctrine, Christian Living, Liturgy and Apostolic Service. Initiation takes place within the community of the faithful, where parishioners are encourage to engage and guide participants into fully experiencing the mysteries of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is a spiritual process that is tailored to the position of the individual based upon their position in their faith journey.
Please contact the Parish office with questions regarding the RCIA Program.
RCIA is a sacramental process of preparation and formation for adults. Conversion is the central and underlying principle of an individual's journey in the RCIA Program. The Rite emphasizes Scripture, Church, Doctrine, Christian Living, Liturgy and Apostolic Service. Initiation takes place within the community of the faithful, where parishioners are encourage to engage and guide participants into fully experiencing the mysteries of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is a spiritual process that is tailored to the position of the individual based upon their position in their faith journey.
Please contact the Parish office with questions regarding the RCIA Program.
Faith Study Programs
We offer various scripture and theological studies through out the year, both as personal journeys and group programs. If you have resources or ideas you would like to see presented, please contact Amy Bashant (amybashant@gmail.com).
The following sites are great resources for personal study:
We offer various scripture and theological studies through out the year, both as personal journeys and group programs. If you have resources or ideas you would like to see presented, please contact Amy Bashant (amybashant@gmail.com).
The following sites are great resources for personal study:
A fresh idea for 2021
If you've struggled to read your bible, then this podcast is for you.
Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021.
Each 20-25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings, a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz, and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word.
Don't worry if you've gotten a late start; all podcasts are archived.
Listen now!
Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes starting January 1st, 2021.
Each 20-25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings, a reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz, and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word.
Don't worry if you've gotten a late start; all podcasts are archived.
Listen now!
Lenten Study Materials
The Ascension Press Lenten Companion
God wants to give us more. This daily prayer resource will help readers discover what it is that God is offering them this coming Lent. Each day, readers get a focus word, a scripture passage, a short meditation, a journal prompt, a prayer,
and a piece of original artwork for each week. These will guide them to rediscover a lived personal relationship with God as they journey through Lent. FREE copies are available by contacting Amy Bashant (amybashant@gmail.com)
For more information and to view a sample of the book visit the Ascension Press Lenten Study.
Video resources for this study can be found here. Please scroll to the bottom of the page.
