Life Long Faith Formation
The goal of Faith Formation here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is inclusive of all ages and generations, single or married, with or without children to build community and meaningful relationships in the parish. To accomplish this we are going to a new program called GIFT.
GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) is an intergenerational learning process that incorporates a core curriculum for the whole parish community fashioned around the life and events of the Church. Intergenerational learning takes place one weekend a month from September to June.
Sessions will be held on Saturday afternoon ending with the 4:00 p.m. liturgy, or beginning with 9:30 liturgy on Sunday or Monday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. Each session begins with a meal, has a general presentation and then moves to age-appropriate learning activities. Baby-sitting service will be available.
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Parent Letter 
Registration Form
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Volunteers
A large number of committed volunteers are needed for a variety of roles in Lifelong faith formation:
There is a need for catechists (teachers) for age appropriate learning: primary, intermediate, junior high and high school. A person to MC each session. Help with home kits, preparing the meals, set-up and clean-up and decoration of the environment. Many hands make light work. If you are interested in helping in any way, contact Jan Grosschadl at 453-0300.
- MC for the program
- Prayer Leader for Opening and Closing Prayer
- Music Leader
- Group leaders/ facilitators/ activity leaders
- Assistants to help with activities
- Set-up and clean-up crews
- Food preparation and service crews
- Creative arts for artwork, posters, signs, etc.
- Promotion and registration staff
- Home Kit staff
- Decoration of the environment
- Babysitting
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Christian Formation Board
Contact:
Michelle Baake (Co-Chair)
Sarah Phillips (Co-Chair)
For information, call the Christian Formation Office at 453-0300
The Christian Formation Board supports and advises the Director of Christian Formation in the planning and implementing of faith-filled formation for children from kindergarten through high school. The board meets four to six times a year, with consistent communication via e-mail and phone as needed. Anyone who is interested in the formation of our young people may contact the committee co-chairs for more information, or to express their opinions.
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Catechists (Teachers)
Catechists share the Catholic faith with the students as part of the catechetical team. We offer training, materials, and an experience that you will never forget. We are looking for people of faith who are willing to guide our children and young people (Grades K-11) on their Christian journey. Prayerfully consider becoming a part of our catechetical team.
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Classroom and Activity Aides
Contact:
Jan Grosschadl (Director) 453-0300
Aides are a valued component of the catechetical team. A classroom aid works with one particular catechist throughout the year; helping in whatever way is necessary. An activity aid shares a particular talent (arts and crafts, drama, music, etc.) as requested by a particular teacher. If you have time and talent to share with the children, consider joining us in this important ministry.
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Liturgy of the Word for Children
Contact:
Dawn Leonardelli
For information, call the Christian Formation Office at 453-0300
From September through May during the 9:30 a.m. liturgy, the Word of God is presented to our younger children in a way that makes sense to them. Volunteers from this ministry serve about once a month. Materials and training are provided. If you are willing to help our younger parishioners hear and understand the Good News, please contact us.
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Speakers
Contact:
Jan Grosschadl (Director) 453-0300
Many parishioners are particularly knowledgeable about a specific aspect of living a Christian life. This could be a memorable experience, a personal talent or participation in a Church ministry. If you would like to share this information on an invitation basis with a class of our young people, we ask you to become involved in this new and interesting part of Christian formation.
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Adult Confirmation
Contact:
Marianne Thompson 453-5192
Teachers or persons able to share their faith extensively are invited to volunteer to help in the adult confirmation process. A person can negotiate specific sessions or parts of sessions that they are willing to offer. The sessions include both presentation and discussion aspects. |
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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Each sacrament we receive is a stepping-stone in our journey of faith. Consider sharing our faith and offering guidance to our parish members who are preparing to receive a sacrament. |
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Contact:
Marianne Thompson 453-5192
The Team works with persons who are learning about possible membership in the Catholic Church. A team member shares basics of the Catholic faith as well as invites inquirers into the faith to share their questions and understandings. |
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Baptismal Facilitators
Contact:
Dennis Fietz 453-5192
Couples who have had a child serve as facilitators for parent baptismal preparation. Any couple that is committed to the practice of their faith and open to share that faith with others is invited to join this ministry. There are four sessions for parents in preparation for baptism of their child. Ordinarily, facilitators serve at one series of four sessions per year. The facilitators enable small group participation; they are not responsible for the basic preparation.
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Marriage Focus Couples
Contact:
Walt Henry 453-5192
Mentor couples meet and work with engaged couples to discuss the sacrament of marriage. They are assigned to couples from a rotating list on an as-needed/as available basis. They invite the engaged couple to their home, administer a pre-marital inventory, and meet with them an additional 2-4 times to facilitate the couple’s discussion on various aspects of the couple’s relationship and provide feedback, support, and guidance. They also prepare a short summary of their discussions to the minister who will preside at the wedding. Walt will meet with any prospective mentor couple to help them discern their qualifications for this ministry and explain the marriage preparation process.
The Wedding Celebration - Guidelines
Wedding Music List
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC)
Contact:
TBA
RCIC is a part of Christian Formation that meets the needs of children and youth who wish to join the Catholic Church. The RCIC catechists meet with the catechumens and/or candidates on a one-to-one or small group basis and tailor their instruction to the specific needs of the children entrusted to them. Ongoing communication with the parents is also an important part of this ministry. Sessions are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the catechist and family, and materials are provided. If you would like to share the basics of our Catholic faith with one or a few young people, this ministry would be ideal for you.
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RCIA Sponsors
Contact:
Marianne Thompson 453-5192
Any confirmed Catholic who is willing to walk with a person seeking to become a Catholic can become a RCIA sponsor. The sponsor needs to be willing to share one’s faith with another and to put the candidate’s needs before his/her own. Sponsors are not expected to be experts in the faith; rather, they are asked to be real with their candidate and open to continue to grow themselves. Sponsors are asked to come to most of the sessions. This involves about a one-year commitment. |
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