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FAITH FORMATION
COMMISSION
Faith Formation is for all
ages! We never stop learning about the
Catholic faith, so we all need faith formation.
A Faith Formation Commission is
set up to provide quality faith experiences for all in our parish and
community. Formal and informal religious
education classes, sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Eucharist,
Reconciliation, Confirmation and Marriage), youth ministry (Junior and Senior
High) and Adult Education are the primary functions of faith formation. The
facilitator for the commission is Mary Grace Madamba. Please
contact the R.E. Office for additional information.
Children and Youth Formation
Religious
Education (Grades K-5)
Religious Education Office............. 851-3444 xt 222
Formal classes for students in
Kindergarten through 5th grade meet weekly in the
Middle School Youth
Ministry (Grades 6-8)
Youth Ministry Office ....................... 851-3444 xt 232
Faith formation for students in
grades 6-8 includes formal religious education.
Classes are held in the
Senior High Youth
Ministry (Grades 9-12)
Youth Ministry Office ....................... 851-3444 xt 232
Faith formation for high school
students (grades 9-12) includes monthly youth group gatherings, service, social
events, retreats, trips, conference, peer ministry and much more.
Sacramental Formation
Baptism
Baptismal preparations
classes are held the fourth Monday of each month. Baptism ceremonies are held on the first
Saturday of the month at
Eucharist/Communion
Preparation for the sacrament begins
in first grade Religious Education classes and continues through second
grade. Attendance at parent meetings is
required. A child needs to be in first
and second grade programs to receive Communion in the spring of second grade.
Reconciliation
Preparation for the sacrament is
during fourth grade religious education classes and administered during Lent.
Confirmation
Youth Ministry Office ....................... 851-3444 xt 232
Preparation for the sacrament occurs
in grades nine and ten (freshman and sophomore years). The sacrament is administered in the fall of
the candidate’s junior year (grade eleven); Parent/Candidate orientation sessions
as well as large and small group gatherings are held beginning in October.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
JeanB@olmercy.com
The RCIC program prepares older
children for the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
and Reconciliation. The program begins in September and concludes in May. Parents are required to attend the necessary
parental sacramental sessions.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is the process by which a
person who has not received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation
(Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) can experience and learn about
Christianity. Those who are baptized in another Christian denomination or in
the Catholic faith may explore Catholicism, its teachings and traditions.
Candidates are prepared for the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation
and Eucharist). Sessions are held on Thursday, beginning in the Fall and culminating at Pentecost. The parish is introduced
to the candidates several times throughout the year.
Marriage
Parish Office..................................... 851-3444 xt 221
Engaged couples must be registered,
practicing and contributing Catholics. According to Diocesan law, the date of
the wedding must be selected six months in advance of the actual Sacrament of
Marriage being performed. Please call to inquire about available dates.
Adult
Formation
Faith Ministry Team
Contact: Deacon
Team responsible for advocating
adult faith formation within the parish. Speakers and events for faith formation are
presented throughout the year.
Contact: Phyllis Anderson,
630-499-8539, email: phyllis_anderson@att.net
Explore the basics of Christianity during this
10-week program. Each evening begins
with a delicious meal and fellowship followed by a video and speaker
presentation. Small groups then discuss
the featured topic.
Topics include: Who is Jesus? Why and How Should I Pray? Does
God Heal Today?
Bible Study
Contact: Manny A. Quitlong, 630/978-8247, email: manuelquitlong@sbcglobal.net
The OLM Bible Study is a parish effort to foster
knowledge of the scriptures.
Participants study the bible in an experiential and communal
manner. The goal is to become
comfortable with studying the bible and understanding its messages for
spiritual growth.
Small Faith Groups
Contact: Bettye
Abbott, 630-236-6231 email: bettyeabbott@aol.com
Deepen your faith while
building strong relationships with the parish community through Small Faith
Groups. Volunteer facilitators in their
homes, lead groups through carefully selected studies that follow a book of the
Bible or spiritual theme. Sharing
individual faith experiences is emphasized. Each group decides the times.
Young Adult Ministry (Adults: 20’s & 30’s,
married/single)
Contact
The Young Adult Ministry is for
adults in their 20’s and 30’s, married or single. Focus will be on social, spiritual, service,
and worship oriented programs.
Marriage Program - Sponsor Couples
Contact: Ron & Elaine Brabec, 898-5654, email: 2033brabec@comcast.net
Married couples mentor engaged couples
by inviting them into their homes for a series of evening meetings. Volunteer opportunity: Sponsor couples help prepare engaged couples
for the life-long commitment of marriage by working with one couple in their
home on a mutually convenient schedule.
This is fun, relaxing and fulfilling for the sponsor couple as well as
the engaged couples.
Marriage Enrichment Program
Contact: Parish Office, 851-3444 xt 221,
email: parishoffice@olmercy.com
Marriage Encounter offers a weekend
experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a
technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their
lives. It’s a chance to look deeply into
their relationship with each other and with God. It’s a time to share their feelings, hopes
and dreams with each other.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS)
Contact:
Mothers of the parish
with children of all ages are invited to this faith-sharing, support ministry.
Future Events
Contact: Bob Garitty, 630-851-2687, email: bobgaritty@honeywell.com
Our Lady of Mercy will be hosting guest speakers on
topics based on the results of a recent parish needs assessment. Some topics include Catholic traditions,
spirituality and prayer. These events
will begin the spring of 2009.