FORMATION CALENDAR 2016-2017 EARLY CHILDHOOD through HIGH SCHOOL Aug. 19 Sept. 18 Sept. 18, 20, 21 Back to School Mass and Social 6:45 PM Faith Formation Youth Ministry Event TBA Jr. & Sr. High Faith Formation classes begin for all grades Weekly except as noted Oct. 2 Oct. 29 Halloween Trunk & Treat Carnival Nov. 1-2 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 All Saints & All Souls Dec. 18 Parish Live Nativity Event Dec. 13 Jan 14 Jan. 8, 10, 11 Faith Formation Classes resume February 5 February 28 Mardi Gras Parish Family Event ( Families invited to attend) Christus Center 6:00 PM 8:00 PM March 1 Ash Wednesday March 12-18 Spring Break April 11-16 Holy Week and Easter April 16 Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt 1:00 PM Christus Center May 2, 3, 7 Last day of Faith Formation Classes May 28 Baccalaureate Mass & Reception June 4-9 Jr. High Youth Week June 26-30 Vacation Bible School (VBS) TBA/Summer 2016 High School Summer Conferences: Catholic Heart Work Camp, Steubenville, AYC (Archdiocesan Youth Conference) 5:15 Mass Reception immediately following Incoming 6th outgoing 8th grades registration required Children 4 years - 5th grade registration required High School students registration required deadline dates will be provided Choir Camp Sponsored through St. Ignatius Music Ministry for more information, contact the Parish Music Office Parish Fall Festival (Oct. 1 & 2) Gonzaga Center Sexton Hall 2:30 PM 4:30 PM Thanksgiving Holidays 6:30 PM 8:00 PM, All are invited. Semester Break FAITH FORMATION 2016-2017 Early Childhood, Elementary Youth Ministry: Junior High & High School Adult Formation & Sacramental Preparation Parish Office: www.silcc.org
15
NOTES: Dear Brothers and Sisters, We have completed one year in the new Gonzaga Center and continue to work out the bugs of new ownership. For many of us, our life of faith can be similar. We renew our faith on a regular basis, but somehow, some way we continue to find bugs that need to be worked out. In our life of faith, this is known as deeper conversion. But, in order to find these areas where we need to work on deeper conversion, we have to take time to read, reflect and ponder the great mysteries of our faith. A wonderful aspect of our Catholic faith is that we do not have to do this alone. Rather, through ongoing formation opportunities we are able to join together with others and study in depth the teachings of our Catholic faith and allow those teachings to move our hearts and lives to deeper conversion. This past year, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, issued a post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation titled Amoris Laetitia, that is, The Joy of Love. Pope Francis himself states in paragraph 5 of the Exhortation: This Exhortation is especially timely in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. First, because it represents an invitation to Christian families to value the gifts of marriage and the family, and to persevere in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity, commitment, fidelity and patience. Second, because it seeks to encourage everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and joy. We often call ourselves a parish family and thus, what the Holy Father implies in a blood-related family can be applied to us as a parish family. One way for us to persevere in love and be strengthened is to spend time together with Christ in the center of our gathering. We do this primarily through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. However, we also do this when we study our faith through meetings, classes and times of faith sharing. The theme for our Catechetical year is Prayer: The Faith Prayed. While many of us may not be commissioned as Catechists, this theme gives us all the wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each of us plays, by virtue of our Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. We begin this first and foremost within our families sharing in the joy of familial love. However, witnessing to the Gospel calls us beyond the family bonds and into the world as those being sent as a people for others. The ancient phrase of St. Augustine, Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (literally, the law of prayer is the law of belief or, in other words, as we worship, so we believe, so we live) highlights the understanding that our faith, the Church s teachings, is made manifest in the celebration of the liturgy and prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that the home is the first school of Christian life and a school for human enrichment where one learns endurance and the joy of work, fraternal love, generous even repeated forgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and the offering of one s life (CCC, 1657). If we pray together as a family within the home and as a larger parish family in the church, we will realize our faith in action, deeds and in mission. I strongly encourage all of our parishioners to set aside time to join in some aspect of formation: first and foremost, times of prayer. Then, gather with members of the community to share and deepen the faith you have with those who question. Allow this time together as a time to grow in the faith you have and to deepen your relationship with Christ. Above all, first and foremost, be strengthened in the Eucharist where Christ Himself will nourish you in Word and in Sacrament. With God s blessings and my prayers, Very Rev. Norbert Maduzia, Jr., E.V., D. Min. Pastor 14
S T. I G N A T I U S L O Y O L A C A T H O L I C C O M M U N I T Y C O N T E N T S Early Childhood Formation...5 Early Childhood Center....5 Nursery.....5 Parent s Night Out.....5 Elementary Formation...6 Children s Liturgy of the Word.....6 Formation 2016-2017 I N F O R M A T I O N & R E G I S T R A T I O N P A C K E T Our Formation Staff Department Contact Email Adult Formation Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Linda Krehmeier Pastoral Associate for Evangelization & Formation lkrehmeier@silcc.org Sacrament Preparation Guidelines Children in Third Grade through High School: Requirements for children grades 3-12, who have been baptized Catholic, but have not received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist include: Year One: Attend one year Basic Formation class. Year Two: Attend regular Formation class, Life Night, or Confirmation class as determined by grade level. Miss no more than two classes per semester. Parent and child attend two evening Reconciliation and Eucharist preparation sessions (Jan 19 and March 23). Parent and child must attend two Saturday morning retreats one for Reconciliation, one for Eucharist. Questions? Contact: Director of Children s Faith Formation children@silcc.org Special Needs....6 Youth Ministry Jr. High Formation.....7 High School Formation LIFE TEEN...8 Adult Formation..9 Youth Ministry High School LifeTeen Jr. High EDGE Fiona Cousino Director of Youth Ministry Sylvia McDonald Assistant Director fcousino@silcc.org smcdonald@silcc.org First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation Dates Parent Meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, 7:30 PM Reconciliation Retreat: Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 8:45 11:45 PM First Reconciliation: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 9:00 AM First Eucharist Retreat: Saturday, April 1, 2017 8:45 AM 11:45 AM Policies & Procedures..10 Partnering with Parents...11 Family Events 11 Sacrament Preparation 12 & 13 Notes..14 Calendar.16 Financial assistance available. Contact the Formation Office. Please save this booklet. It has everything you need to know about 2016-2017 Formation at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Community. Elementary Grades 1-5 Early Childhood Formation Nursery ECHO Formation Apprentice Administrative Assistant Director of Children s Faith Formation Kathy Schaefer Director Donna Quiambao Assistant Director Steve Perry Linda Thomas CONTACT US @, www.silcc.org 7810 Cypresswood Dr. Spring, TX 77379 children@silcc.org kschaefer@silcc.org dquiambao@silcc.org sperry@silcc.org lthomas@silcc.org YOUTH CONFIRMATION Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in a student s 10th or 11th grade year with their Confirmation I Class. They will then move into Confirmation II the next year, having satisfied their Confirmation I requirements (which includes having excellent attendance throughout the Confirmation I year). The goal of the program is to lead those to be confirmed into a more intimate union with Christ, and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the Confirmation process is setup to awaken a sense of belonging for the young person to the universal Church, as well as the parish community. Confirmation classes meet on Sunday nights. Students are also expected to attend 2 retreats, while giving back to the community through various service projects, and demonstrating a familiarity with the Sacrament of Confirmation in a final paper the students will have to write. The celebration of Confirmation is normally reserved for a date later in the spring. ADULT CONFIRMATION Questions? Contact: Sylvia McDonald Assistant Director of Youth Ministry smcdonald@silcc.org If you are 19 or older, out of high school and have received your First Communion and have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is not too late! Adult Confirmation preparation is offered every Spring. Additional information is available on the parish website. Questions? Contact: Linda Krehmeier Pastoral Assoc. for Evangelization & Formation lkrehmeier@silcc.org 4 13
Sacrament Preparation Guidelines BAPTISM The RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) is the process by which un-baptized adults and un-baptized children / youth of catechetical age enter the Church. UN-BAPTIZED CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Children between the ages of 7 and 17 participate in a two year process through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for children of catechetical age. The first year, the Inquiry, involves weekly formation sessions for the children/youth and periodic meetings for the parents. During the second year, the youth/child is enrolled in regular faith formation classes, participates in scripture reflection following the dismissal at Sunday Eucharist, and takes part in additional periodic sessions held for the youth/child and parents. At the end of this time, he/she will receive the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Parents of un-baptized children and youth must register their child in Faith Formation. There is no fee for the first year Inquiry class. More information will be provided once your registration form is received. CHILDREN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION: If your school aged child or teenager was baptized in a Christian denomination other than Roman Catholic and you now wish to bring him or her into the Catholic Church, your child s formation schedule will be similar to that above. He or she will make a Profession of Faith, be Confirmed and receive Holy Communion at a Sunday Mass at the completion of his or her formation. You must register your child in Faith Formation; you will then receive detailed information regarding this process for your child. FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST Requirements for all children: Regular attendance at Sunday liturgy. One full year of faith formation classes prior to beginning sacrament preparation. Present a valid Baptismal Certificate from the child s parish of Baptism when registering for classes. Parents must attend an information meeting generally held in October of the 2nd year. Second Grade Students: Children attend second grade Formation classes missing no more than two classes each semester. Attend 2-3 sacrament preparation sessions during class times (dates TBA). Parent and child must attend two Saturday morning retreats one for Reconciliation, one for Eucharist. Note: 1. If your second grade child did not attend Formation classes during first grade, he/she will need to enroll in a first year class in order to complete the first year of basic formation. Your child will prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and Eucharist the following year. 2. If your child attended a Catholic faith formation class at another parish, contact the Director of Elementary Formation at or children@silcc.org. Second Grade Children Attending Catholic School: Register your child for Sacrament Preparation only. Children will attend 2-3 preparation sessions during formation class times. Parent and child must attend two Saturday morning retreats - one for Reconciliation and one for Eucharist. 12 Questions? Contact: Linda Krehmeier Pastoral Assoc. for Evangelization & Formation lkrehmeier@silcc.org Questions? Contact: Director of Children s Faith Formation children@silcc.org Early Childhood Faith Formation Early Childhood formation classes for children ages 4 years (as of 9/1/16) through Kindergarten are offered on Sundays from 3:45 5 pm, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 pm. These sessions give young children an opportunity to learn their faith through storytelling, crafts, and discussions. Classes are held from mid September through early May. See registration form for details on how to register for classes. Early Childhood formation uses the Allelu curriculum published by Our Sunday Visitor. It is important to begin a child s faith formation at the earliest age possible. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER We offer Mother s Day Out/Preschool at St. Ignatius Loyola in the Gonzaga Center. The program is a part of our Faith Formation ministry and is an outreach of the church to the community. Our preschool program uses a curriculum designed to foster feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem through a variety of structured play activities and projects. Our program encourages recognition of letters, numbers, colors and shapes, through a hands on approach. The program is open to parishioners first and then to the community, dependant on availability. We will be licensed by the State of Texas. Registration is required. Forms are available online at www.silcc.org or in the office. Call Kathy Schaefer for additional information or a tour. SUMMER FUN We offer a program in the summer for children ages 2 years through 5 years. The weeks that will be offered will be announced in the spring. Summer Fun meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM. The curriculum is theme related and the songs, stories and activities are centered on these themes. We also incorporate a Bible story each week. Summer Fun is available to parishioners and the community on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required. For additional information, please contact Kathy Schaefer. NURSERY The nursery welcomes children from ages 6 months to 4 years. It is open during the Saturday 5:15 PM Mass and Sunday, 9 AM, 11 AM and 5:15 PM Masses. The nursery is also open during Masses on Holy Days of Obligation. PARENT S NIGHT OUT Parents Night Out is not just fun for parents, kids love it too! A light dinner, art activities, free play, directed activities, games, snack time and a movie make each night a party for the children. PNO is held Friday nights from 6:30-10:30 PM in the Education Building and is available to registered parishioners with children ages 1 9 years old. Reservations are taken on the first day of the month before the month of the PNO, i.e. reservations begin on August 1 for September PNO. Payment is due when reservations are made. Unpaid reservations are placed on a waiting list until payment is received. The cost is $30 per child, $40 for two children, with a cap of $50 per family. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Check the bulletin or website for PNO dates. For additional information on all Early Childhood programs listed, please contact Kathy Schaefer. 5
Elementary Formation: Grades 1-5 Elementary Faith Formation uses the Alive in Christ text published by Our Sunday Visitor. The program follows a scope and sequence organized around seven key themes of Catholic teaching Revelation, Trinity, Jesus Christ, The Church, Morality, Sacraments, and the Kingdom of God. Each grade level intentionally teaches each of the five forms of prayer and presents opportunities to deepen children s understanding of the feasts and seasons of the Church. Every weekly lesson incorporates Sacred Scripture, stories of saints and a take-home page for family discussion and prayer. Our catechists are totally committed to helping your child prepare for sacraments and better understand the Catholic Faith. SCHEDULE Elementary classes are one hour and 15 minutes long, one day a week during the school year. In order to provide an opportunity for families to find a class that best suits their schedules, we offer a variety of days and times. Selected sessions overlap with Preschool and Jr. High classes to accommodate families with children of various ages. See registration information on flyer. Home School Option: Parents are the primary educators of their children. With this in mind, we offer a home school option that allows parents to teach their children at home in place of formal catechetical classes. CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES We seek to invite, welcome and accept all children to our Faith Formation Program. We offer classes for children with disabilities who require sacrament preparation or individualized faith formation taught by experienced catechists, as well as inclusion in regular classrooms based on their abilities. FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST Children prepare for First Reconciliation and Eucharist during second grade after completing a full year of faith formation. Classes and preparation sessions are also available for older children who need to prepare for sacraments. Sacrament preparation sessions are scheduled outside of regular faith formation classes. See pages 12-13 for detailed information. UNBAPTIZED CHILDREN/CHILDREN BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER DENOMINATION Children between the ages of 7 and 17 participate in a two year adapted RCIA process with the end result of receiving Baptism (or Profession of Faith), Confirmation and Eucharist. See page 12 for detailed information. CHILDREN S LITURGY OF THE WORD Children s Liturgy of the Word is a worship experience offered for children 4 years old through grade 4 during the 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday Masses. Children are dismissed after the Opening Prayer and return to the main assembly to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their families. Registration is not required. SUMMER BIBLE STUDY Fourth and fifth graders are invited to dive into Scripture at God s Word Bible Study offered on specific Tuesday evenings during the summer. Activities include social and community building activities, study of Scripture stories, games, and prayer. CLASS AND EVENT CANCELLATIONS St. Ignatius follows Klein ISD for program cancellations. If all schools are closed or after school activities are cancelled, activities at St. Ignatius for school-aged children and youth will be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation at St. Ignatius, we will post a notice on the website. We will also make every effort to contact individual parents through email or phone call either by the catechists or formation staff. PARTNERING WITH PARENTS Parents are the first and primary educators of their children. Children model their lives based on the actions of their parents and caregivers. We affirm you for establishing your Catholic home (domestic church) and for registering your child for faith formation classes so that he/she can continue formal religious education. We ask that you support your family s faith education by: Attending Sunday Liturgy each weekend Ensuring your child attends all scheduled faith formation classes Reviewing with your child the lesson/topic covered each week Making prayer a part of your regular family schedule Practicing stewardship within family, which includes time, talent and treasure. Volunteering to assist with formation classes by teaching, chaperoning, praying, etc. Our website features a Family Page (under the Formation tab) that gives information and family activities that change seasonally. Please use any of the information that is helpful for you. FAMILY EVENTS and ACTIVITIES LIVE NATIVITY Enjoy a walk through Bethlehem as parishioners present a live re-enactment of the Christmas story Sunday evening before Christmas Eve. Live animals included. MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION Join parishioners on Fat Tuesday, the evening before Ash Wednesday, for a potluck dinner, fun, merriment and a Mardi Gras parade. EASTER EGG HUNT Offered on Easter Sunday for young children up to fifth grade. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A one-week VBS offered on campus each summer from 9:00 a.m. to noon, for children ages 4 years through incoming fifth graders. Children build friendships while learning more about their faith through Bible stories, related crafts, music and games. Registration is required. GRACE DISABILITY MINISTRY The Grace Disability Ministry strives to welcome persons with disabilities to parish events. We offer spiritual support and monthly social opportunities. Contact the Director of Children s Faith Formation. children@silcc.org 6 11
Policies & Procedures for Youth Programs POLICIES Policies stated in this book and upheld by the St. Ignatius Formation Department are intended to enhance the learning environment of our catechetical programs. All who participate in our ministries are responsible for being familiar with these policies. ATTENDANCE Faith formation is a lifelong process. Regular attendance at formation classes allows for optimal growth in faith, as an enhancement of the catechesis students receive at home. Parents will be called in the event of absences. Students should be in their assigned classroom or meeting area when class begins. Parents of students in fourth grade and younger must drop off and pick up their child/children directly from his/her classroom. Children preparing for sacraments should not miss more than two classes each semester. EARLY DISMISSAL If early dismissal is essential, parents must notify the catechist or director in advance and pick up student from his/ her classroom or meeting area. GENERAL CONDUCT Each student is expected to behave with Christian charity, virtue, good manners, and respect in regards to him/ herself and others. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 1. Students who are being disruptive will be corrected in class in a positive way. 2. If a catechist feels the student is being too disruptive, the student will meet with the Director. 3. If misbehavior/inappropriate behavior continues, the catechist or the Director will: A. Notify parents; B. Require parent to attend classes with student; or C. Offer home school program (if possible) DRESS CODE The formation department has established a suggested dress code for church activities to reflect who we are and what we believe as a faith community. All clothing should fit properly with flexibility to participate in various activities. Pants/Shorts: Pants should not be sagging or fall below the hipbone. Length of shorts should be no less than fingertip length when arms are extended down at your side. Shirts: Shirts with designs or messages must have a positive outlook and subject matter. Males: Shirts must have sleeves. Females: Shirts must be modest and should cover the midriff. Sleeveless shirts must have at least a 1 inch strap across the shoulders and cover undergarments. No undergarments should be worn as outerwear. Dresses/Skirts: Length should be no less than fingertip length when arms are extended down at your side. It should also be modest and cover all undergarments. Straps on dresses should be at least 1 inch across. Footwear: Must be worn at all times. General: Headwear must be taken off during prayer and classes. Leotards should be worn only under appropriate clothing. In the event of inappropriate dress, the child and/or parent will be contacted. For repeated infractions parents will be notified and requested to bring appropriate apparel or pick up their child. CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONICS POLICY Although cell phones are important in the safety of the family, they also provide for a distraction during class time. Cell phones must be turned off or kept in silent mode at all times or they will be collected and given to the program coordinator. The student can then collect the phone at the end of class. For frequent violations parents will be notified. I-Pods, I-Pads and other music devices are not allowed in class and will be collected if out. Jr. High Formation: Grades 6-8 Following Jesus is at the heart of being Catholic. It s not always easy, but it s the most fulfilling and meaningful way to live life. Youth Ministry for Junior High provides an unparalleled moment in the life of an early adolescent to offer guidance, reassurance, and Jesus love to a group of people who have so many options and choices before them. It is comprehensive and targets the totality of the maturing youth by inviting them to the life and mission of the Church. EDGE is the primary Junior High Faith Formation program that presents the Catholic faith through the relational ministry model. It is developmentally appropriate and meets the educational, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of junior high youth. EDGE is hands on, and allows youth to be involved in their faith formation. Sessions are held weekly on Sundays from 3:30 5:00 PM. EDGE is conveniently placed right before the 5:15pm Sunday Mass in which the Jr. High Youth have a reserved section. Attendance at EDGE does not equal going to Mass. Every Catholic is obligated to participate in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. *A traditional classroom model of faith formation will be offered on Tuesdays 6:30 7:45 PM during the faith formation year. Class size is limited and once class size is reached, registration will be closed. JH RETREATS: Retreats foster an environment for the young people to grow in their faith, in their relationship with others, and in their understanding and love for God. It is recommended that the youth participate in a retreat once a year. JUNIOR HIGH ARCHDIOCESAN EVENTS: These events are sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry from the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston and dates will be available later. They provide an opportunity to meet other youth from different parishes across the Archdiocese and experience the broader church. These events include: The Quest (Leadership Formation Day) Peacemakers Youth Ministry Junior High Youth Rally Extreme Challenge (Field Day) JR. HIGH YOUTH WEEK A week filled with fun, games, fellowship and prayer through activities on and off campus. June 5-10, 2016 LOCK-INS: These events are packed with high energy activities and based on the Catholic Faith to ensure that everyone has a great time while getting to build a Catholic Jr. High community! Trifecta: On Wednesdays, throughout the year, our junior high youth gather for Trifecta which includes participation at the 6:45 pm Mass, dinner, and fellowship join us for faith, food, and friends. Friday Night Socials: Several times throughout the year junior high youth have the opportunity to have fun and meet new friends (ex: movie nights, go-carts, laser tag, etc.). The events and their dates are promoted at each of our programs. All Jr. High activities are open to youth in grades 6-8. Their Jr. High friends are also welcome to attend. Adult chaperones and volunteers are always needed. Questions? Contact: Sylvia McDonald smcdonald@silcc.org 10 7
HIGH SCHOOL FORMATION: LIFE TEEN Leading Teens Closer to Christ HIGH SCHOOL FORMATION On Sunday evenings we use a large group model for Catechesis known as Life Teen, which tends to be more interactive and engaging for the high school student as opposed to the typical classroom model. Life Teen aids young people in developing a deeper relationship with God while strengthening their understanding of the faith and the mission of the Church. Life Nights take place on Sunday nights following the 5:15 Life Teen Mass from 7:00-8:30pm. We have trained small group leaders consisting of parents, young adults, and confirmed high school seniors who assist in the process of leading teens closer to Christ. In the process, our young people grow in their faith as a community, and come to understand what it means to be a young Catholic in the world today. Each Life Night flows out of Mass and into the Gonzaga Center, where we begin with a light meal, followed by Catechesis that challenges and engages the young people in their faith. Life Nights are open to all high school students and their friends! LIFE TEEN MASS On Sunday, everyone is invited to celebrate the miracle of the Eucharist at the Life Teen Mass. This liturgy is planned with the high school youth in mind. A section of pews is reserved for our high school teens. These are the best seats in the house to actively hear, see and participate in Mass. In this way we build community with peers and show God that we come together to worship Him as one collective body. CONFIRMATION PREPARATION Confirmation Preparation is a two year process that begins at 10th grade year. Preparation runs in conjunction with the Life Teen program, which supports the continued formation process for all high school students. For more information, please see the Sacraments section in the handbook on page 13. UPPER ROOM Join us every Wednesday 6:45pm, as we gather together and unlock the treasures of the faith at the Upper Room. We begin with Mass at 6:45pm, followed by dinner, games, talk and small group time. You can join us at any time, so do not be afraid to jump in when your schedule permits. Each semester we focus on a different topic, and how we can have a greater understanding of its application in our lives. We conclude each week at 9:00pm and would love for you and your friends to join us. YOUTH COMMISSION Our Youth Commission was created to foster and develop leadership skills with young people, while implementing a comprehensive plan for high school youth ministry. As a member of Youth Commission, you will be a leader among your peers both in and out of Church. It is expected that you attend our monthly Youth Commission meeting, as well as our leadership meetings if you have been discerned on to that team. Furthermore, please remember you will represent the greater church to those at school and beyond. It is therefore expected that you represent our Catholic faith in a positive light at all times. For more information please contact our youth ministry office. Questions? Contact: Sylvia McDonald Assistant Director of Youth Ministry smcdonald@silcc.org Adult Faith Formation Are you interested in bible study, retreats and days of reflection, book discussions, speaker series, sessions on various aspects of theology and Christian life? Various opportunities for formation and spiritual development exist to support adults of our parish community. For more information on Adult Formation opportunities, visit the Adult Formation pages and the Sacrament pages on the parish website, pick up a flyer of scheduled events found in the narthex and the lobbies of our buildings or contact Linda Krehmeier. Join us this fall for our third season of Adult Sacramental Preparation Seeking to: Questions? Contact: Linda Krehmeier Pastoral Assoc. for Evangelization & Formation lkrehmeier@silcc.org ARISE Together in Christ is a three-year, parish-centered process of spiritual renewal and evangelization that enables people to deepen their faith, develop a closer relationship with Christ, grow in community, and reach out in service to others. It emphasizes people living in good relationship with one another, as they make concrete applications of the gospel to their life situations. (http://www.renewintl.org/arise) Opportunities to participate through faith-sharing communities will be available in September. If you are interested in serving as a group facilitator, contact Linda Krehmeier at the parish office. ~ follow Christ as a member of the Catholic Church? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) provides the process by which adults are initiated into the community of faith known as the Catholic Church. Whether you have never been baptized, have been baptized in a different Christian denomination or have been baptized Catholic but have never completed your initiation through both Confirmation and Eucharist, we welcome you to join us through this process which continues year-round. For more information see the contact info above. ~ complete your Catholic initiation with the Sacrament of Confirmation? If you are an adult 19 or older, and have received your First Communion but have not been confirmed you are invited to participate in the formation sessions that lead to participation in the annual archdiocesan celebration of Adult Confirmation. For more information see the Adult Formation page of the parish website or contact Linda Krehmeier. ~ have your child baptized? Infant Baptism preparation classes for parents of children under the age of seven are offered every other month. Check the Sacraments page of the parish website for more information. For children /youth 7-18, see Sacrament Preparation, page 12. ~ prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church? Preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church usually takes 6+ months. At St. Ignatius it begins with the couples attendance at one of the monthly Marriage Orientation sessions usually held on the 4th Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm. For more information see the Sacraments page on the parish website. "Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be "the central task in the catechetical enterprise," becoming "the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age." (Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, #5. U.S. Bishops document on Adult Faith Formation) EVENTS OF NOTE 2016 STEWARDSHIP WEEKEND AUGUST 27-28 Events of Note CATECHIST COMMISSIONING SEPT 11 PARISH FESTIVAL OCT 1-2 PASSION & PURPOSE WITH MATTHEW KELLY SATURDAY, OCT 22 CLOSING OF THE HOLY YEAR OF MERCY November 20, 2016 Feast of Christ the King ASH WEDNESDAY Mar 1, 2017 EASTER TRIDUUM April 13-16, 2017 8 9