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Baptism Preparation
Members of this team work with the Parish Director of Faith Formation to prepare
parents whose children will receive the Sacrament of Baptism. The team takes
turns presenting a monthly baptism class. This class serves both to welcome and
evangelize the family whose child will receive the sacrament as well as to
prepare them for the day of the celebration.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
A special liturgical service for children grades K-3 is held on the first Sunday
of the month during the 9:30 AM Mass. Children leave church during the Liturgy
of the Word to hear the readings from the children’s lectionary and focus on the
message at their level. Children return to church for the Liturgy of the
Eucharist.
Confirmation Preparation
This ministry assists in preparing the candidates to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation. Members work in teams with the Director of Faith Formation to help
candidates delve into a deeper understanding of the sacrament and to reflect on
their readiness for it.
Family Enrichment Programs
The Family Enrichment Programs Ministry provides St. Raphael’s parish families
with quality experiences for faith enrichment and a more thorough understanding
of the liturgical calendar. Ministry members assist the Director of Faith
Formation in planning, preparing for, and conducting these family faith
experiences. These include an Advent Wreath Blessing, an Epiphany Celebration, a
Pre-Lenten Celebration, a Holy Week Seder Supper and a Pentecost Picnic.
First Communion Preparation
Sacramental preparation in the Diocese of St. Petersburg is a freestanding
process. Children preparing for sacraments do so in programs separate from their
primary religious education program. These separate programs meet outside the
school and regular religious education class time and utilize additional teams
of catechists. These catechists share their love of the Mass and the rich
meaning of the Eucharistic with students. At St. Raphael’s, First Communion
sessions meet on a monthly basis. The preparation process also includes a
retreat experience with fun filled activities, music, and learning games. Team
members are needed for these creative activities as well as the sacramental
celebration and the mystagogy process that comes after it.
First Reconciliation Preparation
The Reconciliation program mirrors the First Communion program with activities,
music, and catechetical lessons. Team members assist with the monthly classes,
the half-day retreat experience, and/or the sacramental celebration.
Marriage Encounter
The Marriage Encounter Ministry, coordinated at the diocesan level, begins with
a weekend experience for a married couple to pause, pray, consider their
marriage and examine their lives together. The weekend is open to all couples,
regardless of age or length of marriage, and is a way to enhance communication
skills in a marriage.
Marriage Preparation -“Before I do”
Engaged couples must contact a priest six months before receiving the Sacrament
of Marriage. In addition to required counseling sessions with a priest or deacon
and mentoring couple, the engaged couple must attend a marital preparation
program entitled, “Before I Do”. This ministry provides engaged couples with the
necessary skills and a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Marriage, as
well as preparing them to use their faith to build and preserve a strong union.
Parish Religious Education (CCD)
CCD provides a quality faith formation for parish children in grades Pre-K
through eighth grade who do not attend Catholic elementary or middle school.
Catechists share the living faith through their own witness supported by a
textbook curriculum. Catechists plan, conduct, and evaluate weekly classes. They
are supported by, and in regular contact with, the Parish Director of Faith
Formation. Diocesan certification as well as other training opportunities are
offered annually so that catechists build skills that will enable them to
minister to their students effectively. Catechists, along with the parents of
the children, form an important partnership in fostering the children’s faith
formation.
CCD web pages: schedules & information
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA)
The RCIA ministers work as a team to welcome, share faith with, catechize, pray
with and witness to adults who are seeking the Sacraments of Initiation
(Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). This is carried out both in weekly
sessions and in the liturgical celebrations, which make up the Rites of
Christian Initiation. Catechists, sponsors, faith sharers, retreat helpers,
musicians, hospitality and scripture sharers are all needed as part of the RCTA
team.
Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults (RCIA) web pages
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children
(Children’s Catechumenate) The above process is adapted to meet the needs of
unbaptized children who have
reached catechetical age. These children are prepared to receive Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist. Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Children (RCIC) web pages
Vacation Bible School
Each year, for one week in June or July, the Parish offers a Vacation Bible
School for the parish children in which they learn further of the love of Jesus
for His people. Ministry members serve as teachers, teacher aides, arts and
crafts instructors, music directors, recreation leaders and helpers. |
