Faith Formation
At St. Mary’s Parish, our mission is to nurture the spiritual growth of our community through comprehensive programs for all ages. From youth catechesis and sacramental preparation to adult education and home school support, we offer a wide range of opportunities to deepen your faith and connect with others. Whether you’re seeking to enroll your child in catechesis, explore the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or engage in our adult series, St. Mary’s provides a welcoming environment for everyone on their journey of faith. Join us as we grow together in Christ.
Youth Catechesis & Sacramental Prep
Youth Catechesis is for children from 3-13 years old, meeting on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:45 in the Ministry Center. All sacramental preparation is included in our catechesis programs.
- Baptism/R.C.I.C: Christian Initiation for children desiring baptism who are 7 or older.
- 1st Holy Communion: Children beginning their 2nd grade year or older.
- Confirmation: Children beginning their 6th grade year (12 years old)
Home School
St. Mary’s is home to a number of home schooling parents. In effort to support their needs and form community, beginning in the fall of 2024, St. Mary’s will be providing resources and hosting monthly Parish Days for families to join in common activities and programs. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
Nativity of Mary Gradeschool
Visit their website for more information: https://nativityofmary.org/school
St. Michael the Archangel High School
Youth Catechesis is for children from 3-13 years old, meeting on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:45 in the Ministry Center. All sacramental preparation is included in our catechesis programs.
- Baptism/R.C.I.C: Christian Initiation for children desiring baptism who are 7 or older.
- 1st Holy Communion: Children beginning their 2nd grade year or older.
- Confirmation: Children beginning their 6th grade year (12 years old)
Registration for next year begins on August 11th.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Often known as CGS, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to religious education. CGS provides your child with a place to develop their innate relationship with God. They get to work hands-on with materials, and are taught about the Bible and the Liturgy.
In 2023, St. Mary’s resumed a Level I CGS group for 3-6 year old children. With the goal of expanding to include all 3 levels of CGS within the next few years.
To sign up your child please contact the parish office: [email protected].
If you are interested in becoming a CGS catechist, or already are one and looking for a parish to be a catechist in, please contact Fr. Kendall: [email protected].
Adult Catechesis
St. Mary’s continually offers Catechesis opportunities throughout the year through thematic series, guest speakers and days of reflection.
*Most Catechesis events are recorded and can be accessed through the MyParish App.
2024/25 Offerings
Lent Series Unbound: Finding Freedom in Deliverance through Christ (5 weeks)
Summer Series Eternal Rest: The art of preparing for death (4 weeks)
Fall Bible Study Unveiling the Book of Revelation (10 weeks; begins 9/4)
Advent Series From Righteousness to Perfection (4 weeks; begins 11/30)
Mental Health Series Anchored in Hope (6 weeks; begins 1/16/25)
Holy Face Conference (2/28- 3/1)
St. Joseph Day of Reflection Being a Man of God (3/16)
RCIA
“The rite of Christian Initiation . . . is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help, they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.” (from the Introduction to the R.C.I.A.)
R.C.I.A. is not, like so many other forms and programs of initiation have become, a series of classes or process of steps to be completed before being allowed to join. RCIA is first and foremost a Rite, that is, a community act of prayer and transformation through which a person, in the first place, becomes prepared to walk the way of the Christian life, and in the second and most important place, a period of conversion during which one comes into contact with the Sacramental Grace of God, being brought fully into communion with His Son and the members of His Church (the Body of Christ).
St. Mary’s offers R.C.I.A. throughout the year. While the Easter Vigil is the privileged and normal time for men and women to enter the Church, each individual’s faith and path to the Church is different and the length of preparation is dependent on what a person needs.
For more information contact Mark Boutross at (816) 536-5364 or the parish office (816) 252-0121
