Parish Faith Formation

Religious education is a personal obligation that does not end with the reception of the sacraments but continues throughout adulthood. 


The faithful of all ages are urged throughout their lives to 

 

  • study the Bible in light of the Catholic faith
  • learn  the teachings of the Catholic faith through ongoing formation and education
  • foster those means which the Church uses to make the faith known and fervently practiced
  • e.g., Catholic media, lay retreats for men and women, confession of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and frequent visits to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Being a practicing Catholic must be taught as a way of life.

We would love to have you join us in learning and growing in our faith. 

Contact the Coordinator of Religious Education for more information or to join a class.

FORMED.org

FORMED.org is a subscription-based website that provides Catholic content for individuals, families, and parishes to help them explore their faith. The site offers access to a variety of resources, including movies, audio books, podcasts, radio talks, studies, and more. Some say it's similar to Netflix for Catholics.

Thanks to a grant from the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope Capital Campaign , we are able to purchase access to FORMED.org for our parishioners!

So please, jump in and enjoy:

 

  • SIGN UP - Create your account to enjoy the Catholic Faith - on demand.
  • SIGN IN - To start watching, reading & listening!
  • PICK of the WEEK - Discover all kinds of video & audio to accompany you during the weekly liturgical calendar.
  • FORMED Daily – Start your dayy off right - be instpired and renewed each morning with a short video reflection on the daily Mass readings .

 

Intergenerational Formation

Join us for our intergeneration events, which bring together parishioners and friends of all ages to foster community, faith, and fun.

These events provide opportunities for children, teens, young adults, parents, adults, seniors, grandparents and elderly to connect, learn from each other, and grow in their faith together.

 

  • Parish-wide Programs – seasonal formation & social events for the entire parish.

 

Adult Formation

Our adult faith formation programs and opportunities support, nourish, and challenge adults as they explore their faith, experience its power, and grow in relationship with God. 

 

  • ADULT STUDIES – Weekly studies on various topics.
  • RENEW – Weekly discussion on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.
  • CHURCH MISSION – Annual mission for the parish.
  • OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults – for adults interested in joining the church.

 

Family Formation

Our family faith formation programs aim to empower families to deepen their relationship with God, live and learn their faith together, and strengthen family bonds through shared faith experiences.


  • Family Faith Formation – Weekly religious classes for parents and children (birth to HS graduation).
  • Sacramental Preparation – for Sacraments of 1st Reconciliation, Confirmation & 1st Eucharist.

 

Youth Formation

Young people are full of life, are experiencing many transitions, and have incredible gifts to offer parish life.

We want to journey with young people as they receive the Good News and respond in discipleship. 

 

  • Youth Group – fun social and spiritual gatherings. 
  • FUEL - for grades 6 – 8
  • IGNITE - for grades 9 - 12
  • TOTUS TUUS – Week-long summer “parish mission” program for youth (grades 1 – 12).
  • Catholic Schools:
  • Saint John Neumann Catholic School – Elementary Education (grades Pre-K – 8).
  • Father McGivney Catholic High School  – Secondary Education (grades 9 – 12).

 

Catechists

The aim of a catechist is to lead their students to a deeper knowledge and love of Jesus and His Church so that they may form a firm commitment to follow Christ. Through their service the catechist nurtures and mentors the faith and spiritual growth of their students.

Catechists transmit the Gospel to the faithful; as such, the person of the catechist must be conformed to the person of Christ in order to faithfully hand on that Good News. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinoise provides ongoing training and great materials to aid in the success of each catechist. All Catechists are required to complete SAFE ENVIRONMENT training to ensure a safe environment for our students.

If you feel a nudge or a willingness to “echo the faith”, please call the parish office or email the Coordinator for Religious Education to volunteer.