Faith Formation

Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: 386.747.2889
Email: joseph.fey@catholic-community.org

Details:
Days & TImes: Sundays 9:15-10:45 am
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
Faith Formation Classes are offered for children in grades K-5. Classes consist of catechesis and sacramental preparation appropriate for each age group. In order to help our young people properly prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion, they must complete one year of Faith Formation before the year in which they will receive these sacraments (normally second grade).

2023-2024 Key Dates & Documents
Aug. 20 & 27: Registration After Masses
Sept. 14: Registration Due
Sept. 14 (6:30 pm in the St. Mary Parish Life Center): Required Parent/Catechist Meeting (no children please)
Sept. 17: Classes begin

2023-2024 Information Sheet

2023-2024 Full Calendar

Registration Form

Emergency Medical Form

Medication Form

Photo Release Form

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Form

K-5 Faith Formation Parent Handbook

Contact: Katie Warren
Phone: (502) 403-5293
Email: katherine.warren@catholic-community.org

Details:
Days & TImes: Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: St. Joseph Parish Hall Gym
Faith Formation for youth in grades 6-8 will take place during Middle School Youth Group on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm at St. Joseph in the Parish Hall Gym. In addition to sacramental preparation for confirmation, this time together will provide a space for youth to connect with each other and form meaningful relationships. Youth desiring to be confirmed at age 13 must attend for at least a year to be eligible for confirmation.

2023-2024 Key Dates & Documents
Aug. 9, 2023: Middle School Youth Group Begins

2023-2024 Information Sheet

2023-2024 Full Calendar

Registration (for those who have not already completed Youth Ministry's regular registration forms)

Vacation Bible School
Location: St. Michael, Bradford
When: One week during June
Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: (386) 747-2889
Email: joseph.fey@catholic-community.org
Vacation Bible School is a collaborative effort between area parishes that takes place at St. Michael in Bradford. Details will be shared in the months leading up to summer break. 

Faith Enrichment Series: Eternal Rest
The Art of Dying Well
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
Day & Time: Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Dates: Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, & Nov. 14 (2023)
or
Location: St. Joseph Fr. Pius Rm. 
Day & Time: Wednesdays 9:00 - 10:30 am
Dates: Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, & Nov. 15 (2023)
Register by: Oct. 2, 2023
Cost for Materials:$10 
Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: (386) 747-2889
Email: joseph.fey@catholic-community.org
Form available: Click here. 
Eternal Rest examines the origin of death, the afterlife, and the powerful reality around the sacrament that ushers us into eternal life. Eternal Rest presents the Catholic Church’s teaching about death and God’s response to it with wisdom and truth, gentleness and compassion, so we can think about and prepare for death in the light of Jesus Christ, the Author of life. We pray that through Eternal Rest, God may give you greater peace, solace, and perspective. In addition to watching the film series, we will use the Institute’s study guide to inform our discussion. Each person will also receive a copy of the Apostolic Pardon to keep in their home. This study will be led by Ken & Yvonne Abell, parishioners of St. Mary & St. Joseph and co-owners of Nota Bene Book Company.

Pentateuch II Bible Study
Shaping the Israelite Community
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center, Room 105
Day & Time: Thursdays 10:30 am - Noon or 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Dates: 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 (2024)
Register by: 3/15/2024
Cost for Materials:$15 
Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: (386) 747-2889
Email: joseph.fey@catholic-community.org
The Liguori Catholic Bible Study is a series of 21 books introducing each and every book of the Bible, providing insight into the Sacred Words of antiquity, and inviting all to discover the living Word and its impact on our daily lives. Pentateuch II: Shaping the Israelite Community continues the study of the Pentateuch with the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These three books of the Pentateuch, or Torah, are filled with laws, rituals and feasts celebrated by the Israelite people. This book, then, sheds light on the Israelite worldview and opens readers and participants alike to a new understanding of these ancient rites and feasts, some of which are celebrated even today in the Jewish faith tradition.

Sunday Morning Bible Study
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center Cafeteria Classroom
Day & Time: Sundays from 9:15-10:45 am
Contact: Chuck Lynch
This group gathers in the cafeteria classroom to study the weekly readings and reflect on the Gospel. We are supported each week by a 6-minute video, "Opening the Word," and handouts from FORMED. Another handout, "Bringing Home the Word," from Liguori Press is also used. Prayer and faith sharing are a major part of this time together. The strength of faith gained from community is most evident. 

Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study
Location: St. Joseph Fr. Pius Rm.
Day & Time: Tuesdays 10:30 am-12:00 pm
This group is currently studying the Book of Genesis in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. 

Tuesday Afternoon Women's Bible Study
Location: St. Peter Hall
7780 Buena Vista Rd SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117
Day & Time: Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
Ministry Contact: Dorothy Stemm
Phone: 812-598-2069
Email: d33stemm@gmail.com
New study beginning 8/29, Courageous Women of the Bible by Stacy Mitch. Please also bring a Bible with you. All are welcome. 

RCIA Echo
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
Day & Time: First Tuesday at 6:30 pm beginning Oct. 3, 2023
For: Those who have gone through RCIA or those who are considering it
Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: (386) 747-2889
Email: joseph.fey@catholic-community.org

There is a new catechetical ministry forming for the Catholic Community of St. Mary and St. Joseph. It will be called RCIA Echo. “Catechesis” is derived from the Greek word meaning "to echo or resound"". The word echoed or resounded through catechesis is the "Word of God made flesh” - Jesus Christ, and He gives us His "Word" through Sacred Scripture.

Many newly Baptized and/or Confirmed Catholics stop practicing their faith after a few years. This could be because of a lack of interior conversion to Christ, or because of insufficient support and connection with other Catholics of the wider parish community. When the RCIA experience ends, the new Catholic may find themselves unaccompanied, alone or surrounded by many who may not be supportive of their new faith. Learning the Catholic faith is a lifelong journey, especially in a world ever more hostile to the basic premises of Christianity. The need for pastoral care is every bit as great as when they were going through the RCIA process to become Catholic.

RCIA Echo will give individuals a chance to continue the exploration of the Catholic faith through prayer, study, and active discussions. Please make plans to join us in this new ministry. Gatherings will be held at St. Mary, Lanesville on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., beginning October 3, 2023. This program is open to anyone who has ever gone through the RCIA program and for those who may be considering it.
 

FORMED
www.watch.formed.org
Watch, listen and read anywhere, anytime! FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help you explore your faith anywhere. FORMED offers thousands of movies, ebooks, audio books, parish programs and studies direct to your browser, mobile or connected device (home TV).

Catalyst Catholic
(Our local Deanery Office)
www.catalystcatholic.org
Catalyst Catholic offers provides services and ministry programs that complement thriving parish ministry. Catalyst offers Theology on Tap, workshops on specific topics, and hosts Catholic speakers throughout the year.