Faith Formation Classes for 2011-12

FAITH FORMATION REPORT
October 20, 2011

Elementary & Junior High
All classes are going well. All the new catechists are enthusiastic and resourceful. Susan is teaching the 4th grade class at St. Patrick, but all other grades are covered. The new textbooks and catechist manuals are being well received.

Confirmation
There are five youth preparing for Confirmation. The first two parent/youth sessions have been completed there are two more in this first set with the second set of four scheduled for the first part of 2012.

A.C.T.
Fifteen teens attended the first meeting which began with their participating in Mass with Fr. Roland presiding. Catechesis followed with a discussion of church history, apologetics and changes to the Roman Missal. Eight teens and four adults BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs for the snack bar at the Rummage Sale. November activities include a canned food drive on Saturday, November 5, regular meeting on Nov. 13 and on Nov. 20, and putting together 25 food baskets for Project Thanks. A donation from the Our Lady of the Pines Society will help fund the project along with parishioner's personal donations. ACT shops for the perishable items, packs and delivers the boxes.

Catechist Formation
Six workshops and an Advent Morning of Prayer will be offered for the catechists of all three parishes. The first “Theory to Practice” is specifically for catechists. *The remaining 5 will focus on the Mass and sacraments and will be open to everyone. The Advent Morning of Prayer will also be open to everyone. Dates will be announced in the bulletin.

RCIA
Lisa reports one more individual has joined the Inquiry group, the pre-Catechumenate phase of the RCIA process. Lisa is beginning to see signs of growth and change in the Inquirers. The hope is all will be ready to celebrate the Rite of Acceptance and move into the Catechumenate stage at the same time. Past experience has shown an influx of people inquiring about the Church right after Christmas. Lisa's next goal is to organize an Inquiry Team that would be ready in January to accept any new individuals. She will also be looking into having information available in the form of pamphlets or bulletin inserts during Advent and the Christmas season. Lisa reiterated the need for Adult Faith Formation and is working on an idea to stimulate interest and attract people both as facilitators and participants. Lisa may be reached at rcia@amadorcatholics.org or on Thursday's from 11:30-1:30 at the Center.