Faith Formation at St. Mary's

The seeds of our faith in Jesus Christ are sown in baptism and are first nurtured in the domestic church, the home. 

Our parish operates a Catholic School.  At St. Mary's School, children from age 3 through Grade 8 learn about their faith in religion classes, through prayer and the sacraments, and by daily life in a Catholic community.

Second Grade, Ninth Grade, and Tenth Grade are special years for parish children and youth.  During those years, we prepare them for receiving sacraments.

We believe that the desire to know God and to grow in faith, hope, and love continues throughout life.  Adults are especially encouraged to participate in Faith Formation at St. Mary's.

Please read on for information about Faith Formation for adults, children, and youth at St. Mary's.

January Retreat for Men and Women

Looking to boost your spirits this winter?  Our parish retreat for men and women, both single and married, will be at the beautiful Alverna Conference Center in Winona on January 28-29, 2012.  The retreat begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and ends at noon on Sunday.

Our retreat director will be Sister Tierney Trueman, OSF, president of the Rochester Sisters of St. Francis.  Sr. Tierney served for 30 years at the Franciscan mission in Bogota, Columbia.  Our focus for this retreat will be how to keep growing in faith, even in hardship or when faith grows cold.

The cost is just $50 per person, which includes overnight accommodations (single or double occupancy), lunch, dinner, continental breakfast, and Sunday brunch.  Space is limited, so register to reserve your place now by completing the registration form and returning with a $20 deposit to the St. Mary's Parish Office.  Retreat Registration.pdf

Generations of Faith

Generations of Faith is for all members of the parish, from Preschool (age 4) through Adult.  GOF is the way our parish educates children and youth about the basics of their Catholic faith. 

GOF also is designed for adults - to answer their questions about the Catholic faith, explain religious traditions, and help them grow in relationship with God.

GOF is once per month on Wednesday evening.  There are six events: September, October, and November; January, February, and March.

The program begins at 5:30 p.m.  and ends at 7:30 p.m.  Supper is served from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.  (Doors open at 5:15 p.m.)

If you are the parent of a child or teen, you are asked to come with them to Generations of Faith.  Learning is "family-style" this year for children in Grades 1 to 5, Middle School, and Grades 9 and 10.

There are also learning groups for Preschool-K (4/5 years), and for Adults (attending without children, and including young adults post-Confirmation).  There is Nursery care for children age1 to 3 years.

In 2011-12 we will be learning about the part of the Bible called The New Testament. 

Each of the six events is on the last Wednesday of the month:

• September 28: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke

• October 26: The Acts of the Apostles (with Special Guest Sr. Judith Schaefer, O.P., St. Mary's University

• November 30: The Gospel of John

• January 25: The Letters of St. Paul (with Special Guest Rev. Dr. Bill Reese, Viterbo University)

• February 29: The Catholic Letters

• March 28: Revelation

There is a small admission fee, which is even smaller if you buy a Season Pass.  Supper is a freewill donation.  Register in advance by downloading a brochure: GOF 2011-12 Brochure.pdf

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Ages 3 to 6

Children hear and learn about the Gospel in a way that is understandable for them.  Children come forward for a blessing before the Gospel is read and return after the homily.  At weekend Masses during the school year.

[Registration is not required.]

 

 

 

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Second Grade

Children and parents attend sessions together on Saturday mornings.  The children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent, followed by First Eucharist during the Easter season.

There are three sessions to prepare for First Reconciliation in the fall.  This year the sessions will begin on October 15.  Children prepare for this Sacrament first.

There are four sessions to prepare for First Eucharist in the spring. 

To register, please contact the Parish Office at 725-3804.

 

Confirmation

Ninth Grade: Youth begin preparing for Confirmation in the late fall of Ninth Grade.  They are assisted by the parents during this phase of their preparation. There will be one session in November of 2011 and five sessions beginning in January of 2012. 

If you have not registered in the parish and wish to have your child prepare for Confirmation, please contact the Parish Office at 725-3804.

Tenth Grade: Confirmation is celebrated with the Bishop in the spring of Tenth Grade. 

Youth choose an adult sponsor for this phase of their preparation.  Youth and sponsors attend six sessions during the year and an Evening of Reflection.  There is also a 24-hour retreat for youth in the fall. 

Tenth Grade Orientation for youth and their parents begins in September of 2011.  Information about these dates has been mailed to families.  If you have not received a letter and wish to register your child for Confirmation, please contact the Parish Office at 725-3804.

 

Preparing for the Sacraments

Parish Office: 507-725-3804

• Marriage and Baptism: Contact Fr. Gregory Leif
• First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation:  Contact Audrey Quanrud
• Becoming a member of the Catholic Church (Adults): Contact Sr. Michaeline Healy

St. Mary's School: 507-725-3355

• Preschool through Grade 8: Contact Mr. Thomas Reichenbacher, Principal