Faith Formation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Faith Formation is a Life Long Process The goal of Faith Formation is to carry out the Mission of the parish, “a welcoming community of believers, being disciples of Christ through worship, the Sacraments, ongoing Faith Formation, evangelization and Christian service to others.” Mary Salm, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation (518) 384-0109, Ext. 2; salmm@nycap.rr.com If you are new to the parish, have inquiries about Faith Formation, wish to register your child for Faith Formation, or have inquiries about the celebration of the Sacraments, please call Mary at (518) 384-0109, x2. Lifelong Faith Formation Includes: Adult Formation – Adult Faith Formation reaches out to meet the spiritual and personal needs of parishioners in any and every level of development of faith life. Adult Formation includes:  Bible Study, Small Faith Sharing Groups Sacramental Sessions (i.e.) Baptismal Preparation for Parents, Parent /child meetings for First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Rite of Christian Initiation Catechist and Minister’s Formation Cluster Events of Adult Faith Formation; Adult Education: Spring Enrichment, St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry; Formation for Ministry, and Parish Presentations Parish Retreats Parish Library, Family and Faith Updates, and much more. Young Adult Ministry Comprehensive Youth Ministry – Go to Youth Ministry Link Faith Formation - Grades 1 – 6 – Faith Formation is offered to young people in grades 1 – 6 according to sessions as scheduled. We are proud to offer the Legacy Faith First curriculum to participants - helping students and families identify the difference that faith development can make in families, in life, and in the Church. Parents are encouraged to be fully involved with the faith development of their child.   New Catechists – Adults and youth interested in serving as volunteer Catechists, assistants and gatekeepers are invited to call Mary at (518) 384-0109, x2 or email salmm@nycap.rr.com. Training is provided. Faith Formation Registration – Early registration is helpful and appreciated to plan for the upcoming year. Families currently registered - when registrations are returned, participants will be placed in sessions for the current year, as space is available. Parents, who wish to assist with Faith Formation as a Catechist or classroom aide, should call Mary at (518) 384-0109, x 2. Catechesis for young children in Grades 1 - 6 Registered families have the option of selecting session time as listed below: Monday afternoon, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Monday evening, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., twice a month. Calendar for 2009 – 2010 See attachments. (Monday Afternoon, Monday Evening; Wednesday Afternoon; Wednesday Evening; Children’s Liturgy; & Reconciliation / Eucharist Preparation Schedule) Families also have the option of working with their child at home for Home Study. Families new to the parish: Families may register by calling the Faith Formation Office, at 384-0109, Ext. 2, or emailing Mary Salm at salmm@nycap.rr.com. Safe Environment Training – Grades 1 & 2: Wednesday evening, January 13, 7:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Grades 3, 4, & 5: Monday evening, January 25, 7:00 p.m. Children’s Liturgy – Children’s Liturgy of the Word is celebrated at the 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Liturgy, on scheduled Sundays, for young children in grades Pre–K - Gr. 1; and Gr. 2 – 5. Parents are invited to accompany their child to Children’s Liturgy. If you would like to assist with Children’s Liturgy, please email Mary Salm, salmm@nycap.rr.com. Schedule Sacramental Preparation: Sacrament of Reconciliation - The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to young people in the second grade. Preparations include meeting with parent and child, and Activity Centers for the child. The Celebration of Sacrament will be at a Communal Reconciliation Service to be scheduled in late winter. First Eucharist - Preparation for First Eucharist begins in 2nd grade. Preparation includes parent and child sessions and Activity Centers for the child with their parents. Celebration of First Eucharist takes place in early Spring. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is an ongoing journey in faith that includes meeting with anyone who is interested in being received into the Catholic Faith through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This process is open to all inquires. Meeting times are flexible to meet the schedules of participants. For additional information, call the Faith Formation Office at (518) 384-0109, x2 or email salmm@nycap.rr.com. Infant Baptism - Call Pat at the Faith Formation Office, (518) 384-0109, x1 to schedule a time for your child's Baptism. Baptismal Preparation is offered prior to having your child baptized. Mentor couples are available to welcome new families and the “soon to be baptized” into Baptismal program, as well s offer support to families following Baptism. Upcoming Events: Check the Weekly Bulletin at http://www.rcda.org/churches/olgchurch for upcoming programs. Monday Morning Scripture Study – 10:00a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace. Beginning in January, the group will study the Little Rock Scripture Studies, Book of Hebrews. For additional information, contact Diane Simpson, (518) 399-9322. Christian Service and Outreach at the Regional Food Bank - Adults working together, serve the needs of others, builds community, allow volunteers to carry out the mission of the parish community, and serves as an unrecognized component of Adult Faith Formation. Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace volunteer at the Regional Food Bank the first Thursday of each month, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. To volunteer, call or email Mary at 384-0109, x2 or salmm@nycap.rr.com. or Jillian at donohuej@nycap.rr.com. Annual Cluster Women’s Retreat – February 5 – 7, at the Dominican Retreat Center. Sr. Kay Kanic, RSM, will lead retreat. Cost $185. Senior Citizen $170. Scholarships available. For additional information, contact Diane Simpson, (518) 399-9322. Cluster Evening Scripture Study meet each Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Deacon Frank Thomas leads the Little Rock Scripture Study on the Gospel of Luke. The group is currently meeting at Immaculate Conception Church and will meet at Our Lady of Grace beginning, January 28, the Scripture Study group will meet at Our Lady of Grace for the final seven weeks. The next Cluster Adult Formation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception. For additional information contact Lea Darling @ (518) 399-7229 Adult Formation Check the Bulletin Board for Diocesan Events or go to the www.rcda.org for additional resources. The Adult Faith Formation Committee is looking for new members. If you would like additional information about Adult Formation, or would like to be part of the Adult Formation Cluster team, please call Lea Darling at (518) 399-7229 or the parish office at (518) 384-0109, x2. Reasons to Register in the Parish:   Registration helps us to know who is in the Parish---including age, geographic location, formation and sacramental needs. The needs of parishioners are many, to know you as members of a household helps the Parish staff to meet your needs spiritually, personally and through the Sacraments. Registrations as a parishioner facilitate your ability to receive documentation to serve as a sponsor or Godparent. To invite you to become more actively involved within parish ministry to live out your Baptismal call---to serve in ministries in the parish and know that you belong to the parish community.