CHRISTIAN FORMATION
By our baptism we are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. An affirmative response to that call means that you have embraced the journey of forming yourself and each other in Christ. As such, you are already members of our Christian Formation Team at Incarnation. We need each other to fulfill our mission. Please consider one of the following ministries and contact me to discuss the possibilities.
Nancy Brinkac, Director of Christian Formation
(434) 973-4381 (office) or nancy@incarnationparish.org
F.I.R.E. (FAMILY INTERGENERATIONAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION)
F.I.R.E. Facilitators: FIRE is faith formation that takes place in small intergenerational communities of five or six households (18 to 30 members). Members are married with or without children, single, old and young. FIRE groups meet 17 times a year during Advent, Lent and Easter. All are encouraged to join a FIRE group and to consider whether they are being called to be a facilitator of their group. The only requirement is a desire to grow in faith and to instill the growth in faith of others. Facilitators are required to meet six times from August through April with the Coordinator to plan lessons and to learn how to be a FIRE facilitator.
INTERGENERATIONAL FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM
Intergenerational Faith Team Member: Our team plans a faith formation event for the entire parish in Fall and Winter, which involves sharing a meal together and discussions/activities oriented to all age groups. We need at least six individuals to be involved in core planning, hospitality and food, age-appropriate catechism, discussion leaders, graphic design and promotion, decoration, and more.
Vacation Bible School: We need at least six individuals to plan our annual VBS held during one week in the Summer. Commitment: Three planning sessions and participation during VBS.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM
Adult Catechists and Bible Study Facilitators: Faith-filled individuals having a solid knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and an ability to facilitate small group discussions are needed to conduct adult faith formation discussions. Commitment: One hour group discussion per week and planning time.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Sponsors and Team members for separate Adult (18 and above) and Youth (8 up to 18) sessions: Sponsors journey with Catechumens and Candidates as fellow believers, as well as providing friendship and a sense of the community aspect of our faith. Team members facilitate the faith formation of Catechumens and Candidates by imparting knowledge and understanding of the Word and Sacraments rooted in Scripture and the Traditions of the Catholic Church. Commitment: Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm, September through Pentecost.
SACRAMENTAL PREP
Baptismal Team: Six couples are needed to facilitate quarterly baptismal preparation sessions for parents seeking baptism for their infant children. Members of the team witness to their faith and are able to explain the underlying basis for the ritual. Members also provide support to young parents and build up the faith community by holding periodic potluck dinners.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Team may assist with any or all of the following events:
• Approximately six adults are needed to assist the Coordinator with administrative tasks at meetings/retreats for parents who are preparing their children to receive the sacraments. Commitment: 6:30-7:30pm on a weekenight twice in the Fall and once in the Spring.
• Annual Bread Baking Day. Commitment: 9:00am-noon on a Saturday in March.
• Team members are needed at the celebration of the sacraments to direct parents and children and help them feel at ease. Commitment: First Reconciliation, from 9:30am-noon, on a Saturday in January. First Eucharist, two Masses in May.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION CLASSES FOR AGES 3 THROUGH PRE-CONFIRMATION
Commitment for all Catechists: Weekly class time and approximately two hours per week planning lessons and e-mailing parents. Attendance at three workshops during the year.
LITTLE CHRISTIAN PROGRAM
(Ages 3, 4, and Kindergarten during the 9:00am Sunday Liturgy (9:00 to 10:15) beginning September 19, 2010). Classes run from September thru April.
Catechists:1 Ten Catechists are needed to serve in teams of two. Lesson plans are pre-developed and coordinators supply craft materials.
Coordinators: Coordinators for each age group ensure that Catechists have the necessary materials and act as a liaison between the Director and the Catechists. Commitment: One hour per week gathering materials. Attendance during class time.
GRADE ONE
(During the 9:00am Sunday Liturgy (9:00 to 10:15) beginning September 19, 2010.) Classes run from September thru April.
Catechists: Six Catechists are needed to teach classes in teams of two. Catechists plan lessons and activities with the assistance of the Director. Catechists also accompany children to Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00am Mass on the first Sunday of the month.
Teacher Aides: There is one Aide for each class. Aides provide attention to individual children, take attendance, obtain supplies from the Catechist Room, assist Catechists, and act as a liaison between the Director and the Catechists.
ELEMENTARY GRADES
(Held Sunday from10:30 to 11:25am (between the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses) beginning September 19, 2010). Classes run from Sept thru April.
Catechists: Twenty-six Catechists are needed to teach classes of grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 in teams of two. Elementary-age children need Catechists who witness their faith and lead our children to encounter Christ as they grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. Catechists plan lessons and activities, including service projects undertaken outside of the classroom setting.
Teacher Aides: Same as above
Coordinators: Two Coordinators serve in the Catechist Room during classes, who assist the Director and act as a liaison between the Catechists/Teacher Aides and the Director.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES
(Held on Sunday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30pm from mid-September through April)
Catechists: Six catechists teach grades 6, 7 and 8 in teams of two. Catechists are willing to share their faith and are able to relate to pre-teens. Catechists plan lessons and activities, including service projects undertaken outside of the classroom setting.
HIGH SCHOOL
GRADES 9-10: REMIX (Held on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30pm from mid-September through April) Remix is a Religious Education “mix” of Catechetical lessons and topics, games, talks, music, and discussion all specially crafted to bring the participants closer to the person of Christ. The night typically starts with a light dinner, moves on to a game or activity, than a talk, than breaks into small groups where the youth discuss the topic of the night.
Catechists: A team of approximately 12 catechists work together and form relationships with the kids as a group for 2 years. Team members help plan lessons and prepare for each of the nights as well as lead small groups. There is no prerequisite knowledge in order to be a catechist, just a love of kids and a desire to share your Catholic faith! Please join us, the team has a lot of fun together!
GRADES 11-12: SMALL GROUPS(Groups meet throughout the year at homes, coffee shops, etc.)
After Remix youth are encouraged to join a small group. Small groups are made up of 4-6 youth and two adult leaders. The groups meet on their own schedule, once every other week. These groups encourage sharing beliefs, growth in faith, and building of community.
Small Group Leaders: Adult small group leaders help facilitate discussion. Schedules are flexible, so please consider joining us in this ministry. We especially encourage couples to do this ministry together.
