Religious Education & Adult Formation

 

In our Roman Catholic tradition we celebrate and worship as family, responding to Christ with thankfulness and praise. Through sacramental life, Christ our Redeemer and High Priest continues the work of our redemption.

Intrinsic in our Faith is the mission to teach these Catholic beliefs and values through a lifelong religious formation process. Education in the Faith begins at Baptism. It is continued through the formative years of our children, extending into adulthood in an ever-increasing cycle of learning and appreciation of the truths which have been handed down to us from Jesus Christ.

Our parish Children’s Formation Programs, our partnership with St. Mary Academy, our Youth Ministry Program, and our Adult Formation programs give all our parish family the opportunity to deepen their relationships with God through a greater understanding of our Faith.  

On-going religious education and formation programs include:

  • Scripture Study
    • Prayer Groups
    • RCIA/RCIC
    • Speakers
    • Retreats
    • Family faith-based activities
    • Whole Community Catechesis
    •

All of Immaculate Conception's religious education and formation programs center around prayer and the liturgy, enhancing our knowledge and creating an awareness of our place in salvation history. Our programs also bring to the forefront the realities of today's world and endeavor to extend and intensify our relationship with God and the community through a greater understanding of the Catholic faith.

Contact:  Monica Dominguez, 222-0255   formation@weareic.org

 

Family and Children’s Faith Formation Ministry

Our faith and our children are precious gifts!  Our religious education program at Immaculate Conception recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children and, thus, attempts to nurture the whole family in their journey of faith!  We offer several programs:  Children’s Liturgy of the Word, PREP, Parent Support, Sacramental Preparation and VBS.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held during the 10:30am Mass on Sundays throughout the year.  All children, parishioners and non-parishioners, in grades K-2 are invited to receive a blessing, process to the narthex, and then return for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  During this time, children have the opportunity to learn some of our Catholic traditions that occur during the Liturgy, as well as hear God’s Word proclaimed just for them!  After First Communion, children stay with their families for the entire Liturgy.

PREP, or Parish Religious Education Program classes, provide faith formation, including sacramental preparation, for our parish children attending public school (Preschool through 6th grade). PREP meets on Sundays between the Masses from 9:10 to 10:20 am, September through May. This time frame gives families the opportunity to attend Mass before or after classes.  There are also whole community catechetical family events to be held on selected Wednesdays that are part of our program this year!
 

Parent Support programs are in the planning stages. We’d like to use the time that children are attending CCD as time for adults to form small faith sharing groups using bible or book studies, to hear speakers or attend special programs.

Sacramental Preparation occurs in the 1st and 7th grades. First Reconciliation and First Eucharist occurs in 2nd grade. Preparation takes place in the home, at PREP and during Days of Reflection.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist occurs in 2nd grade. Preparation takes place in the home, at PREP and during Days of Reflection.   Confirmation takes place in 8th grade, under the direction of our Youth Minister.

Preparation consists of exploring faith in Small Christian Communities, building a foundation of faith during PREP and participating in whole community catechetical events. Special efforts will be made, and programs are available to help any child receive sacraments in alternate years.

VBS is a fun-filled, four day summer program of activities, games and crafts centered on Biblical themes that is usually held in June!  Our goal is to ignite enthusiasm for our Catholic faith and God’s Word!  Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a whole community event for children in preschool through grade 5, teens in middle & high school, and adults!

Contacts:

Family & Children’s Faith Formation:  J.J. Singer, 222-0255, childminweareic@insightbb.com

Youth Ministry & Confirmation:  Kathy Williams, 222-0255, X 309; creative@aye.net