Faith Formation

Generations of Faith

ALL AGES—LIFE LONG LEARNING

Join family and friends for a festive night out and a sharing in faith. Generations of Faith is our primary education program. The scope of learning targets the core teachings of the Catholic Church: Scripture, tradition and events in the life of the Church. The GOF approach develops a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, engages people in experiencing Church life as a community and nurtures a Catholic way of life in all members. This evening celebration offers a plan for lifelong learning to all in our parish family.

GOF Volunteer Ministry Opportunities:

Planning Team

Do you like brainstorming and looking for new possibilities? Use your originality and creativeness to plan intergenerational learning sessions at GOF.

Catechist-Teach the Faith to children, youth or adults

Do you see the potential in others and look for ways to challenge them? Take satisfaction in seeing others grow in their faith. Be a catechist for Generations of Faith. Meet monthly to plan age-level breakout sessions. Training provided.

Speakers*

If you enjoy explaining things, speaking in public or making important contributions to the faith of others, consider preparing keynote presentations for one of the age groups at GOF sessions.

Food Committee*

Keep things orderly and on schedule. Help with food preparation, serving and cleanup at GOF sessions.

NEW! Bible Bloomers*

Do you love a dynamic environment, children and are flexible? Guide pre-schoolers and kindergarteners in learning activities about the  monthly GOF theme or care for infanats and toddlers.

Office Support*

Bring your efficiency and productiveness. Help put together home kits, set up learning stations, etc.

*  These stewardship opportunities are scheduled for every 2nd or 3rd month.

Journey to Initiation

SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM, EUCHARIST & CONFIRMATION

Initiating people into the faith community is a major focus of parish life. Parents approach the Church to baptize their children and in later years bring them again to celebrate first communion and confirmation.

 Sacramental Preparation Volunteer Opportunities:

Baptism Pre-Jordan Catechist to New Parents

Meet and welcome new parents. Teach and coach them about the sacrament of Baptism, their responsibilities as the first and foremost educators of their child’s faith, and the ritual they will experience with their child. Couples are preferred but individuals are welcome. Training is provided.

First Reconciliation /Communion Catechist to CHILDREN

Guide children on their spiritual journey to inform, form, and transform their lives as they prepare to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and First Communion. Training provided.

First Reconciliation /Communion Catechist to PARENTS

Serve twice a year as small group leader/catechist to parents of children preparing for these sacraments. Present to adults the same material the children receive so parents and children may have a dialogue about these sacraments at home. Training provided.

Confirmation Catechist

Serve as small group leader, speaker, session coordinator during Confirmation Preparation sessions.  Tasks may include: facilitating discussion, encouraging faith sharing, helping groups stay on task and transition, leading prayer or coordinating a partial or full session.  Training Provided

Commitment:  8 Wednesday evenings, beginning in January

Requirements:  Fully Initiated Catholic, willing to journey with and encourage candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation Sponsor

Be a mentor to a young person preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Spend time with him/her, accompany to Rituals and Learning Centers, encourage them in their faith, pray with and for them, and of course, be present at the retreat and Confirmation Liturgy.  Schedule, materials, and encouragement provided!

Office Support

Apply your organizational and efficiency skills to produce mailings, organize classes, and prepare learning centers.

Child Care Providers

Love a dynamic environment, toddlers and are flexible? Care for small children during sacramental preparation sessions

RCIA

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

RCIA is a beautiful journey and celebration of adult initiation into our Catholic community of faith. Prepare and welcome into our Faith community people who are seeking baptism in the Catholic Church, or full communion with the Catholic tradition through the Profession of Faith, reception of the Eucharist and Confirmation.

RCIA Volunteer Ministry Opportunities:

Sponsor / Sponsor Family

Witness to your spiritual values and hospitality and be a mentor to an adult going through the initiation process. Spend time with them, pray with them, learn with them, and walk with them as they become a part of our faith community.

Team Member

If you like to make all the pieces fit together, help with planning, organizing and implementing the RCIA program.

Sunday Scripture Leader

Facilitate breaking open the Word during dismissal from Sunday Mass, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Training and materials provided.

Catechist

Share a topic you are particularly knowledgeable about in our Catholic tradition. Maybe you enjoy sharing your faith story with others, drawing them into conversation about their journey. Prepare for and engage discussion with candidates and sponsors on faith and Catholic teaching. Training provided.

Hospitality

Arrange for refreshments as needed throughout the year. Plan and organize small reception after the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming and a larger reception with meal following the Easter Vigil

Child Care Providers g

Love a dynamic environment, toddlers and are flexible? Care for small children during RCIA sessions

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Provide insight and understanding to preschoolers on the Sunday Gospel in an age-appropriate way with music, activities, and discussions. Activities are in Matthews Hall during 10:00am Sunday Mass. Training, curriculum and mentoring provided. Serve as co-leader to supervise and present activities one month of the year. Or serve as leader coordinating the co-leaders. Teen assistance also welcome.

7D8 Catechists (7th and 8th Grade Disciples)

Use your enthusiasm to make activities and prayer come alive for this monthly gathering of 7th and 8th grade youth. Adult and youth leaders are welcome.

FOCCUS Ministry

Do you understand how others feel? Do you look for common ground when there are differences? Become a mentor couple who helps engaged couples learn more about themselves and their relationship through a self-diagnostic inventory. This process helps engaged couples identify and work through issues prior to marriage.

LCS Ambassadors

Show your school spirit! Become an ambassador of the Loyola Catholic School system and promote this choice for K-12 education.

Pre Cana

Assist couples as they prepare for the celebration of marriage. Pre Cana is sponsored by the Mankato Area Catholic Parishes.

Vacation Bible School

A fun way for children to learn the Bible and God’s love for them! This weeklong summer event, held in the mornings at St. John’s, supports our area’s youth through faith-based and lively education, music and daily prayer. Activities are team-building and affirming. This ministry is a meaningful way for teens or adults to discover and practice the joy of service.

VBS Volunteer Opportunities:

Crew Leaders

Do you love working with children and want to help them grow in their faith?  Interact with children in small groups as their play/activities bring God alive in their world.

Decorators

Set up and decorate learning and play areas according to the VBS theme for this year.

Retreat Planning Team

Be a part of the planning team for various parish retreats.

Retreat Planning Volunteer Opportunities:

Session Presenter

Are you good at expressing yourself and like to bring ideas to life? Present material for various retreat topics of your choice.

Hospitality

Do you find it easy to talk to strangers? Help people feel comfortable as they gather for an enlightening and inspirational retreat.

Meal Preparation

Use your efficiency to plan meals for various retreat opportunities.

Set-up or Clean-up

Set-up room arrangement such as tables and chairs for retreat or provide hospitality. Clean up after retreat.

Planning Committee

Do you like brainstorming and looking for new possibilities? Use your originality and creativeness to plan parish retreats.

Contact us for more about the Faith Formation Ministries