Faith Development

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
This sacrament brings Jesus’ healing peace to the chronically ill, infirm, and aged members of our parish. Arrangements are made on an individual basis by calling the parish office. A parish communal celebration of the sacrament is celebrated periodically throughout the year. Please notify us if you are in the hospital.

BAPTISM
Infant Baptisms are celebrated following the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Parents are asked to attend a one-evening presentation on Baptism prior to the celebration. This session is held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Office Community Meeting Room.

Please call in advance to register for the Baptismal class. Arrangements should be made well in advance of the anticipated Baptism; even before the birth of the baby. Adult and older child Baptisms are handled on an individual basis through the parish priest and the RCIA.

CATECHUMENATE
In response to God’s action and grace, and encouraged by the living witness of other believers, many people seek to become members of the Catholic Church. This process of becoming a Catholic is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This process can best be imaged as a journey of faith and conversion. The parish community accompanies the individual on this journey of faith and conversion. The Easter Vigil is the primary feast for the celebration of the Church’s sacraments of initiation. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, please call the parish office.

CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is offered to our 8th graders every year, and is celebrated at the parish school they attend. Unconfirmed adults and teens will prepare for Confirmation with Fr. Tom Miller and a date will be set based on the preparation and readiness of the individual.

CONTINUING FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Mystery is the proper domain of religion. Our approach to mystery is never complete, and we need to constantly explore and expand our appreciation of the mystery of salvation. A variety of learning experiences are offered throughout the year. Your suggestions are most welcome.

EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is central to our parish as a faith community. The large size of our parish makes it necessary to offer several Mass time options. The number of Masses increases our need for people to assist in the various:

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES:

Heavenly Dusters: Volunteers, who clean the church interior weekly, care for the altar area, sacristy, and vestments.

Extraordinary Ministers of Eucharist: Assist the priests with distribution of Holy Communion. Bring Communion to the homebound.

Gift Bearers: Present the bread, wine and contributions at Mass.

Musicians & Choirs: Lead the parish in singing praise to God. We are blessed with a variety of musical ensembles, please see the music ministry page for more information.

Lectors: Proclaim the Scripture readings and prayers of the faithful at liturgies.

Servers: Boys and girls in grades 6-8 who assist at the altar.

Ushers and Greeters: Attend to greeting, seating, collections, and bulletin distribution.

Mass intention cards are available through the parish secretary.

MATRIMONY
Our faith honors marriage as a true vocation and sacrament, so we want to be sure to prepare for the marriage before we prepare for the wedding. Interested couples should meet with a priest at least 9 months prior to plans being set. Following the consultations, engaged couples are offered a choice of Pre-Cana Conferences, an Engagement Encounter Weekend, or a series of Evenings for the Engaged, to enrich their marriage preparation.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COUPLES
Parish couples are paired with engaged couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

PRAYER GROUP
The Epiphany Prayer Group is committed to fostering the personal experience of Pentecost by sharing the awareness of the presence and active power of the Holy Spirit with one another and the whole Church. The Prayer Group meets to pray, praise and worship, and study the Holy Scriptures. The Prayer Group meets every Thursday in the Parish Office Community Mtg. Room at 7:30 p.m.

RECONCILIATION
Individual confessions are available on Saturday mornings:
7:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m. Reconciliation is also available by appointment. Communal Penance Services are celebrated during both Advent and Lent. Announcements are made through the bulletin.

RENEW GROUP
The Renew Group coordinates adult faith and renew programs from the Archdiocesan Education Office.

SCRIPTURE STUDY
Several different groups and study leaders offer various times and places for studying our Sacred Scriptures.