Faith Formation

Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: 812.952.2853, ext 22
Email: [email protected]

Details:
Days & TImes: Sundays 9:15-10:45 am
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
Faith Formation Classes are offered for children in grades K-5. Classes consist of catechesis and sacramental preparation appropriate for each age group. In order to help our young people properly prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion, they must complete one year of Faith Formation before the year in which they will receive these sacraments (normally second grade).

2024-2025 Key Dates & Documents
Aug. 17/18 & 24-25: Registration After Masses
Sept. 17: Registration Due
Sept. 17 (6:30 pm in the St. Mary Parish Life Center): Required Parent/Catechist Meeting (Parent(s) only please)
Sept. 22: Classes begin

2024-2025 Information Sheet

2024-2025 Full Calendar

Registration Form

Emergency Medical Form

Medication Form

Photo Release Form

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Form

K-5 Faith Formation Parent Handbook

Contact: Katie Warren
Phone: 812.738.2743, ext. 33
Email: [email protected]

Details:
Days & TImes: Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: St. Joseph Parish Hall Gym
Faith Formation for youth in grades 6-8 will take place during Middle School Youth Group on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm at St. Joseph in the Parish Hall Gym. In addition to sacramental preparation for confirmation, this time together will provide a space for youth to connect with each other and form meaningful relationships. Youth desiring to be confirmed at age 13 who do not attend a Catholic school must attend for at least a year to be eligible for confirmation. In addition, all youth preparing for confirmation attend monthly sessions beginning in the spring of the year they will be confirmed. 

2023-2024 Key Dates & Documents
Aug. 7, 2024: Middle School Youth Group Begins

2023-2024 Information Sheet

2023-2024 Full Calendar

Registration (for those who have not already completed Youth Ministry's regular registration forms)

Vacation Bible School
Location: St. Michael, Bradford
When: June 3-7, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contact: Joe Fey
Phone: 812.952-2853, ext. 22
Email: [email protected]

Vacation Bible School is a collaborative effort between area parishes that takes place at St. Michael in Bradford. Details will be shared in the months leading up to summer break. 

Please contact Joe Fey for more information about Bible Studies.

Sunday Morning Bible Study
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center Cafeteria Classroom
 Day & Time: Sundays from 9:15-10:45 am
 Contact: Chuck Lynch
This group gathers in the cafeteria classroom to study the weekly readings and reflect on the Gospel. We are supported each week by a 6-minute video, "Opening the Word," and handouts from FORMED. Another handout, "Bringing Home the Word," from Liguori Press is also used. Prayer and faith sharing are a major part of this time together. The strength of faith gained from community is most evident. 

Thursday Morning Bible Study
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
 Day & Time: Thursdays from 9:15-10:15 am (Fall and Winter)
 Ministry Contact: Joe and Pat Wuerth
This group is currently using the Little Rock Bible Study series to focus on the Acts of the Apostles. 

Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study
Location: St. Joseph Fr. Pius Rm.
 Day & Time: Tuesdays 10:30 am-12:00 pm
This group is currently studying the Book of Genesis in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. 

Tuesday Afternoon Women's Bible Study
 Location: St. Peter Hall
 7780 Buena Vista Rd SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117
Day & Time: Tuesdays at 1:00 pm
 Ministry Contact: Dorothy Stemm
Studies vary.

CANCELED

OCIA Echo
Location: St. Mary Parish Life Center
 Day & Time: First Tuesday at 6:30 pm beginning Oct. 3, 2023
 For: Those who have gone through OCIA or those who are considering it
 Contact: Joe Fey
 Phone: 812.952-2853, ext. 22
 Email: [email protected]

There is a new catechetical ministry forming for the Catholic Community of St. Mary and St. Joseph. It will be called OCIA Echo. “Catechesis” is derived from the Greek word meaning "to echo or resound"". The word echoed or resounded through catechesis is the "Word of God made flesh” - Jesus Christ, and He gives us His "Word" through Sacred Scripture.

Many newly Baptized and/or Confirmed Catholics stop practicing their faith after a few years. This could be because of a lack of interior conversion to Christ, or because of insufficient support and connection with other Catholics of the wider parish community. When the OCIA experience ends, the new Catholic may find themselves unaccompanied, alone or surrounded by many who may not be supportive of their new faith. Learning the Catholic faith is a lifelong journey, especially in a world ever more hostile to the basic premises of Christianity. The need for pastoral care is every bit as great as when they were going through the OCIA process to become Catholic.

OCIA Echo will give individuals a chance to continue the exploration of the Catholic faith through prayer, study, and active discussions. Please make plans to join us in this new ministry. Gatherings will be held at St. Mary, Lanesville on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., beginning October 3, 2023. This program is open to anyone who has ever gone through the OCIA program and for those who may be considering it.
 

Catalyst Catholic
(Our local Deanery Office)
www.catalystcatholic.org
Catalyst Catholic offers provides services and ministry programs that complement thriving parish ministry. Catalyst offers Theology on Tap, workshops on specific topics, and hosts Catholic speakers throughout the year. 

FORMED
www.watch.formed.org
Watch, listen and read anywhere, anytime! FORMED provides the very best Catholic content from more than 60 organizations to help you explore your faith anywhere. FORMED offers thousands of movies, ebooks, audio books, parish programs and studies direct to your browser, mobile or connected device (home TV).

For You Marriage
www.foryourmarriage.org
For Your Marriage helps couples at all stages of life to understand and live God’s plan for happy, holy marriages by providing educational and spiritual resources.