Faith Formation Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a well integrated
catechetical program for parishioners of all ages that provides
opportunities to encounter the Gospel message and respond by fostering
community and giving service.
In order to make our mission possible, it is our
expectation that all families participating in St. Cecilia's faith
formation programs will comply with our program guidelines.
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Program Information
Sundays
- Liturgy of the Word for Children
- PreK/Kindergarten classes
- Junior High "Connect" Program
- Intergenerational Activities
Monday Evenings
- Grades one through six classes
- Altar server training
- Children's' enrichment activities
- Parent information sessions for sacramental
preparation programs
Also Available
- R.C.I.A./R.C.I.C. sessions
- Special education individualized educational
opportunities for any mentally, physically, or emotionally
challenged parishioners
- Vacation Bible School - a week set aside in
August for children pre-K - grade four
- Adult enrichment programs
Sacramental Guidelines
- Parents are the primary educators of their
children, but are supported and assisted by the Faith Formation
staff and volunteer catechists.
- A copy of each child's Baptismal certificate is
needed prior to the reception of the sacraments of Holy Eucharist,
Reconciliation and Confirmation if the child's Baptism did not take
place at St. Cecilia's.
- The criteria for preparation and celebration of
each sacrament is readiness (not age or grade level).
- Participation in an established faith formation
program (for at least one year prior to the reception of the
sacrament), or enrolment in a Catholic school is a prerequisite for
sacramental preparation.
- Sacramental preparation programs are separate
from and in addition to regular faith formation classes.
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R.C.I.A.
Who Is The R.C.I.A. For?
- Anyone who has never been baptized
- Anyone who has been baptized in
another faith, but now wishes to experience the doctrines and
traditions of the Catholic Church
- Any baptized Catholic who has not
completed his or her initiation by the reception of the Sacraments
of Eucharist and/or Confirmation
- Anyone who would like an
opportunity to grow closer to the Lord in and through the Catholic
Church
What Is The R.C.I.A.?
- It is first and foremost a
process. A faith journey cannot be programmed because programs
as such do not cause conversion; only God brings about conversion.
- It is a community event.
The Christian community initiates new members into itself.
- Its ministry is basically one
of witness and hospitality. The members are responsible for
welcoming new members and showing them what it means to live the
Christian life.
- It is ongoing and
multi-dimensional. Conversion takes time and requires a change
of heart that cannot be accomplished by an educational program
alone.
- It restores the baptismal focus
of Lent, and reinstates the Easter Vigil as the honored time for
initiation. The whole initiation process centers an the
candidates' gradual incorporation into the Pascal Mystery.
- It is a step-by-step journey
punctuated by corresponding rituals. The process of initiation
is divided into four basic steps with the celebration of special
rituals between the steps.
The Steps Of The R.C.I.A.
- First Step: The
Pre-Catechumenate
A time for inquirers to hear the Word, and for the community members
to listen to their questions. This step concludes with the Rite
of Acceptance/Welcome.
- Second Step: The Catechumenate
A time for instruction in the faith, participation in community
activities and prayer, and work with the community in the Apostolic
life of the Church. This step concludes with the Rite of
Election.
- Third Step: The Period of
Purification and Enlightenment
A 40-day focus on the deepening awareness of God's grace through
prayer and penance. This period includes the powerful healing and
reconciling community prayer called The Scrutinies and
concludes with the Easter Vigil and the celebration of the
Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation).
- Fourth Step: The
Post-Initiation Phase or "Period of Mystagogy"
A time for deeper understanding of God's Word, of the sacraments
and of the lived Christian life. This is formally carried on during
the 50-days of the Easter Season, but in reality this step in the
journey lasts the rest of the Christian's life.
How Can St. Cecilia Parishioners Become
Involved?
- By spreading the message of the
R.C.I.A. Program to family members, friends and neighbors who might
benefit from this community experience.
- By personally inviting interested
individuals to ask for more program details either through our
formal September "inquiry" session, or a call to the Religious
Education Office (338-1051 ext. 105 or 106).
- By joining our R.C.I.A. team and
actively participating in the sessions, rites and rituals. (You will
be amazed at your personal growth.)
- By helping us to welcome
participants by providing refreshments and fellowship at our
sessions.
- By praying for the success of our
R.C.I.A. Program and the spiritual growth of all who participate.
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Youth Faith Formation
SUNDAY - Pre-K/Kindergarten Classes
The first class will be held on Sunday, October 1 at 9:30 AM (during Mass time). Classes are usually scheduled on an every-other-week basis except when preceding a school holiday. Please drop off and pick up your children at heir classrooms.
MONDAY - Classes for grades 1 through 6
Formal Faith Formation classes will also be held on an every-other-week basis except when preceding a school holiday. Please check the monthly Faith Formation calendar your children will bring home each month for any changes in programming.
Classes will be 1 hour and 30 minutes in length and will run from 6:15 PM - 7:45 PM. Classes will begin on Monday, September 18 at 6:15 PM. No one will be allowed in the program on the first night without having filled out a "Faith Formation Registration Form" for this current year. For the first class only, we will begin in Newcomb Friendship Center and then move the children to their classrooms after a brief prayer service. On succeeding weeks, parents and/or guardians are asked to bring their children directly to their assigned classrooms each session. (Please note: The building will not be open to students until 6:00 PM when supervision will be in place.)
Dismissal: Each child will remain in his/her classroom until a parent or person designated by the parent, on the registration form, comes into the classroom for the child. Please make sure ALL names of people picking up your children are on the form! (Identification may be required for those other than parents.)
SUNDAY - Junior High Group Sessions - "The Connect Program"
Students registered in our Junior High program will meet for seven Sunday sessions each semester beginning Sunday, October 1 (first semester) and Sunday, January 7 (second semester). There are two exceptions second semester due to school holidays so please consult your calendar. Students are expected to attend the 9:30 AM Mass and then proceed to their group sessions which last until noon.
Children in grade 7 and beyond who are enrolled in our Faith Formation
program or in Catholic Schools are invited to prepare for the reception
of the Sacrament of Confirmation which will take place at Sacred
Heart Cathedral with Bishop Clark on Tuesday, May 30. Children
in this program must be baptized, and have received the Sacrament of
Holy Eucharist. A parent informational meeting and registration will
take place on Monday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in Newcomb
Friendship Center.
Registration forms for the 2006 - 2007 Faith Formation year have
gone out to all students currently enrolled in this year's program. We
are asking that these forms be returned as soon as possible so that
materials and textbooks can be ordered, additional teachers can be
recruited and trained and facility needs can be determined in a timely
manner. If additional forms are needed they are available in the Faith
Formation Office. Volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated.
There is no fee for the children of our helpers.
SNOW CLOSINGS
In case of winter storms, Faith Formation classes will be cancelled whenever the Irondequoit Schools are closed, or if there is a weather storm alert. We will make every attempt to have your child's teacher notify you directly. You will also hear the closing on radio station WHAM (1180AM).
Please contact our Faith Formation Office at (585) 467-4286,
x105 (Ann) and x106 (Mary Ann).
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Catholic Schools
Children enrolled in primary, middle or Catholic high schools are welcome and encouraged to take part in any and all parish Faith Formation opportunities and sacramental/liturgical celebrations. Please remember - sacramental preparation is parish based, not school based. Your input and participation is always a wonderful addition to our programs!
St. Cecilia's parishioners are invited
to send their children to one of the Catholic schools in Rochester's
northeast area which include:
Pre-K through 6
Grades 7 - 8
Please call these schools directly
for more information, or visit their websites by clicking on their names
above.
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Youth Group
All youth in grades 7 - 12 are welcome
to join our regular gatherings of junior- and senior-high students in
our Youth Room, located in the new Youth Center in the church basement..
Our purpose in meeting is to enjoy spiritual, social and service
activities during both regular meetings and special events.
You do not have to "officially join;"
simply come when you can and feel free to bring a friend.
For details, contact Youth Ministry
Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 104.
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Family Life Programs
Opportunities for families to socialize
and celebrate various feasts and holidays occur throughout the year.
Families are invited to join the
planning groups for these events, as well as to attend them. Please
watch our weekly St. Cecilia's Connection and our
bulletin boards for details.
For details, contact our Ministry
Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, x104.
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Adult Faith Formation
The
Bible Study Group
will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month at 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in
Room 109. Come and join this group to learn about the Catholic Bible.
Explore The Bible is an online
interactive Bible Study experience; click on
Bible Study.
"Scripture From Scratch" - Part I
is an 14-session, Bible Study course. For a list of topics, click on
Bible Study.
"Scripture From Scratch" - Part
II is an 8-session, Bible Study course. For a list of topics,
click on Bible Study.
Our Irondequoit shared Lenten Retreat will be held March 4 - 6, 2007. It is open to all parishioners, friends and neighbors. More details will follow as they develop.
Intergenerational activities occur periodically throughout the year and will usually follow either the 9:30 or 11:30 AM Sunday Liturgies. Please "The Connection" for details.
"Circle of Friends" support group is for those who have lost a loved one through death or whose life has changed in a way that is causing them to experience a sense of loss. This group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. All are welcome.
Find out about The General
Instruction of the Roman Missal 2000 (GIRM) by clicking on the
following:
-
Introduction to GIRM
-
Gathering Rite and Liturgy of the Word
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Whatever Happened to CCD?
When the diocesan synod identified lifelong faith formation as its top priority it responded to the realities of living as a faith-filled person in the modern world. In the past, religious education was most often concerned with children of school age. In today's fast-paced and changing world religious education cannot stop when one graduates from school. Adult Catholics are strengthened for living in today's world by growing in their faith. The complexity of the issues and decisions we all face every day demands a mature faith, a faith that is informed by knowledge, experience, and understanding. The diocesan priority for lifelong faith formation came out of a rich and varied experience of religious education in our local church. It reflects our struggle to respond to challenges of the modern world with the voice of faith.
The Past
Reverend John M. Duffy served as first director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in our diocese. For many years CCD provided catechism lessons to children and youth who did not attend Catholic school. The primary emphasis was on the Baltimore Catechism, and children learned questions and answers designed to inform them about the basics of their faith. It was an important program for its time.
The Present
Just before the Second Vatican Council began (in 1962), our understanding of how people grow in faith expanded. Educational theory itself grew, and significant advances in sacred and human sciences began to inform teaching in all areas.
The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed that Catholics of all ages are entitled to an ongoing and deeper understanding of their faith.
One of the results of the Second Vatican Council was to emphasize the necessity of religious education of the highest possible quality for ALL Catholics.
The focus had shifted: FROM preparing children through training in the Catechism TO ongoing education for life in Christ, reflecting the morality and values of the teachings of Jesus for all. While educating children remains a very important activity of the church, there is a new emphasis on providing formation in faith for people of all ages.
A New Name For A New Approach
This shift in emphasis is a more comprehensive approach then the focus of CCD. It is called parish religious education or parish catechesis. Catechesis is an ancient and revered word in our tradition: it includes both education in faith and lifelong formation in following Jesus. Its goal is found in Mt. 28, where Jesus says:
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.
The making of disciples, those who know and understand what it is to be a follower of Jesus, is the basic task of today's parish programs for catechesis.
Our Holy Father knows the priority of this ministry in today's church. He has said:
"As the twentieth century draws to a close, the Church is called by God and by events to renew her trust in catechetical activity as primary aspect of her mission. She is bidden to offer catechesis her best resources in people and energy without sparing effort, toil, or material means."
(Catechesis Tradenda)
Something For Everyone
Your parish, like all the parishes in our diocese, are involved in an effort to emphasize the necessity for lifelong formation in faith. Today we know that people grow in faith in a variety of ways. You will notice your parish new opportunities to grow in faith: adult education, Bible study groups, the formation of small Christian communities, youth ministry, parental involvement in children sacramental preparation, a summer school model for religious education, RCIA, and opportunities for families to grow together in faith. There are formal learning sessions, discussion groups, youth groups, prayer and spiritual companioning groups, faith sharing groups, take-home questions for discussion and reflection, and tools to help you bring Catholic Christian values to your own life. Catechesis honors all the dynamics of the way people grow in discipleship. It allows for formal programs of instruction, faith sharing, opportunities for prayer and
service, and event to build our sense of community. All these dimensions foster lifelong faith formation which is the heart of our synod.
In our diocese there are 200 catechetical leaders, 130 people serving as youth ministers, over 4000 volunteer catechists, and over 1200 Catholic school teachers working with adults, teens, and children.
They work with our Bishop, who is the chief teacher in our diocese, and with pastors and pastoral administrators to ensure that you have the opportunity to grow in your understanding of the wonder and the challenge of discipleship in today's church.
Whatever happened to CCD? It grew into a diocesan priority for lifelong faith formation for all of us.
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Sacramental Programs
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on pre-arranged Sundays. Parents are required to have an interview with the Faith Formation Coordinator. Occasionally a child reaches the age of 7 without being Baptized. Please let us know if we can help you if your "older" child is not Baptized.
For details, contact our Faith Formation
Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 105.
First
Penance/Reconciliation
It is necessary for your child (7 years of age or beyond) to prepare and receive the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation before receiving First Eucharist/Holy Communion. A mandatory informational meeting for parents of these children is scheduled for Monday, October 2 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM in the Newcomb Friendship Center. At this session, parents will once again receive all the materials and teaching instruction necessary to work with their children in preparing them for the reception of this sacrament. The parish celebration of the Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 AM in Church.
A Guide for Parents: First Penance Preparation
Jesus told another story: What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won't she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? Then she'll call in her friends and say, "Let's celebrate! I've found the coin I lost." Jesus said, "In the same way God's angels are happy when even one turns to God." Luke 15: 8-10
What is the Sacrament of Penance?
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church and in the Rite of Penance we read that the sacrament is a liturgical action. It is the Church's opportunity to celebrate the presence of God in those areas of our lives needing conversion and forgiveness. It is one of the places in the life of the Church in which we are invited back to God.
The Sacramental Guidelines
Formation for the celebration of First Penance necessarily involves the co-operative efforts of parents, pastors, catechists and the children. It a time when a person is able to encounter a loving and merciful God. The candidate should be prepared in such a way that the ritual celebration is more than memorized experience, but a joyful celebration. The focus of any formation must be on the developing attitude of a person. Because people grow in different ways and the awareness of sin becomes evident at different times in different people, the time of sacramental celebration should be based on the person rather than a grade level.
When a child begins to offend God by sin, he also begins to have the desire of receiving pardon, not only from parents or relatives, but also fro God. Catechesis helps him by nourishing this desire wholesomely, and it instills a holy aversion to sin, an awareness of the need for amendment, and especially love for God.
General Catechetical Directory Addendum # 3
Preparation
The necessary elements of preparation for this sacrament are:
- Every child who has reached the age of discretion must be given adequate basic catechesis for the celebration of Penance so that participation in the sacrament may be a free response of faith. Most parish religious education programs provide basic catechesis. No adequately prepared child may be denied the sacrament. On the other hand, no obligation to approach the sacrament may be imposed on the child, other than that which binds all Catholics, namely the consciousness of personal, serious sin.
- While catechesis for the sacrament of Penance is to precede First Eucharist, the principle of individual readiness for the celebration of the sacrament must be respected. This means a decision may be made to delay First Penance but to proceed to celebrate First Eucharist.
- The primary decision concerning the readiness of a particular child rests with the parent and child. They will be assisted by those involved in working with the child, especially the catechetical leader, catechists and pastor.
What is Readiness?
The family is the primary place where your children are formed in faith, therefore this is essential when considering the readiness of a child.
Does your family participate in the life of the community of Faith?
Does your family express sorrow at wrong doing and do they acknowledge this by some expression of forgiveness, parents as well as children?
Are you as parents willing to commit to the continuing formation of your child in worship, formation and service?
Readiness of the individual includes:
- an awareness of a relationship of love with God and neighbor,
- a knowledge that this relationship can be harmed through sin,
- the experience of personal sorrow for failures and expression of that sorrow,
- the realization that one must try to change behavior,
- and understanding that this sacrament is a special sign of God's forgiveness and love,
- a free desire to receive the sacrament,
- an ability to talk to the priest about wrongs done in words appropriate to one's age.
Finally, because sacraments are community celebrations, the parish also has a responsibility in sacramental preparation.
Does your parish provide you (parents) the necessary support and information to enable you to fulfill your roll as primary educator of your child?
Does your parish provide opportunities for life long faith formation?
Does the community act as a model of mercy and forgiveness?
The Celebration
There are a variety of ways the sacrament may be celebrated. In all cases, parents as well as children are encouraged to enter fully into the celebration. One way of preparing is for the family to do an examination of conscience together. Of course, the ideal would be to have the whole family receive the sacrament together.
Families are encouraged to celebrate both individually and communally as opportunities are made available.
After
receiving pardon for sin, the penitent praises the mercy of God and
gives him thanks ... The penitent continues the conversion thus begun
and expresses it by a life renewed according to the Gospel and more and
more steeped in the love of God
...
Rite of Penance #20
The spiritual effect of the sacrament of Penance are:
- reconciliation with God;
- reconciliation with the Church;
- remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sin;
- remission, at least in part, of temporal punishment resulting from sin;
- peace and serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation;
- an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle. Catechism # 1496
Prayer of the Church
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace. Amen
For details, contact our Faith
Formation Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 105.
First Eucharist/Holy Communion
A mandatory informational meeting for parents wanting to have their children prepare for and receive First Eucharist/Holy Communion is scheduled for Monday, January 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM in Newcomb Friendship Center. At this session, parents will once again receive all the materials and teaching instruction necessary to work with their children in preparing them for the reception of this sacrament. There will also be an opportunity to schedule your child's "interview with the Pastor" as well as choose one of the following weekend Liturgies for their reception of First Eucharist/Holy Communion: Saturday, April 28 at 5:00 PM, or Sunday, April 29 at 9:30 AM or Saturday, May 5 at 5:00 PM or Sunday, May 6 at 11:30 AM.
For details, contact our Faith
Formation Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 105.
Confirmation
Youngsters who are in the 7th grade and beyond are invited to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. An informational meeting for parents of these candidates will be held on Monday, March 26 from 6:30 - 7:00 PM in the Church Hall. If you are an adult interested in receiving this sacrament, please contact Ann Kubiak as soon as possible to make special arrangements. All Confirmation ceremonies now take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Our parish's assigned date for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is planned for late Spring. This date will be announced as soon as we are notified by the Bishop's Office.
For details, contact our Faith
Formation Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 105.
Please Note:
Although every attempt will be made to notify potential sacramental candidates by means of bulletin announcements, etc., it is ultimately your responsibility to arrange your calendars to accommodate the above listed dates and times. The criteria for preparation and celebration of each sacrament is readiness (not age or grade level). Participation in an established program Faith Formation Program (for at least one year prior to the reception of the sacrament), or enrollment in a Catholic school is a pre-requisite for sacramental preparation at St. Cecilia's.
Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is a process through which
adults join the Roman Catholic Church. The process invites those who:
- Have never been Baptized;
- Have been Baptized in another
church; or
- Have been Baptized in the Roman
Catholic Church but have never received the Sacraments of Eucharist,
Reconciliation or Confirmation.
The RCIA uses group meetings to provide
an opportunity to pray, reflect, discuss and study ways in which the
Catholic Church can help us live our lives as practicing Christians.
Topics for study and discussion include Scripture, Catholic practice and
tradition, Sacramental life, Church as Community and personal and
communal prayer.
The process leads to the reception of
Baptism (if needed), Eucharist and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil.
For details, contact our Faith
Formation Coordinator at (585) 467-4286, ext. 105.
Matrimony
Couples planning a wedding should
contact a priest as soon as possible to assure the availability of the
Church for the date. Diocesan guidelines require at least six (6)
month's notice before a wedding can be celebrated.
Couples who are aware of any extenuating circumstances
or have questions about their eligibility to marry in the Church should
call for an appointment with Father Kevin Leone at (585) 467-4286, ext. 107.
Weddings are celebrated only on
Saturdays, either at 10 a.m., 12 noon or 2 p.m. Guidelines for
Liturgical celebration are available at the rectory. See also:
Matrimony Guidelines
An appointment should be made with the
Parish Music Director to plan the music and to check availability on the
desired date.
For details, contact Father
Leone
at (585) 467-4286, ext. 107.
Anointing of the Sick
General anointing takes place at
special Masses each year in May and October. Private anointing is also
available.
For details, contact Father
Leone
at (585) 467-4286, ext. 107.
Vacation Bible School
Our Vacation Bible School for the youngsters of the parish is scheduled for August 6 - 10, 2007. More details will be announced and registration forms will be available by the end of April.
Youth Stewardship
Children's envelopes are available anytime in the Office. It is our hope that each child will come to understand the value of sharing what God has so generously given us all. Even a small weekly contribution helps our children know that they are a visible, value part of our faith community.
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As
Faith Formation is a lifelong process, St. Cecilia's offers programs for
the education and spirituality of people at all ages.