FAITH FORMATION

Families in Faith (PSR)

Families in Faith is a multigenerational family Parish School of Religion program that is for everyone!  All are welcome as sisters and brothers in Christ. 

The church has a a plan for our salvation!  We are called to be lifelong learners.  Therefore regular attendance at Sunday Mass is the primary way we experience the mysteries of our faith.  In addition to Sunday Eucharist, Religious Education and Faith or Spiritual formation helps us to dive more deeply into the meaning and practice of our faith.

On Sunday mornings Adults and Youth in High School are welcome to participate in CAFE (Catholic Adult Faith Education). This group reflects on the Scriptures used for mass that day, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. 

From September to April, one Sunday a month is dedicated to Inter-generational Formation. All are welcome to join us for a hot breakfast in the gym, followed by a lesson and activity based on the topic for the year. Two weeks of the month, children from grades K through 8 attend grade level, classroom sessions. All sessions typically last 90 minutes. (We love it when parents stay on site while the children are in their classes, so we encourage you to stay for Cafe!)

Watch the Weekend Bulletin for registration information for the 2017/18 Families in Faith Program.

For more information about our PSR program, please contact our Pastoral Minister and Director of Religious Education, Laurie Jurecki.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults consciously and freely seek the living God in their lives and are initiated into his Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.  It is a walk with Christ and with other adults where the basics of our faith are shared and conversion is celebrated.  

Adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, that is celebrating Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist may contact Deacon Carl Toomey .

Adult Faith formation

Join our dynamic group for a fresh look at the scriptures. Questions are welcomed! Cathy Stirling facilitates our (Adult and High School Youth only) group as we learn, grow and pray together by breaking open God's Word. Stop in for some coffee at CAFE. It is an eye opening experience!

 

CAFE
Cafe' Ministry (Catholic/Christian Adult Faith Experiences) 
[Adult and High School Age Youth Only]
                    

Prayer in Preparation For Mass

 

Gracious God,
Open my mind and my heart to share the 
gift of Christ's presence at Mass.
                           
In the living word proclaimed, help me dis-
cover the path of discipleship.  
                           
In the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood,
join me more closely to yourself.

In the community at prayer, give me support        
to live according to your will.

In the world I encounter, give me courage 

to bring the blessing of the Eucharist to
those most in need.

Please grant this through Christ or Lord. 

Amen

Several years ago when I was a member of SMM Parish Council we studied a document called "Our Hearts were Burning Within Us" by The US Catholic Bishops.  In Luke 24:32 we read, "Then they said to each other 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?'"  From that study came much prayer and discussion and discernment and the beginning of the Cafe Ministry.   

The Parish Council gave their blessing and Cafe was born.  By now hopefully you are curious about Cafe' and just what we do there.  Every Sunday between the 8:00 and 11:00 Masses various parishioners gather to break open the scriptures.  That just means that we read aloud to each other the readings we heard/or will hear at Mass that day.  After we read them we talk about them.  Moses and Isaiah and Matthew and all of the prophets and evangelists have come alive at Cafe'.  Come and see.  Join us.  We'd love to have you!  Come see how it feels to "have your heart burning within you."   

There are men and women that come and people from all different generations.  There are no fees and there is no attendance policy- the door is aways open.  See you in room 104 in the parish center, one of these Sundays.  We'll be waiting for you.

God Bless you,
Cathy Stirling
Facilitator for Cafe'
I can be reached at (440) 463-4147 for any questions or concerns.  

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

A Week long summer day Camp experience of faith: full of songs, stories, games, snacks, and crafts. 

Mornings (9-Noon) in August. 

Look at our bulletin and website for updates about specefic dates and this year's theme. 

For more information contact Laurie Jurecki at (440) 854-6013, or email her at LJurecki@smmwillowick.org. 

VBS Volunteers

Interested in Volunteering for VBS? 

Our dates and theme have not been published yet, but if you know that you would like to voulnteer for VBS you can contact Laurie Jurecki at (440) 840-6013, or email her at LJurecki@smmwillowick.org. 


See descriptions of Volunteer Opportunities below:

Snack Volunteer:

Seat and quiet children at tables and ready them for a tasty snack, talk with children about their experiences of VBS that day, help children clean up their spaces, assist snack leader in organinzing, setup and cleanup of snacks and kitchen area, help children understand the bible story of the day.

Games Volunteer:

Help children play team-building games, by helping them to understand the instructions, assist in game demonstration, and participate actively in the game and cheer children on as they participate.

Story Time Volunteer:

Assist children in hearing the bible story of the day, by helping the storyteller with props, keeping children together and focused, and encouraging the children to participate.

Song Volunteer:

Helps children learn upbeat VBS songs, by greeting children with a smile and showing them where to sit, following the motions and singing along, getting the children involved.

Craft Volunteer:

Help children to create beautiful crafts, by leading children to their seats, helping when children need it, helping the craft leader setup and cleanup.

Preschool Teacher/Crew Leader:

Helps to keep a specified aged group of children together and happy, by checking children in and out of each center of activity.


Questions about volunteering?

If you have any questions about a volunteer opportunity, please contact Laurie Jurecki.

Catholic Schools:

A  Catholic education develops students spiritually, academically and physically. Students are provided a caring atmosphere with professionals who seek to help students become well-rounded citizens.Catholic schools provide a close-knit community where families develop in long-lasting relationships with people who share a common vision for their children. The liaison for Catholic School information is Coletta Dicello. She can be reached at Cdicello@smmwillowick.org