St. Bridget's Catholic Church


	Christian Formation "To grow in the knowledge of God" is the first aspect of our parish's mission, one that is central to our parish life. Registration for Christian Formation is available at any time. 2008/2009 Christian Formation regisration has started! Pick forms up in the parish library or download them. Reminder: According to diocesan guidelines, children and teens must be in Catholic school or in Christian Formation classes for two years to be eligible for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. All must attend the parish program for the preparation of these sacraments. This means that you child should begin classes not later than first grade. There are special registration forms for these sacraments. Please be sure you fill out all applicable forms if this is the year your child will receive the sacrament. The usual time for First Communion is second grade. The Confirmation program begins in tenth grade. Another Reminder: We have a professional catechist who teaches our special needs class. Please be sure to register any child who would benefit from this class . Schedule Wednesday afternoons, 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sunday Evening Youth Ministry: 5:00 p.m. Mass and 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon Intergenerational and Youth Ministry, 3:30 p.m to 4:45 p.m., followed by 5:00 p.m. Mass New Program: Special Needs Class Christian Formation is pleased to announce the opening of a Special Needs Class for Children on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Please register immediately so that Ms. Karen Heldorfer may meet with each parent and child before classes begin. Ms. Heldorfer is a professional teacher and specialized in this area. Come Join Us! Would you like to be more involved in a parish ministry? Consider joing the Baptism Team. Requirements are simple and easy: a willingness to assist new parents through the process of a preparation class and baptism. Dedicated parishioners are the heart and soul of our religious education, adult education, youth ministry, and sacramental preparation programs. The time and talent of every parishioner is essential to St. Bridget ministries. Please call 282-9511 to volunteer your time and talent to the St. Bridget Religious Education Program. Christian Formation Committee The Christian Formation Committee is charged by the Pastoral Council with the parish's total educational mission. Meetings are held monthly, and are open to all parishioners. We need your ideas and expertise. Religious Education Program Classes for Kindergarten aged through through fifth grade are on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Registration is in the spring. We offer two programs so it is best to register immediately in order to insure your first choice. Regular class attendance is expected. Family The Intergenerational Program is for adults and children aged three to fifith grade. This program is on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., September to April. There is an age appropriate class followed by weekly Sunday Liturgy. Families are expected to work with their children at home. Christian Formation Catechists, Aides, and Substitutes Catechists plan and teach lessons weekly (or monthly for Intergenerational Family Program) during the school year. Aides support the catechists and assist the children. Both catechists and aides are expected to attend catechist meetings periodically, as well as communicate with parents. Teaching experience is helpful but not required. Training, resources, and encouragement are provided. (Substitutes are needed on a regular basis.) Infant Baptism Baptism celebrates an important and joyous event: a rebirth in Christ as a son or daughter of God, and initiation into the Christian community. The parish supports parents in undertaking their responsibilities through a preparation session. Attendance is a prerequisite for baptism. Sessions are scheduled monthly for the convenience of parents. Baptisms at St. Bridget are celebrated at the Sunday Liturgies or at a Baptismal Liturgy of the Word on Sunday afternoons. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) RCIA helps adults reflect on their faith and discover how Catholics live the Christian faith. Participants come to a decision about entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA Sponsors RCIA sponsors are Catholics who serve as a companion to an adult thinking about joining the Catholic Church. Sponsors attend some of the group sessions with their RCIA participant. They also particpate in a number of special liturgies throughout the year. St. Bridget needs sponsors every year. First Reconciliation In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the community celebrates the forgiving love of the Lord. The parish works in partnership with families in preparing children and youth for First Reconciliation. Parents and children attend sessions and work together at home to prepare for the sacrament. First Eucharist In Eucharist, the community celebrates the presence of the Risen Lord in our lives. The church works in partnership with parents and families to prepare children for their First Communion. Candidates are expected to attend the Christian Formation Program or Parish School for at least a year before beginning formal preparation for First Eucharist. Vacation Bible School (VBS) VBS is a week-long program in July, and is intended for children aged four to fourth grade.