The faith formation season is just around the corner and there is a lot to look forward to. St. Rita Catholic Church is blessed to have such a robust Faith Formation Program that offers something for everyone. There are classes, groups, and studies for all ages 3 years old and up, including several adult Bible studies and catechetical classes.
Leading the program is Jenna Danos, who has experienced the fruit of studying the faith firsthand.
“Any time we have an opportunity to learn more about the faith, it’s an opportunity to grow closer to our Lord and one another,” Jenna says. “Our faith is so rich and beautiful, studying it is an awesome opportunity to encounter our Lord more intimately. We learn how much the Lord loves us, we learn about the wonderful plans He has in store for us, and we learn how to be better men and women, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers and friends to one another.”
The mission of the Faith Formation Program is the same as the parish’s — “Encounter. Share. Become.” To facilitate moments where others can encounter the Lord in prayer, share His love with others, and ultimately become more like Him, the program is split into three main groups — Kids Ministry for 3-year-olds to fifth grade, Youth Ministry for middle and high schoolers, and adult catechesis.
Information for every facet of the Faith Formation Program will be posted to the parish’s social media, website, and bulletins. There will be several upcoming kick-off events, including socials and dinners, and registration for all programs can be accessed through the links on the parish website.
There are many new additions to this year’s faith formation offerings.
“We are really excited to continue expanding our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program for kids ages 3 through 6,” Jenna says. “We will have several different sessions of CGS over the weekend and offer a few classes during the week. We will have monthly family gatherings for our sacramental prep families, which will begin with a themed meal and transition to separate workshops for children and parents. And our Youth Ministry program plans to host more family events, as well as ‘Stay In Touch Brunch’ meetings on Sundays. These initiatives are focused on strengthening the relationships between the Faith Formation Programs and the families they serve.”
Providing such an amazing array of programs takes many helping hands. None of this would be possible without the generosity of volunteers.
“We are always in need of volunteers,” Jenna says. “This year, we are looking for people to step up and assist on Sunday mornings with Kids Ministry, core team members for Wednesday night Youth Ministry, and catechists to help teach our adult Catholicism 101 and RCIA programs.”
There are many ways to help out. Most volunteer positions require a weekly commitment during the faith formation season, which follows the academic year. But there is also a need for volunteers on a substitute basis when there are occasional absences.
The Faith Formation Program is an amazing way for parishioners to grow in faith, community, and love of Christ. All are welcome to attend the various age-appropriate offerings and to volunteer.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Jenna Danos at jenna@saintritaparish.org. To register for the programs, visit the links found on our parish home page — saintritaparish.org.