• Adult Education Program:

  We are about ready to begin rolling out our plans for Adult Education / Faith Formation for 2008/2009.  We will be focusing on Monday nights, with classes offered from 8-9pm in the church, every Monday that we don’t already have Taize Prayer Services (second Monday of each month).  This will be a series of classes offered throughout the year, intended to integrate the RCIA program as well.  Please watch the bulletin or look here for future developments. Contact: Fr. Rooney

• Baptism Class:

  A one-hour class is offered for parents on the first Monday of each month in the Activity Center at 8pm. Registration in the parish is required 90 days in advance of sacrament desired; parish registration normally takes place after the 10:30am Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month, in the church. Contact: Lori Jeffers, Parish Secretary

• Bible Study with Deacon Lyons:

  Deacon Lyon’s new Bible Study this year has met with great acceptance and popularity.  His monthly class is held three times each month.  Initial enrollment and materials necessary. Contact: Lori Jeffers, Parish Secretary

• Catechist Certification Program:

  We offer Catechist Certification classes locally, in the interest of meeting diocesan suggested requirements for those who teach in our Religious Education programs.  Classes are offered in Scripture, Doctrine, Pastoral Care and Methods by guest teachers several times a year.  Contact: Diane McFall, Director of Religious Education

• Confirmation Preparation for Adults:

  The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated annually on the weekend of Pentecost at the Cathedral in Arlington by the Bishop for all those who, for whatever reason, never received it. Five classes, usually between Easter and Pentecost.  Call the office and enter your name and contact information on the list for this year, and watch the bulletin during early Lent for planning meetings. Contact: Fr. Rooney

• RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults :

  Our parish program for those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and considering the decision to join the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments. Generally, meetings are once a week, September through Pentecost. Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) are received at the Easter Vigil Mass. Call or email the office to get your name on the list for this September.  Contact: Lori Jeffers, Parish Secretary

• RCIC - Rite of Christian Initiation for Children:

  Weekly classes for children ages 8-17 who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.  After the age of reason, the three Sacraments of Initiation are all received at once, as with the adults in the RCIA program.  Special sacraments classes are also available to “catch up” for First Communion.   Contact: Diane McFall, Director of Religious Education

• Parish Religious Education, Grades K through 12:

  Our Parish is large, and we offer classes all week.  Monday through Thursday, after school and evening sessions, as well as one night each week at Holy Cross Academy.  Special schedules are available for various Confirmation classes and Youth Groups, as well, too numerous to include here.  Call the office of Religious Education to speak with Diane or Renee, and learn about the many options offered.  Registration is underway from spring until the start of classes in September, except for the month of July when the RE Office is closed.   Contact: Diane McFall, Director of Religious Education

• Vacation Bible School:

  One week in the summer, usually the end of June.  Always looking for lots of help, too!   Contact: Renee Palmer, Assistant Director of Religious Education

Seventh and eighth grade Confirmation Preparation/Religious Education Classes will probably be offered again this year on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm at the JP2 House and on Thursday Nights at 5:00 PM at the JP2 House/eighth graders and Activity Center/seventh graders.

For the present time, we will continue to plan holding High School RE Classes on Wednesday nights from 6-8pm at the JP2 House, but we hope to add a catechetical component also to our Youth nights on Sundays following the 5pm Youth Mass.

As you know, we are conducting a search for a new Director of Youth Ministry, and final details of the program will have to wait until the position is filled.  In the meantime, Fr. Bill Korpi will serve as Interim Youth Minister and work closely with Mrs. McFall (DRE) to make sure that the Religious Education part of Grades 7-12 integrates with the activities of Confirmation Teams and Youth Ministry.

Youth Ministry options which currently exist weekly in the parish are the Boys’ CLC Group, a Girls’ Group, and the Squires Group which is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.  They meet on various nights during the week, though the schedule for the coming year isn’t yet finalized.

Ministry Contacts: Diane McFall  and Fr. Korpi - RE Hotline: 540-373-7770

Father, Son and Spirit, Trinity most holy,