St. James Our Lady of Fatima Parishes

Catechism … CCD … Religious Education … Faith Formation:                                                                               different words that mean the same thing 

1. A happy environment where you feel connected with and supported by peers.
2. A process of discovering how spirituality fits into every day and becomes the centerpiece of your life.
3. A place to learn about and experience the love of Jesus and the wonderful people we call our Church family.

1.           We aim to bring faith to life …

                                                                                           and life to faith.

We are about growing in grace and getting to know God in new ways as we mature in years. If we don’t continue to mature in our faith, then when a crises hits, our young religious knowledge doesn’t have a satisfactory answer.  Choose from any of the following opportunities. 

All gatherings meet in the St. James Community Center Library (school building)

 

Movie Nights:  We offer ordinary movies with an extra-ordinary message, which draws adults into meaningful and life-giving conversation.  Its aim is to help us recognize God in everyday moments. 

We begin with a potluck at 6pm, followed by the movie until around 9:30pm. 

   Scripture Study: co-ed groups break open God’s Word and discuss its relevance in our lives today.  Its aim is to open our eyes to the abundant life that God offers.  Learning what the bible says helps people communicate with God. "The Bible is an act of imagination that is rooted in memory but that presses always toward new possibility that is still in front of us." (Walter Brueggemann) 

We meet from 9:30-11:00am:  Thursday’s group will study St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans and Galatians beginning September 13, 2012.  Friday’s group looks at the upcoming Sunday readings, beginning September 14, 2012.

 

   

 

 God for Grownups:  People are moving from "let me tell you what to believe" to "let's have a conversation."  The future of faith lies in our capacity to engage in honest dialogue on the world's spiritual and moral issues.  Themes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church are chosen especially for the adult searcher.  Facilitators guide the thought-provoking discussions that always arise.  

We meet Sundays from 9:30-10:45am beginning September 23, 2012. 

 

       Returning to the Church:Have you, or someone you know, been away from the Church for a while? Are you angry with God or the Church?  Have you been thinking about coming home?  We encourage you to visit with a member of our Welcome Home team. They are here to listen to you and answer any questions.

 

     Becoming Catholic:If you or someone you know has been asking questions about the Catholic faith, we invite you to meet with a member of our RCIA team (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). We are here to meet your personal needs.  Family RCIA is for parents and children desiring sacraments after the typical age.

   

   Catechism for Children: We partner with parents in helping children (3 year olds through 6^th grade) to discover the blessings, benefits and responsibilities of being a child of God.

We have a range of age specific programs for children designed with the understanding that children need a spiritual framework for their lives. Young people learn to experience God at their level, become equipped to pray, and learn to trust in God for themselves.

• Our dedicated catechists (teachers) help children discover who Jesus is and why He matter in our lives.
• Our spiral approach to learning gives children, from the youngest to the oldest, the practical tools they need to BE a Christian in the world. 
• We have a strong focus on instilling in young minds a genuine concern and caring about others in society, just like Jesus does. 

Sacraments:  Preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion begins in 1^st grade.  Sacraments are celebrated in 2^nd grade. 

 

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