Faith Formation

Faith Formation Programs

The Sacraments are the touchstone for Catholics in working with God. The Church’s sacraments are Baptism, Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum. There are also rituals we use to signify other events: quinceaños, funerals, house blessings and more. To make arrangements for these celebrations, contact the Parish Office.

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis the the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213 - for more information see 1214 - 1284) Baptismal Guidelines

Baptism Classes are held on the first Tuesday of January, April, July and October at 6:30 p.m. Call the Office for information. Baptism Registration English form

Confirmation

The confirmation team prepares senior high youth for the sacrament of Confirmation. Team members are responsible for facilitating small group gatherings weekly and attending the Confirmation retreat. Training is provided for those who wish assist in this ministry. Sponsor form Confirmation Registration form_Year 1 Confirmation Registration form_Year 2

Marriage Preparation

The Marriage Preparation Program is designed to prepare couples for the sacrament of marriage. Teams are trained by the Diocese to guide the couples as they explore their relationship and their views on key issues that will affect their marriage.

Men’s Fellowship

Men meet on Monday nights, 5:30 p.m. for a light meal. Fellowship begins at 6:00 p.m. The study program changes periodically. Presentation and discussion held in the JP II Narthex.

Religious Education

Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish serves the needs of individuals from three year of age through adulthood. Classes are conducted weekly during the regular school year. (October through April). R.E. classes meet Sundays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Training is provided for those who wish assist in this ministry. For more information contact Carol Schneider: (970) 731-5744.

Elementary

This group meets on Sunday mornings 9:30-11:00 a.m. It serves the needs of children in grades 1 through 5. This ministry is teaching the Catholic Faith, how to live a Christian life and sacramental preparation for first Holy Communion.

Religious Education Directives

Pope Benedict urged parents, pastors and catechists to better prepare children for their First Communion and to prepare carefully for their celebrations with consummate care. What was notable in his statement made in the Regina Coeli address was the order in which the persons charged with the responsibility of preparing the children appeared in his statement.

First in line are the parents. Nowadays, many parents feel overwhelmed with many things in the formation of their children in citizenship, education, being members of families and for business. All too often, and usually because it doesn't involve one's income or an imminent threat, religion is either in the back seat, or left behind altogether. Sure, they teach their children some form of morality, but the practice of the Catholic Faith has been off the radar for some 35 years. As a result of the abandonment of religious training (how to actually DO Catholicism), now we have almost a complete generation of parents who do not know how to be Catholic, except for going to Mass every once in a while, and on Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas.

Second in line are the religious education teachers. To help remedy this problem, there are brochures available that list the minimum requirements for practicing Catholics, including the prayers every Catholic should know. Furthermore, a new policy for sacramental preparation for children is being phased in over the next two years. By fall of 2014, all children presenting themselves for first reconciliation and first communion classes will be required to attend classes for two years. The requirements for participation in the classes are as follows: YEAR ONE
  • Ability to recite by heart these five (5) basic prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Apostles Creed, and Act of Contrition
  • Weekly attendance at Sunday Mass by the child and parent or godparent
YEAR TWO (FIRST SEMESTER) Preparation for First Penance
  • Continued ability to recite by heart the five (5) basic prayers
  • Ability to recite the Ten Commandments by heart
  • An age-appropriate understanding of sin and grace, offense and forgiveness
  • Appropriate behavior and participation at Mass
  • Weekly attendance at Sunday Mass by the child and parent or godparent
  • After first penance, an understanding of why Christ died for them
YEAR TWO (SECOND SEMESTER) Preparation for First Communion
  • Continued ability to recite the five (5) basic prayers and the Ten Commandments by heart
  • Familiarity with liturgical dialogues
  • Appropriate behavior and participation at Mass
  • Weekly Attendance at Sunday Mass by the child and parent or godparent
With these in place, there is a possibility that the basic Catholic practices will begin to be restored to the whole Church. If this happens, these practices will become available to children and their families to pass on to the succeeding generations. First Holy Communion Registration form

Middle School

This group meets on Wednesday evenings at 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. These classes are for sixth through eighth grade students. The focus of this ministry is to further teach the Catholic Faith and to aid students with sound decision-making and Christian morality. For more information contact Carol Schneider at (970) 731-5744.

High School Teens

This group meets on the 4th Sunday of the month from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the JP II Narthex. All students grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to be part of this group. The goal is to bring all teens into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and encourage the students to make Him part of their daily lives. For more information contact Carol Schneider at (970) 731-5744.

High School Core Team

The Core Team gives adults (not just parents of teens in the program) the opportunity to devote their time and energy to the needs of teens, and to support them in a loving and giving away. Responsibilities include participation in the High School Teen night and the planning meeting.

RCIA and RCIC

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) is a nine-month program for people who want to learn more about the Catholic Church. Two-hour classes are held each Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m. RCIA team members explain the teachings and doctrines of the Church. The ministry includes catechists, hospitality hosts, and couples to facilitate Sunday scripture readings. RCIA Registration form RCIC Registration form

RCIA Sponsors

RCIA sponsors support the men and women preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church. Sponsors are either chosen by the participant or assigned to the participant by the leader.

Women's Fellowship Bible Study

The Women's Fellowship and Bible Study is an opportunity for women to join together and learn more about the Holy Bible. It focuses on how to deal with issues facing Catholic/Christian women today. They meet every Monday from September to May at JP II from 9:00-11:00 a.m.