1 Damascus Rd. * Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-796-7393 * fax 231-796-3990 *stpauls1@charterinternet.com
231-
Evening Faith Formation
Religious Education for Catholic Students from kindergarten through 8th Grade for St. Mary Parish and St. Paul Campus Parish
Welcome to new parishioners at St. Mary Parish or St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids Michigan. We look forward to serving you. Patrick Herdegen is the coordinator of Evening Faith Formation. Please direct any of your questions to him.
This information is for anyone who has questions about Evening Faith Formation(also termed Religious Education, Catechism, CCD). This information explains how classes run and Sacramental questions. If you do not see the information you are looking for, please contact the office for more information.
Evening Faith formation(EFF) is for students not attending St. Mary school to receive religious instruction. We currently have grades Kindergarten through 8th grade covered under Evening Faith formation. We strongly encourage any student not attending St. Mary school to join us for class each week. Students of St. Mary school are most welcome to join us but must also register.
EFF begins its school year at the same time as the public school at the beginning of September and ends at the beginning of May each year. Our first evening for all family members is September 8, 2010.
We meet at St. Mary School on Marian Street Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm. More information on procedures and process will be given to all families who attend.
Sacraments:
St. Paul and St. Mary have the following sacramental procedures. Please read carefully. If you are confused about the process, please feel free to contact the office for more details.
Baptism - Most students who attend EFF should already have their baptism in a Catholic Church to attend classes. If your child was not baptized, please contact the office or let Patrick know this right away so that we can work on this sacrament with your family. If your child was baptized but not in the Catholic Church we will need to check on this and may need to prepare for a profession of faith into the Catholic Church. Students are welcome to attend class who are not baptized catholic but they are not allowed to receive sacraments until the family meets with Patrick or one of the Priests.
Reconciliation (penance) - is the sacrament where we acknowledge our sinfulness to the Lord. Children who are preparing for 1st communion will also be prepared for reconciliation for the first time. Those students who have never received reconciliation and are in 3rd grade or older are asked to talk to Patrick so that we can prepare them for this sacrament. Two times a year each class has an opportunity to participate in this sacrament. We ask the parents to be present outside the room to assist children with their first reconciliation experience so that have an enjoyable experience.
1st Communion - the Catholic Community of Big Rapids celebrates the reception of first communion in 2nd grade. If your child is in this grade and is attending EFF then your child will be prepared for this sacrament and reconciliation as long as they have been baptised in the Catholic Church(see baptism above if not). Those students in a grade older then this and have not received 1st communion, reconciliation, or baptism(or not baptized catholic) are asked to contact Patrick for more information. We look forward to having your child join us at the altar of our Lord. Your child must be registered at St. Mary school or for Evening Faith formation before they can be considered for 1st Communion.
Confirmation -
This information is for anyone who has questions about Evening Faith Formation(also termed Religious Education, Catechism, CCD). This information explains how classes run and Sacramental questions. If you do not see the information you are looking for, please contact the office for more information.
Evening Faith formation(EFF) is for students not attending St. Mary school to receive religious instruction. We currently have grades Kindergarten through 8th grade covered under Evening Faith formation. We strongly encourage any student not attending St. Mary school to join us for class each week. Students of St. Mary school are most welcome to join us but must also register.
EFF begins its school year at the same time as the public school at the beginning of September and ends at the beginning of May each year. Our first evening for all family members is September 8, 2010.
We meet at St. Mary School on Marian Street Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm. More information on procedures and process will be given to all families who attend.
Sacraments:
St. Paul and St. Mary have the following sacramental procedures. Please read carefully. If you are confused about the process, please feel free to contact the office for more details.
Baptism -
Reconciliation (penance) -
1st Communion -
Confirmation -
