Faith Formation
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Faith Formation“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) -
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What is Lifelong Faith Formation?
Lifelong faith formation is a process of growing in the faith that begins with baptism and provides opportunities and experiences throughout the entire life span to strengthen our relationship and knowledge of God, Jesus, and the Spirit. It enhances our understanding of Scripture, tradition, and doctrines of our faith; and sustains us in living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Catechesis is no longer for children only. If we are to be a church of missionary disciples, then we all need to enter into the process of deepening our faith by continually learning and experiencing what it means to be a Catholic Christian. Opportunities for growth in faith are offered in both educational and social activities and events.
Contact Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at (989)868-4081 for more information on any of our Lifelong Faith Formation Programs.
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Faith Formation for Children in Grades 1-6
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Children’s Faith Formation Program provides children with a nurturing, loving, and caring environment that allows children to learn about the Catholic faith. The children will learn to develop a relationship with God and establish loving and friendly relationships with their peers.
St. Elizabeth provides catechesis for children whose regular school curriculum does not include instruction in the Roman Catholic Tradition. At St. Elizabeth the six fundamental tasks of catechesis are implemented: promoting knowledge of the faith; liturgical education and the sacraments; moral formation in Jesus; teaching to pray; education for community life and catechesis promoting a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society.
Faith formation classes are offered on Tuesdays from 3:05 to 5:00 pm. Classes are held at St. Elizabeth Area Catholic School in designated classrooms. Classes begin in late September and continue through April. Beginning in September, registration materials will be available at church and the church office. There is a $35.00 registration fee. Please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
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Sacramental Preparation
Baptism
Like all of the sacraments, baptism is primarily about our connection to Jesus Christ. Jesus himself was baptized at the beginning of his ministry, and baptism has been a hallmark of Christian identity since the time of the apostles. We are happy to baptize your baby! We do ask that you attend a Baptism Preparation Class that will be scheduled several times during the year, based on need. Please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Children in 2nd grade and their parents/guardians will receive instructions to prepare them for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Children must have attended a religious education program or Catholic School the year prior to requesting sacramental preparation. Please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
Confirmation
Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation completes your initiation into the Catholic Church and empowers you to live out the faith. Through Confirmation you are “more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1285)
Purpose is the sole and mandatory Confirmation program for youth in the Diocese. Parishes should begin to launch their Confirmation programs in either Fall 2024 or Fall 2025.
In Fall 2024, preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation through the Life Teen Purpose Program opens to the entire Diocese. The aim of Purpose is to provide a youth ministry-type environment for students to encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit, choose their faith, and prepare for Confirmation. You can learn more about the Purpose program on Life Teen’s website.
Youth should begin the two-year process between the ages of 12-14 years old, though older high school students can join if they miss the earlier window. They can be confirmed between ages of 13-18 after finishing the two-year discernment process.
FAQ for Parents:
Q: Why should I (or my child) receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
A: When you were baptized, you received the life of God within you. You walk as a tabernacle of the Holy Spirit there is nothing you are missing. Confirmation, however, will complete your initiation into the Faith, stirring up those graces within you and fully integrating those seven gifts of the Holy Spirit into your soul. This means not only carrying God within you like a box in your heart but carrying God within you like blood in your veins. You will have not only the privilege but the responsibility to move from a disciple who receives Jesus to an apostle who carries Jesus into the world.
Q: Why did the Diocese switch the age of Confirmation from Restored Order to this new age?
A: Studies show that young adults who leave the Catholic Church stop identifying as Catholics at a median age of 13, long before leaving home. The age at which a child receives the Sacrament of Confirmation was changed primarily to bring youth at this critical age into an encounter with Jesus, to choose His Church, and to maturely discern to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Q: Why was the Purpose program chosen for the Diocese of Saginaw’s Confirmation preparation?
A: The Purpose program from Life Teen was selected because it provides a youth ministry-type environment for students to encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit while preparing for Confirmation.
Its evangelizing mission is designed around three key questions:- Why believe in God?
- Why trust Jesus?
- Why be a part of the Church?
It balances catechetical teaching, fun, relational ministry, and opportunities to encounter Jesus. It is a program that, if done correctly, has proven to help build missionary disciples.
Q: Why must my child go through two full years of preparation for Confirmation?
A: The Sacrament of Confirmation is not to simply “check off” a box or “graduate” from faith formation. Rather, it is intended to help build lifelong disciples of Jesus and His Church. This requires both discernment and conversion, which takes time. The first year of Purpose invites students to make a personal decision to follow Jesus, embrace the Catholic Church, and pursue the Sacrament of Confirmation. The second year builds on that personal decision of faith and focuses more on the Sacrament itself. The whole process, in the words of Bishop Gruss, is "journeying with a young person to foster an encounter with Jesus Christ, leading to intentional discipleship."
Q: When will the new Confirmation program begin?
A: Starting in Fall 2024, the Purpose program from Lifeteen will become the definitive Confirmation preparation program throughout the Diocese. Catholic youth seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation must first actively participate in two years of Purpose at a parish. Although Purpose will become the Diocese-wide standard, individual parishes will decide when to begin offering Purpose. They may choose to start in the fall of 2024 or to wait based on a number of factors, such as waiting for more youth to become eligible. All parishes should launch Purpose by Fall 2025.
Our Confirmation program will begin in the Fall of 2025. If you have any other questions, please contact Rachel King the Coordinator of Religious Education at (989) 868-4081 or [email protected].
Marriage
Preparations must begin at least six months in advance. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
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RCIA & RCIC
An Invitation: If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or you want to join the Catholic church, please consider RCIA/RCIC.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program for adults and The Rite of Christian Initiation of Children is a program for children, age 7 and older, who desire to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. The RCIA/RCIC is the process through which the Catholic Church welcomes new members. The RCIA/RCIC is a faith journey for adults who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
RCIA/RCIC helps all to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with the faith community, and initiate involvement in service with the community as a whole.
The schedule of classes will be based on the needs of those attending. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith, please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
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Family & Parish Activity Nights and Social Activities
Several times throughout the year, we offer fun, faith-filled activities at the parish for community members of all ages. Regular activities include Advent Wreath Making, Resurrection Garden Making, movie nights, various arts and crafts, as well as many other offerings. Please watch the bulletin for details or check the website for more information.
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Small-Group Bible Study
Small-Group Bible Study is offered two times a year, during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Each season we offer 6-8 bible study sessions which last about 1 1/2 hours long each. These small-group studies provide both the beginner and the experienced scripture reader an opportunity to learn and grow in faith with others in the faith community. Please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is Liturgy of the Word suitably adapted to make it relevant to the lives and experiences of young children. The children are present at the beginning of the Mass and are excused after the gathering hymn. Father will then invite the Catechist and the children to come forward to receive the Lectionary and to leave for the hearing of the word. The children will return to the assembly immediately after the Prayers of the Faithful. We are very interested in offering Children’s Liturgy of the Word at either Saturday, 4:30 pm Mass or Sunday, 8:30 am Mass. Please contact the parish office if you are available to assist or if you would like your child to attend..
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Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School (VBS) provides fun-filled activities along with a bible lesson. VBS usually begins around the second or third week of June. The dates are announced and advertised in the church bulletin four to six weeks prior. VBS is a communal program with St. Elizabeth and Christ Lutheran Church. It is a four-day event beginning on Monday and finishing up on Thursday with the children’s program and ice cream social. The children do crafts, bible lessons, snacks, outside games (weather permitting), and learn new songs which they share with families at the children’s program on Thursday. Please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081, for more information.
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Parish Youth Experiences
We are always interested in sponsoring and promoting experiences for the 7th - 12th grade youth of the parish. If your child is interested in participating or if you have suggestions for events, please call the parish office and ask for Rachel King, Director of Faith Formation, at 1-989-868-4081.
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