Pastoral Ministries: Education & Formation

Catholics have a rich intellectual tradition. Education and formation provides members with the opportunity to learn, question and teach this Faith. Educational offerings are at every age level. Use the links to the right, or scroll down the page, to learn more about our programs.

Families Growing in Faith (FGF)
For families with children in grades 1-8. Parent led program where parents/guardians and children gather together once a month, (Friday evening or Saturday morning) to engage in religious education geared towards children. This program also includes adult education once a month usually the Sunday afternoon prior to the weekend sessions. Registration is sent out in July.

Faith Formation Catechesis (FFC)
Weekly religious education for grades Preschool (4 year olds) - 8th Grade. Children learn in a more traditional classroom that meets once a week during the school year. Parents register for either Sunday morning 9:00am to 10:20am prior to 10:30am Mass or Tuesday evening from 6:00pm to 7:15pm all grades meet at both sessions. Parents are always encouraged to serve as teachers for these classes. Registration is sent out in July.

Children's Liturgy of the Word
Meets during the 10:30am Mass on Sunday. Children leave prior to the First Reading of the Liturgy of the Word and return to Mass during the Offertory. Children 3yrs old to 4th grade are welcome. Registration is not required. Parents are welcome and encouraged to become leaders for this ministry, they would only lead about once a month and would still return in time for Eucharist. Contact Jillian Vandermarks at faithformation 'at' hoosiercatholic.org.

Sacramental Preparation
Preparing for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for children 2nd grade to 8th grade. These classes take place outside regular religious education. Children must be enrolled in either FGF or FFC to partake in sacramental preparation and the parents are to attend two retreats where they learn about the sacrament at an adult's level. This program meets 5 to 6 times over the school year with Reconciliation in Advent and Eucharist in Easter. Registration is sent out in July. Contact Jillian Vandermarks at faithformation 'at' hoosiercatholic.org.

SPRED
An experiential faith development program for those with developmental delays and those with autism. Currently we are recruiting adults to learn how to guide our friends in their learning.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
For any adult 19 years or older who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church. This also serves as the vehicle for entering the Church. This ministry meets weekly from September to the beginning of May with a mandatory retreat prior to Palm Sunday. Foundations of the Catholic Church are covered that will prepare the candidate for lifelong learning about the Catholic faith. Confirmed Catholic sponsors are always needed for the people exploring the faith. Anyone who has been a sponsor is also welcome to inquire about becoming a core team member. Entrance interview and registration is requested prior to attending. Contact Jillian Vandermarks at faithformation 'at' hoosiercatholic.org.

Why Do Catholics Do That?
Informal question and answer series held in the summer months to engage in dialogue for those curious about the Catholic faith. Open to anyone who would like to know more about the Catholic Faith. Interested parties may attend one or all sessions. No registration is needed.

Adult Confirmation Classes
For baptized and communed Catholic adults 19 years and older who missed their confirmation in High School. This class meets 5 times during the school year and will cover an overview of the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in an informal seminar style. Entrance interview and registration is requested prior to attending. Contact Jillian Vandermarks at faithformation 'at' hoosiercatholic.org.

Adult Education
Meets the needs of lifelong learning that all baptized Christians are called to. Topics of interest and styles of presenters will vary throughout the year. Any adult wishing to participate in planning and executing the sessions are always welcome. Dates vary and will be listed in the bulletin. No registration is needed for most programs.

Bible Study
A seminar approach to studying the Bible. Open and of interest to all regardless of faith affiliation, meets every Tuesday at 7:30pm at St. Paul. No registration needed. All are welcome.

Women's Bible Study
Meets every Thursday in a parishioner's home. Open to all women who would like to share their reflections.

Brown Bag Lunches
Geared to Indiana University Faculty, Staff and students but open to all parishioners. Held periodically during the academic year at noontime, topic presented is an issue of current interest. No registration needed, just show up.

Theology on Tap
Modeled after Chicago young adult process; engages a topic of interest for young adults (20s - 30s) and grad students in an informal setting. No registration needed.

Youth Ministry
Engaging high school teens in catechesis, community-building, justice-service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer & worship through musicals/drama, faith sharing, bible study, retreats, leadership training, spring break service trips, camping trips, parties outings, and much more!

The Sacrament of Confirmation
A two year preparation process. First year (typically 9th grade) is "pre-Confirmation" preparation, meeting weekly, covering 8 essential topics of Catholic faith. Second year (typically 10th grade) preparation involves monthly meetings of the candidate group as a whole and three-hour meeting with a mentor, and participation in a ministry experience throughout the year. There is a retreat experience both years. Contact Bridget McIntyre at bmcintyr 'at' hoosiercatholic.org.