Faith Formation

Purpose and Goals
The specific work of religious education is to help continue the conversion process that God has begun in the life of each person. The Religious Education program integrates Catholic doctrine, Sacraments, moral teachings and prayer in order to provide a firm understanding of the Catholic faith and the means to live the faith in one’s life.

Religious Education Board
This advisory counsel works under the direction of the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education to set the tone and direction of religious education in the parish. The Board of Religious Education is responsible for understanding and presenting educational expectations and needs of the parish as a whole.


Adult Education Committee
The Adult Education Committee works in consultation with the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education in order to form programs that inspire and encourage adults to continue their faith formation. Committee members, along with the Pastor and D.R.E., evaluate parish needs, plan and implement programs. We welcome suggestions and participation of adults from all the members of our adult faith community.

Adult Programs
Adult faith formation is central to the strength of the religious education program. Adults are Catholic role models and teachers for those who are younger. Catechism, bible studies, guest speakers and the Sacraments help nourish adults’ personal needs and help them to nourish the children and youth of the parish.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Wednesday evening Bible study provides an opportunity to learn about various books in Sacred Scripture.
Study guides, videos and discussion among participants are all a part of this energetic and faith-filled study. The bible study time accommodates working adults. Join us from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Thursday Morning and Night Group Study
Thursday Morning and Night study will examine the Catechism of the Catholic Church through 2007 and 2008. Small groups share answers to discussion questions and close with the DVD presentation by Father John Corapi. Morning class time is from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The same presentation is given on Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Come and See
“Come and See” is a Christ-centered ministry designed to unite men and strengthen them to become stronger Christian witnesses in the world. Meetings are held every third Saturday of each moth from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for breakfast, a presentation, and group sharing of our faith and life experience.


Continuing Christian Education (C.C.E.)
The C.C.E. program provides Catholic faith formation for 1st – 12th grade. C.C.E. is designed to assist parents with handing on the fullness of the Catholic faith. Catholic teachings are presented to the children in a systematic fashion through curriculum, liturgy and retreats. As the child/youth progresses through the program, Catholic teachings are reinforced and presented more in-depth. One must keep in mind that C.C.E. is a life long process that must continue throughout one’s life.

Little Church
Little Church is St. Thomas Aquinas’ ministry for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Children registered with Little Church are gathered in the Sanctuary for a special blessing from our Pastor at the start of the 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses. The children are escorted by teachers and helpers into their classroom and participate in activities and craft projects that reinforce the Sunday Gospel reading. The children have the opportunity to hear the Word of God and share in the fellowship of Jesus in a setting that is age appropriate.


Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
This is a program for adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and for those interested in becoming Catholic. RCIA is also open to those Catholics who would like to explore the possibility of returning to the Church. Classes meet Sundays beginning with 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Inquiry Classes
The inquiry team of very dedicated parishioners meet every Monday at 7:30 p.m. for anyone interested in the Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, ask them to join us on Monday evenings, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in the Siena Room.

Rites of Christian Initiation for Children
Children between the ages of seven and seventeen who have not been baptized begin this process to prepare for the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation).

Natural Family Planning
NFP is a way of following God’s plan for achieving and/or avoiding pregnancy. Classes are scheduled on a regular basis and are taught by certified Natural Family Planning instructors. See the parish bulletin and the Catholic Herald for specific dates. Information and materials are supplied at the meetings.


Pro Life Ministry
Human life is sacred from conception to natural death. We uphold this church teaching through intercessory prayer, maternal assistance, education and public witness. Our parish is represented at the October Life chain, celebrates October Respect Life Month, offers a Mass of reparation for abortion on January 22, helps the Gabriel Project with a May baby shower for women in crisis pregnancy, and works with the archdiocesan pro life ministry.


Teachers, Helpers and Volunteers
The Church’s most valuable asset for sharing the faith of our tradition is catechists. These men and women, who step out in faith, share their conversion experiences and lives of faith with others in our parish. These servants of God make the presence of Jesus real to those they share with, and live as role models by the way they laugh, play and pray. A welcome is extended to all who wish to share their faith. Teacher workshops are provided for each level of faith formation to help familiarize catechists with the curriculum and create strong community bonds.