The Four Pillars: Hospitality - Prayer - Formation - Service

The Four Pillars - Formation

"Move to Selflessness - formation is a life-long journey."

Here lies the Heart of the steward's personal response as a disciple-to share what one has received and share with a generous, grateful and loving heart. Inherent within each individual is the need to give-to move from selfishness to selflessness. Formation is a life-long journey of conversion - a formidable task, involving education of the mind and conversion of the heart for "all" ages. On-going education for all ages is important if we are to grow in our lives as stewards-you never graduate from formation.

Adults • Baptism • Blessed Sacrament Kindergarten and Preschool • Catechetical Ministry • Catholics Returning Home • Children's Celebration of the Word • Confirmation • Elementary • Engaged Couples • First Eucharist • First Reconciliation • LIFE TEEN & The Edge • Marriage Preparation • Middle School • RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Adults - Concurrent with our Elementary Formation are Adult Formation opportunities. Catechesis is inclusive of the entire family.

Baptism - Prior to the Baptism of a child, parents participate in a welcoming interview before attending classes, which familiarize them with the Sacrament and its meaning. Call the parish office at 480-948-8370 to setup an interview.

Blessed Sacrament Kindergarten and Preschool - We have half-day classes for 3, 4, and 5 year old children. Classes are in session from August through May. The children learn listening, fine motor, gross motor, and social skills while building their self-esteem.

Catechetical Ministry - The catechetical year runs from September through May. Registration is required for participation.

Catholics Returning Home - This ministry is an outreach to non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the Church. The session lasts for six weeks and will in part be facilitated by former non-practicing Catholics sharing their stories. More team members are needed. These team members should be people who are former non-practicing Catholics.

Children's Celebration of the Word (CCW): This Liturgy of the Word celebration is for children 4 years old through Grade 3. It includes the Readings of the day in a simpler language, the Gospel and a homily, as well as, the Creed and Prayers of the Faithful. Children return to church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. CCW is offered at the 8:30AM and 10:15AM Sunday masses.

Confirmation - see First Eucharist. Older children, teens and adults who have not been confirmed should call the CM office.

Elementary - We offer on-going formation for Grades 1 - 5. Class sessions meet weekly. Catechists should call the CM office.

Engaged Couples - Marriage Preparation - Contact the Parish Office at least 6 month prior to date of Marriage. Approximately, once a quarter our parish conducts a "day for the Engaged." The program is usually presented to up to five engaged couples at a time. The topics may include: Looking at Marriage Together; Ways to Communicate Love; Images of God and Married Love; Sexual Expression of Married Love; The Sacrament of Matrimony; The Journey Ahead... Directions and Detours.

First Eucharist - Children in Grade 3 and older who have celebrated the sacrament of Reconciliation, will prepare for Confirmation and First Communion to be celebrated at the same mass. Parents, too, will prepare along with their children. Sacrament preparation is in addition to religion class formation.

First Reconciliation - Children in grade 2 and up and their parents are prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This preparation process is separate from and in addition to the regular formation classes.

LIFE TEEN & The Edge - These are ministries that lead all teens closer to Christ, by encouraging vibrant Eucharistic celebrations and provides education and service opportunities for teens to grow in their faith. read more...

Marriage Preparation - Engaged Couples - Contact the Parish Office at least 6 month prior to date of Marriage. Approximately, once a quarter our parish conducts a "day for the Engaged." The program is usually presented to up to five engaged couples at a time. The topics may include: Looking at Marriage Together; Ways to Communicate Love; Images of God and Married Love; Sexual Expression of Married Love; The Sacrament of Matrimony; The Journey Ahead... Directions and Detours.

Middle School - This is an innovative and stimulating process of faith-sharing for our 6-8 graders.

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - Adults who have questions about the Catholic Faith or who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Faith, may enter this process of faith formation at anytime. read more...