GENERATIONS OF FAITH—ALL AGES—LIFE LONG LEARNING

Join family and friends for a festive night out and a sharing in faith. Generations of Faith is our primary education program. The scope of learning targets the core teachings of the Catholic Church: Scripture, tradition and events in the life of the Church. The GOF approach develops a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith, engages people in experiencing Church life as a community and nurtures a Catholic way of life in all members. This evening celebration offers a plan for lifelong learning to all in our parish family.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a beautiful journey and celebration of adult initiation into our Catholic community of faith. Prepare and welcome into our Faith community people who are seeking baptism in the Catholic Church, or full communion with the Catholic tradition through the Profession of Faith, reception of the Eucharist and Confirmation.

JOURNEY TO INITIATION

Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist & Confirmation

Initiating people into the faith community is a major focus of parish life. Parents approach the Church to baptize their children and in later years bring them again to celebrate first communion and confirmation.

PLANNING TEAMS

Generations of Faith (GOF)
Do you like brainstorming and looking for new possibilities? Use your originality and creativeness to plan intergenerational learning sessions at GOF.

Christian Initiation Team Member
If you like to make all the pieces fit together, help with planning, organizing and implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation.

Retreat Planning Committee
Do you like brainstorming and looking for new possibilities? Use your originality and creativeness to plan parish retreats.

SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS*

GOF Session Presenter
If you enjoy explaining things, speaking in public or making important contributions to the faith of others, consider preparing keynote presentations for one of the age groups at GOF sessions.

Retreat Session Presenter
Are you good at expressing yourself and like to bring ideas to life? Present material for various retreat topics of your choice.
*These stewardship opportunities are scheduled for every 2^nd or 3^rd month.

CATECHISTS

Catechist-Teach the Faith to children, youth or adults
Do you see the potential in others and look for ways to challenge them? Take satisfaction in seeing others grow in their faith. Be a catechist for Generations of Faith. Meet monthly to plan age-level breakout sessions. Training provided.

Baptism Pre-Jordan Catechist to New Parents
Meet and welcome new parents in a group setting. Teach them about the sacrament of Baptism and the ritual they will experience with their child. Explain to parents their responsibilities as the first and foremost educators of their child’s faith. Couples are preferred but individuals are welcome. Training is provided.

First Reconciliation /First Holy Communion Table Leaders
Guide parents and their child/children in small table groups as they prepare for a life long  journey of faith as Catholics. Help them to prepare for the graces they will receive from the sacraments of  First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Training provided.

Confirmation Catechist
Serve as small group leader, speaker, session coordinator during Confirmation Preparation sessions.  Tasks may include: facilitating discussion, encouraging faith sharing, helping groups stay on task and transition, leading prayer or coordinating a partial or full session.  Training Provided
Commitment:  8 Wednesday evenings, beginning in January
Requirements:  Fully Initiated Catholic, willing to journey with and encourage candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Christian Initiation Catechist
Share a topic you are particularly knowledgeable about in our Catholic tradition. Maybe you enjoy sharing your faith story with others, drawing them into conversation about their journey. Prepare for and engage discussion with candidates and sponsors on faith and Catholic teaching. Training provided.

SUPPORT

LCS Ambassadors
Show your school spirit! Become an ambassador of the Loyola Catholic School system and promote this choice for K-12 education.

SPONSORS

Confirmation Sponsor
Be a mentor to a young person preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Spend time with him/her, accompany to Rituals and Learning Centers, encourage them in their faith, pray with and for them, and of course, be present at the retreat and Confirmation Liturgy.  Schedule, materials, and encouragement provided!

Christian Initiation Sponsor / Sponsor Family
Witness to your spiritual values and hospitality and be a mentor to an adult going through the initiation process. Spend time with them, pray with them, learn with them, and walk with them as they become a part of our faith community.

BIBLE STUDY FACILITATORS

Christian Initiation Sunday Scripture Leader
Facilitate breaking open the Word to Christian Initiation Candidates during dismissal from Sunday Mass, at the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Training and materials provided.

Lead Small Bible Study Groups
Facilitate a small group bible study and share your spiritual values with others.

FAMILY MINISTRIES

FOCCUS Ministry
Do you understand how others feel? Do you look for common ground when there are differences? Become a mentor couple who helps engaged couples learn more about themselves and their relationship through a self-diagnostic inventory. This process helps engaged couples identify and work through issues prior to marriage.

Pre Cana
Assist couples as they prepare for the celebration of marriage. Pre Cana is sponsored by the Mankato Area Catholic Parishes.
These stewardship opportunities are scheduled for every 2^nd or 3^rd month.

FACILITATE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a celebration of Sunday mass in which the Liturgy portion of the Mass is presented by laity (parent, adults, youth – 6th grade and up) in a different environment (Matthews Hall) and on a level that children can better understand and enjoy. It is a wonderful way to assist our children in focusing on the Sunday Liturgy.

When: 10am Sunday Liturgy – 1st through 3rd Sundays of each month.
It is for: Children from 4 to 12 years (5th grade)

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is operated as a Parish Co-op, volunteers would serve once every 2 months. You can choose the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd weekend of the month.

There are several ways you can participate:

Set up/Clean up – Arrive 30 minutes before Mass; put out Children’s Liturgy flag; set-up chairs in Matthews Hall, etc.

Lector 1 – Read the Greeting and Today’s Focus, Gospel Acclamation and General Intercessions. Can be youth ages 5th grade and up.

Lector 2 – Receives the Word of God Book from celebrant and leads children into Matthews Hall; reads the Gospel to the group of children.

Adult Presenter (for 4 yrs to 3rd graders) – This person prepares a 7 min. talk/ presentation given to the children about the Gospel reading. This may sound intimidating at first, but inspired in the doing.

Adult Presenter (4th & 5th Graders) -This age group will go to a separate area to discuss the Gospel reading for 7-10 min. Our Children’s Liturgy Book is a good guide and offers many questions.

CROWD CONTROL - 6-8 people to supervise the children on their way into and out of church

SCOUT - Alert the status of Liturgy in the church and the time for us to return

Vacation Bible School
A fun way for children to learn the Bible and God’s love for them! This weeklong summer event, held in the mornings at St. John’s, supports our area’s youth through faith-based and lively education, music and daily prayer. Activities are team-building and affirming. This ministry is a meaningful way for teens or adults to discover and practice the joy of service.

VBS Crew Leaders
Do you love working with children and want to help them grow in their faith?  Interact with children in small groups as their play/activities bring God alive in their world.

VBS Decorators
Set up and decorate learning and play areas according to the VBS theme for this year.