Faithformation

SUNDAY SCHOOL

St Gabriel is pleased to have dedicated volunteer catechists who lead public school children in religious formation from K-8.

There are usually 26 sessions during the year.

The fee is pro-rated according to the number of children.

$65 for 1 child, $100 for two, $130 for three children.

FAITH FORMATION

FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST EUCHARIST Sacramental Preparation

The fee is $70

The Grade 2 First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Sacramental preparation is accomplished in two phases.

First Reconciliation preparation is from September to December;

First Eucharist preparation is from January to May.

Parents using a Family Guide teach their children at home in each phase.

Students and parents have a texts for each phase.

Parents are responsible for teaching children at home using the Family Guide

The sacramental coordinator holds various in-house sessions to prepare v parents and children via workshops and special events.

CONFIRMATION - Sacramental Preparation

Confirmation Preparation spans two high school academic years (September to June)

Sessions begin in the 9th Grade and go through the 10th Grade.

Sessions are held at St Gabriel School from 9:45-10:45 am.

Fee for each year is $70

Check Enrollment Form, Confirmation Requirements, Sponsor Information, Mass Attendance Forms Service Hours Form.

Grade 9 Calendar Grade 10 Calendar

Confirmation

RCIA - CATECHUMENATE - OCI

The Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults, also known as the Order of Catechumens, is an instruction process for adults and older youngsters who wish to become Roman Catholics or for Catholics needing the Sacrments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist.

Sessions begin in early September and end with Pentecost.

Sessions are usually held on Sunday from 9:30-10:45 am.

Each participant must have a Sponsor

(Click here to retrieve Sponsor Information Form above)

The process develops in various stages:

Inquiry and basic evangelization during the first eight weeks in which the participant learns the basics of the faith - teachings of Jesus and the Church along with reflection on the Scriptures.

Rite of Acceptance as a Catechumen (usually in November) marks one as a Catechumen. The instructions in Church teachings and the Scriptures continues until the period of Lent. The Catechumen begins to identify with the Catholic Community and establishes a personal prayer life in the tradition of Catholic spirituality.

Election - On the first Sunday of Lent, each is enrolled as an Elect (one who chooses and is chosen to go on to the Easter Sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation/Eucharist). This rite is by the Archbishop at St Joseph Cathedral in Hartford.

Scrutinies - On the 3rd, 4th, 5th Sundays of Lent each Elect experiences Scrutinies (prayers for healing).

Presentations of the Creed and The Lord's Prayer. During Lent the Elect is presented with the Creed and the Lord's Prayer at special Eucharistic Celebrations.

Easter Vigil Celebraton during which Elect receive either Baptism, Confirmation/Eucharist at the Easter Vigil as Neophytes - those recently received in the fullness of the Catholic Church.

Mystagogia is the period from Easter to Pentecost during which the neophytes conclude their catechumenal journey by reflecting on their experience and getting to know the parish community so that they can enter fully in service to the Church and the people of God.

RCIA - Catechumenate - OCI

OUTREACH TO INACTIVE CATHOLICS

Reconciling Catholics

Twice each year, St. Gabriel, reconnects via mail, e-mail, newsletter entitled "We Belong Together"and press releases to inactive Catholics to invite them to a"Coming Home" program.

"Coming Home" is a cordial, welcoming, healing, nonjudgmental gathering with parish staff for those who have separately themselves from active parish life.

Persons who have drifted away from Church have questions, concerns and feelings that have not been resolved. "Coming Home" is an opportunity to bring these issues out in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. It is a way to set the stage to resolve situations and to reconnect with Church without embarrassment.

After the initial "Coming Home' experience, there is a follow up of six sessions to deal with resolving issues and to help individuals reconnect.

Outreach to Inactive Catholics.

Sunday School

First Reconciliation, Eucharist

Photos of Catechists

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