Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Parish has a long history of understanding the importance of educating EVERYONE, from birth to retirement and beyond. Our Faith Formation Staff offer their perspectives on how our programs help to fill a spiritual hunger in our parishioners of all ages:
Mary Sankey, Coordinator of Early Childhood FF
Just as I take active steps to educate my children on healthy choices with food & their bodies, I make a conscious effort to foster my children’s faith. Prayer, participation in the sacraments, biblical reading, and acts of mercy are spiritual nourishment. Children need to be taught they can trust the Lord. This happens when children are brought to Jesus in baptism and given the opportunity for relationship and proper attachment. OLIH teaches God is sovereign and a friend. We also emphasize the importance of church family and community. Whether in Faith Formation Class or at CLOW (Children’s Liturgy of the Word) children hear the gospel, are taught to pray, and are offered various modalities of learning. Some examples include videos, books, song, crafts, games, pantomiming, and tactile exploration.
Jackie King, Coordinator of Grades 1-5 Faith Formation
In elementary faith formation we work on giving our youth a strong foundation in our Catholic faith. Expanding on the basics they have learned at home and in preschool classes we want to make sure everyone knows they are loved and valued, not only by Jesus, but by our parish family. Making sure everyone knows basic prayers, the importance of the Eucharist and the Mass, and the importance of daily habits of faith help to teach and remind our younger kids how amazing it is to be Catholic!
Abby Henderson, Coordinator of Grades 6-8 Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
Middle School youth are learning and exploring who they are apart from their parents and family, being given the responsibility to start making larger and longer-lasting decisions that affect not only themselves but those around them. We work to invite them into a friendship with Jesus by showing them the how to live their faith daily in small and big ways through prayer, service, and fellowship. Cupcake rosaries, skits with fake mustaches, and baking egg casseroles for local charities are all included in our lessons to show the liveliness and relevance of our faith in both our daily lives and to the world.
Tom Primmer, Director of Faith Formation, Grades 9-10 & RCIC
"St. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in (God) you." Feeding our spirits involves intentionality. Our Lady's offers youth in grades 9 & 10 the opportunity to feed their spirits as they prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Grade 9 youth learn basic Christian truths about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Scripture and Prayer. Grade 10 youth dive deeper into the meaning and benefits of the Sacrament of Confirmation and its practical effects in our daily lives."
Randy Henderson, Director of Youth Ministry and Grades 11-12 Faith Formation
Youth ministry provides opportunities to encounter Jesus in new and exciting ways. Whether putting faith into action through acts of service, engaging and discussing topics of faith or exploring God's creation on Wilderness Retreats, youth ministry strives to meet the hunger that lives in us all: To know, to love and to serve Jesus. Grades 11 & 12 faith formation seeks to encourage confidence in our youth as they near the end of their high school careers, knowing learning and practicing their faith is a life-long journey and seeking small groups and parish communities and connections as a disciple of Christ.
Patty Mayer, Director of Adult Faith Formation & RCIA
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus we are always in motion, much like a boat on the river. We are either floating downstream, or paddling up, even when we drop our anchor to rest we are pushed and pulled by the current. If we don’t intentionally pick up the paddle to go against the current we can drift, and for a while it may be fine, but drifting leads to getting stuck or going places we didn’t intend to go. Adults often think they have “learned” all there is to learn and thus are unintentionally drifting through their journey. One thing I have learned is that there is always more to learn – stay curious and asking questions because, when we do, more is revealed and revelation leads to growth. Adult formation nurtures the head, the heart, and the hands – it empowers us to continue to grow in knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today. Begin with the end in mind, don’t be content with drifting too far for too long, fight against the current of society, and be intentional along your journey!
For further information, please visit the Grow & Learn section of our website or contact our staff!