ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC CHURCH
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
K – 12th GRADE MISSION STATEMENT
2019-2020 Adult & Family Faith Formation Program Calendar
MISSION
The All Saints Catholic Church’s Religious Education Program and Youth Ministry’s mission is to teach our children and youth about God and Jesus Christ’s ministry in a manner that will excite them. We strive to build a foundation for their faith in partnership with their families from which they will continue to grow in their knowledge of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Black Catholic History, and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Our commitment is to assist in building a strong foundation of faith as they begin their spiritual journey. We will use the following objectives in order to accomplish our goals and guide them in a deeper personal understanding of our beliefs as Catholic Christians:
OBJECTIVES
Provide materials and documents to guide us in teaching them Jesus’s message of love, the tradition and history of the Catholic Church, and the history of Black people in the Holy Scriptures and in the Catholic Church.
Assist the students and their families in their spiritual development by providing a variety of communal prayer and worship experiences that will involve them in the sacramental life of the Church.
Provide basic curriculum that will prepare them for receiving First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation in accordance to the age requirement for the receipt of these Sacraments.
Develop a partnership with the student’s family members so they will be able to enhance their children’s spiritual development.
Religious Education Program (K-12th grade)
Our students attend Religious Education classes on the first, second and fourth Sundays of each month. On the 4th Sunday of each month we gather for a Large Group Session which focuses on a specific topic that impacts our students such as: the traditions of the Catholic Church, history of Black Catholics, Scripture, etc. Guest speakers are invited to address these areas. The Religious Education Program’s mission is to teach our children about Jesus Christ’s ministry in a manner that will excite them about His teaching as they begin their spiritual journey. Our curriculum includes materials that will provide information about the prayers, sacraments and other traditions of the Universal Catholic Church. Our parish members who have chosen to teach in this ministry are dedicated and committed to sharing their faith with our children.
First Reconciliation and Communion Program
As children reach the age of reason – generally around age seven – the Church extends to them an invitation to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist. Children must be enrolled in the Religious Education Program.
Youth Ministry (7th-12th grade) - Youth Ministry Page
Besides attending Religious Education classes, they are involved with hosting fundraisers. The money generated is used for outings such as bowling, picnics, etc.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a firm profession of faith has always been the particular effect that Catholic tradition has ascribed to the sacrament. It is an effect which complements and completes that of baptism. A minimum age of 16 has been established by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for the celebration of confirmation.
FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study)
FOCCUS is an internationally used inventory for couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. It is not a test, but rather a tool to help couples learn more about themselves and the manner in which they relate to their partner. FOCCUS and other similar inventories can be very useful for diagnosing areas of both strength and weakness in couple communication.
In many cases, the FOCCUS inventory is administered by a FOCCUS couple: a married couple who has been trained in how to administer and score the inventory and how to discuss possible areas of concern.
All Saints Catholic Church RCIA Program
The All Saints Catholic Church Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is a faith formation program for adults, 17 years or older, who wish to become Catholic and also for adults who are Catholic and wish to deepen their knowledge and faith in the Catholic Church.
Preceded by the Inquiry Period June through August, the All Saints Catholic Church RCIA program officially begins September and meets every Tuesday (except for holidays) at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Church Rectory at 4060 North 26th Street in Milwaukee.
Participants, upon completing the program satisfactorily, will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation) as determined appropriate with Reverend Robert Stiefvater, Pastor, to receive Full Communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Participants who wish to join the program during Advent or after, are encouraged to begin the class for the next year in June during the Inquiry Period. The RCIA program is also a perfect opportunity for All Saints parishioners who are already baptized and confirmed to explore and deepen their faith significantly.
Please join us on this compelling spiritual journey.
For further information, please call the church at (414) 444-5610.