Sacramental Preparation |
Home Study |
All parents wishing to have their children participate in the Sacraments must be either attending Holy Family Academy, St. Joseph's Collegiate or doing lessons at home with a parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc...). The Homestudy Program is an alternative to attending a Catholic School. There are 20 Lessons to complete for each year. Each lesson gives background to the Catholic faith before attending Sacramental Preparation. |
| Sacramental Preperation for Children |
The Sacramental Preparation programs at St. Mary's are for all children from our parish wishing to receive and celebrate 1st Reconciliation, 1st Eucharist and Confirmation. All children wishing to receive and celebrate any of these Sacraments must be attending Holy Family Academy, St. Joseph's Collegiate or currently enrolled in our Homestudy program. |
| 1st Eucharist |
Offered to children in grade 2 or older who have been Baptized. |
| 1st Reconciliation |
Offered to Baptized children in grade 3 or older. The 1st Reconciliation celebration is combined with our Advent Confessions as often as possible so it becomes a parish community event. |
| Confirmation |
Offered to children in grade 7 or older. The child must have celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist. Confirmation is celebrated on a date which is determined by the Bishop. |
R.C.I.A & R.C.I.C |
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) and Children (R.C.I.C.) is a rite of welcome. It is a Faith Journey of the Community of Faith that helps us renew mind, heart and spirit. The Journey is guided by members of the parish who live by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and represent the entire faith community. It is a personal journey ... a faith journey. |
Precatechumenate (Inquiry Period)
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This is a period of informal inquiry, with absolutely no obligation or commitment to continue, into the beliefs, values and practices of the Catholic Church. It is a time of serious listening to the Word of God as spoken in the Sacred Scripture. It is a time address questions, concerns or anxieties a person may have about becoming Catholic. If the inquirer should choose to pursue more formally the process of becoming a Catholic, the person participates in the Rite of Acceptance, and moves into the second phase, the Catechumenate. |
Catechumenate
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This second step is a more formal stage in the process. Primarily by means of guided reflection on the Scripture readings for each Sunday, the catechumen is led to see how the Gospel sheds light on everyday life experiences. The catechumen is helped in the development of a Catholic Christian spirituality. Through reflection and discussion of the Scriptural texts, the main teachings of the Catholic Church are also emphasized. Should the person decide that it is right to proceed to request membership in the Catholic Church, the catechumen paraticipates in the Rite of Election,usually on the First Sunday of Lent, and moves into the third phase of the process, Period of Purification and Enlightenment. |
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
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This third phase in the journey occupies the six week Lenten preparation for Easter celebrations and the Sacraments. Catechumens participate in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Those who have already been Baptized in another Christian tradition are not re-Baptized, but make a Profession of Faith, and participate in Confirmation and Eucharist. |
Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystogogia
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The fourth phase extends through the Easter season, perhaps even beyond that, and is the time for deepening the Catholic Christian experience, for gaining spiritual fruit, and for entering more deeptly into the life of the community. In RCIA, we journey together as a group on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm at the parish hall. We extend a welcome to anyone who wishes to take part in the RCIA process. RCIC takes place after school at Holy Family Academy. RCIA also offers a sponsor to each inquiring Catholic. Sponsors are parishioners who are willing to offer support and encouragement to the inquirers during their journey of faith. They also attend the Tuesday evening sessions. Many remark that they grow spiritually as they offer help and support to the inquirers. |
Schools in Our Area |
Holy Family Academy (Kindergarden - Grade 6)St. Luke's Outreach Centre
Bay #9, 1308 - 2A Street West, Brooks, Alberta Canada - 403-362-5030
Website: www.redeemer.ab.ca |
Saint Joseph's Collegiate (Grade 7 - 12) |
St. Joseph's Collegiate
408 - 1st Street West Brooks, Alberta Canada - 1(403) 362-5989
Website: www.redeemer.ab.ca |
Academics |
-High standard education delivered in structured, creative ways -Firm policies on homework and home reading that enhance and extend school learning -Emphasis on reading and writing in the early grades -Specific intervention at all grade levels for students requiring additional support -Wide range of special needs programs -Unique opportunities to excel in areas of interest such as science fairs, literature and writing events, geography challenges and so on... |
Faith
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Community |
-An environment and experiences centered on the teaching of Jesus -Commitment to a code of conduct that respects the dignity of all children -Opportunities to celebrate student success -Spirit days, events, assemblies and activities |
Teachers |
-Christian role models actively practicing their faith -Highly trained, enthusiastic, top quality educators -Commitment to education of the whole child -Professionals who meet regularly as a team to discuss student learning -Curriculum issues and educational goals |
Parents |
-Recognition that parents are the primary educators of their children -Extremely active school council involved at all levels of the school -Committed parent volunteers in every grade -Support for families through special programs such as the Project Genesis Family Values project -Community for families through special events such as the school council family dance and June picnic -Open communication between home and school |
