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Paulist Center Family Religious Education

Program Descriptions (2006-2007)
Updated 8/23/2006

Sacramental Preparation
 
Baptism

Parents and Godparents select one of four pre-determined weekends to gather to reflect on the value of church, receive basic instruction and prepare for the baptism of infants and young children. The sacrament is conferred at a liturgy of your choice during that same weekend. (Contact Paul Huesing, CSP)

 

R. C. I. C. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (which may include Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) can be adapted for children over 7 years who have not been baptized as infants. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 
First Communion

Primarily a home preparation program using Silver Burdett Ginn’s Golden Books, families may join in larger group activities. Parents meet in January to determine who will share responsibility for particular elements of the program. Both the Rite of Enrollment and the Sacrament occur on Sunday at the 10 am liturgy. Additionally, participants share a Seder meal, learn experientially and reflect on the significance of the Eucharist at a Retreat & Rehearsal. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 
First Reconciliation

Parents are invited to re-visit this sacrament of God’s healing and forgiving presence as their 3rd-6th graders prepare for reception of the sacrament. Parents meet in January to finalize program possibilities. (Contact Ruben Patino, CSP)

 
Confirmation

Beginning in the fall of 2008, a one-year Confirmation process includes meeting about twice monthly (Sundays 11:15-1:15), and includes retreats, service, and social activities. The preparation process uses Thomas Zanzig's Confirmed in a Faithful Community. A team of adults will coordinate. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 
Faith Formation and Education
 

Little People's Program

LPP is a preschool religious education program for children entering their second year of pre-school or kindergarten (by September). Participants meet most Sundays, Sept to June, during the 10 am liturgy, in the 3rd floor library. Classes are parent-taught with the help of a Parents' Guide. For continuity sake, parents choose a season - fall, winter, or spring - in which they either teach or assist at classes. A parent orientation is after the first gathering. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 

Sunday Morning Co-op

Graded class groups (1st-6th grade) gather most Sunday mornings following the 10 am liturgy (11:15-12:15). Parents teach or assist using Silver Burdett Ginn’s This Is Our Faith series, provide snack, and share responsibilities. Consistent attendance is very important for a fulfilling classroom experience. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 

Intergenerational Labs

The entire family participates in experiential learning within a supportive Christian Community. Labs average around 7 families. Parents and children share the responsibilities for planning and leading at least 1 lab a year. Most labs are scheduled by participating families in their homes. If six families would like to create a new lab, assistance will be given to start it up. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 
Youth Ministry
 

Junior High Youth

The 7th and 8th grade program will meet roughly twice a month following the 10 am liturgy (11:15-1:00). Participants will explore topics of faith and everyday living. Some social and service opportunities are in the works. Watch for more details! (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 

Senior High Youth

The Senior High Youth can look forward to twice per month gatherings (11:15-1:00), including service projects and social events. Discussions surrounding theology and spirituality are led by young adults and include guest speakers. Fundraising for the week-long service trip is also part of the activities.(Contact Susan Rutkowski)

 
Word, Worship & Witness
 

Nursery
Childcare is available in the 2nd floor Seminar Room on Sunday mornings during the 10 am liturgy.

Liturgy of the Word for Young People (LWYP)
During the 10 am liturgy on most Sundays between September and June, teams of adults take turns breaking open the Word so that our younger community members find the Sunday readings meaningful. No registration is required but new team members are always welcome. (Contact Michael Curley after October 1st, or Susan Rutkowski)

Family-led Liturgies, Youth Choir and Youth Dance Ministry
On special occasions during the year, FREP Families contribute to all aspects of the 10 am liturgical celebration, including coordinated youth music practice and dance ministry. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

Weekly Supper Club and Monthly Saturday Breakfasts
Every Wednesday night and the 3rd Saturday morning of each month, The Paulist Center offers a meal to anyone who needs one. FREP community members traditionally supply desserts each week.

Offertory Canned and Dry Goods Drive (Food Pantry)
As the Gospels recount, there was more than enough food for the crowds to share after a young person offered his loaves and fishes to Jesus. We are inviting the community's young people to bring canned and dry goods to share with those who need our food pantry. Food collection baskets are available at the Mary alcove in the chapel on the weekend.

Summer Service Project
Senior High School Youth will serve with our neighbors building a just community and reflecting on our solidarity with all God's family. Previous projects have included West Virginia, Chicago, El Salvador, Washington DC, and Boston. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

Other Opportunities
Throughout the year, opportunities to renew and respond to God's love are offered. For example, plan on a "Back to School Supply Drive" for the weekends of August and to help children at risk. Participation is encouraged for the reconciliation services and Salvadoran Stations of the Cross. An Advent Jesse (Giving) Tree and Lenten Ritual are planned. Watch for more information as it becomes available. Please add specific interests on the registration form. (Contact Susan Rutkowski)

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