Vision of the Program of Faith Formation at St. Mary Parish, Big Rapids:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). God never ceases to call us to walk as children of the light so as to live the abundant life. Our response to the Lord’s call is a journey of faith. It is a journey that many begin as children and that slowly matures as we meet and live life’s challenges. For this reason, the parish provides a comprehensive faith formation from the time of infancy through one’s completion of the Christian journey here on earth.
Our Program in Particular:
(If you click the heading of each section, it will lead you to a further information or description of our program)
Infant Baptism Preparation Catechesis or Class: As Catholics we believe that in Baptism we are reborn or being adopted as children of God. It is important that parents, godparents, relatives, friends, and the whole community of faith understand the precious gift that God gives to the child in Baptism and how to help that child grow, always responding to the God who has reached out and adopted him/her as His child.
Summer Vacation Bible School (VBS): During the summer, families often plan to have vacation and relaxing time, we would also like our children to have time relaxing and resting with the Lord. For this reason children from Kindergarten to 5th grade are all invited to be part of the fun and learning God’s word and to grow in His Love. This is what VBS is all about. Children who are in the upper classes are called to help, to be leaders in faith-sharing and storytelling .
Catholic School K-8: Proudly, the parish has a parochial elementary school. Like many other Catholic schools in the Diocese, St. Mary’s School shares in the teaching ministry of Jesus and the Church. Rooted in Gospel values, our school works to develop a faith community, to preserve and teach doctrines and traditions of the Catholic faith, and to provide a learning environment which fosters academic excellence. We encourage all parents in the parish and the community to, when it comes to the choice of school for your children, please consider our parochial school where faith, academic excellence, and services to others go together.
Wednesday Evening Faith Formation: All children from K-8 who are not enrolled in our local Catholic school, St. Mary, are asked to registered for Evening Faith Formation. The program will not only prepare you to receive the Sacraments (Reconciliation and Communion in 2nd grade, and Confirmation at the end of eight grade), but to learn about Catholic doctrine, devotion, and moral precepts. Currently both parishes (St. Mary and St. Paul) shares one program under the direction of Mr. Patrick Herdergen.
Youth Ministries: All 9-12 graders are invited to participate in youth ministries. It is the parish-wide effort to provide fellowship for teenagers and young adults, and at the same time lead and challenge them to grow more deeply in their faith by mean of all the social and fun activities. Currently both parishes (St. Mary and St. Paul) share one program under the direction of Mr. Patrick Herdergen.
Adult and Family Faith Formation: The parish offers Generation of Faith, Disciples in Mission, and Scriptures Studies to help the family and adults to grow in faith. Please check the weekly bulletins for the topics and issues being discussed in each of the programs.
Vocation Guidance: The parish is grateful that God has called our brothers and sisters to serve the Church as priests, religious brothers and sisters, and missionaries. We encourage young men and women to consider vocations in the Church. We encourage them to call our priest and ask for guidance, prayers, and encouragement in their discernment process.
Marriage Preparation: Catholics believe that the love between husband and wife reflecting a great mystery as St Paul explains: it reflects “Christ’s love for the Church.” (Ephesians: 5:31-32). Given importance and dignity of Christian Marriage, the parish wishes to prepare the couple well both spiritually and humanly before they enter the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. According to the Diocesan and Provincial Policies, the engaged couples must contact the parish six months before the wedding for marriage preparation.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): Our parish is proud to have an all-year-long program that prepare the adults who have not been baptized and those who has been baptized in different ecclesial communion (or those who have been baptized as Catholics, but never been catechized) to enter into full communion with the Holy Catholic Church. The program usually begins with the inquiry process.
Spiritual Enrichment for FSU Students: Fr. Emmeran Quaderer (1957-1967) recognized the need for a better ministry to the students of Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University). He and the local faithful worked with the Bishop of Grand Rapids to build a Catholic chapel near the school campus. This chapel became St. Paul Campus Parish. Now, liturgies are celebrated there for the convenience of the students and Newman Center meetings take place every week.
Thank you for reading our faith formation vision and program, please do not hesitate to send us and email or give us a phone call, if you have further question. Let us walk always as the children of the light. Amen!