Christian Formation

The goal of the Christian Formation committee is to help parishioners, both adults and youths, learn the traditions, live the mystery, celebrate, pray and minister to others, becoming ever more conscious and active in their faith.

Grades 1-5.
Sessions are offered on Mondays from 4:30 to 5:30 and 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Adults are involved as catechists, aides, substitutes, session coordinators, office helpers, nursery volunteers and telephoners.

Grades 6, 7, 8
Sessions are offered Monday 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. Adults are involved as leaders, aides, greeters, outreach ministry coordinators, office help, refreshment coordinators, refreshment servers and chaperons for social activities.

Senior High
Grades 9-11 meet Sunday afternoons 12:15 - 2:30 p.m. Grades 11-12 participate in our Antioch Retreat weekends (fall and spring) with follow-up on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Parishioners are welcome to become involved as facilitators and presenters.

Antioch
Our Antioch Retreat for Juniors and Seniors offers teenagers an encounter with Jesus and an experience of Church within their own culture. Because it is parish based, there is continuity for growth in the Christian community.

Youth Ministry
Youth ministry is not a group or program - you can’t “not belong”. Youth ministry is for all teens at St. Nicholas. Social activities occur within sessions and on weekends planned by teenagers and adults such as pizza parties, ski trips, lock-ins, etc.

Sacramental Preparation
Infant Baptism: Parents are required to participate in preparation sessions before the celebration of this sacrament. Sessions are held every three months. Adults assist in the facilitation of this program.
First Eucharist: Preparation sessions for parents and children are held in the late winter and spring. Adults are needed to assist with the workshops, retreats and office.
First Reconciliation: Preparation sessions for parents and children are held in the fall and early winter. Adults are needed to assist with the workshops, retreats and office.
Confirmation: Confirmation is a two-year program starting in 10th or 11th grades. Candidates (in their second year, 11th or 12th grades) attend Christian Formation sessions on Sunday afternoons with their mentors (an adult Catholic). A decision to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will be made by March.

Family Formation
A Faith Formation model designed for weekly family interaction. It includes one monthly community gathering that will reflect upon a person’s experience and how this experience is connected to scripture, church teaching and liturgy.

Lending Library of Videos and Books
Here at St. Nicholas the Christian Formation Committee lends out free of charge, videos and books for adults and children to further encourage the understanding, participation and love of our relationship to God as expressed through our Roman Catholic teachings. The library is available after each of the Liturgies.

Literary Book Club
This is a social group that meets once a month on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for approximately 2 hours. The meetings are held at a member’s house on a rotating basis. A book is chosen to be read by the group and discussed at the subsequent meeting. Books range from best sellers to the classics.

Video Recording Program
The video recording ministry captures on video tape all special litugies, speaker programs and significant events. These recordings are distributed through the lending library. Commitment for this ministry is on an as required basis. Knowledge of video recording equipment is highly desirable.