Faith Formation/Religious Education
St. Mary's is dedicated to helping every individual grow in their faith. St. Mary's offers a vibrant and active Faith Formation program to children 4 years of age through adults. Dedicated volunteers give of their knowledge, time and talent to teach and share their faith through a full and rich process.
Wonderful opportunities exist for our children through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a more hands-on method, as well as traditional classroom instruction in the basic Catholic truths, prayers and traditions for children 6-12 years of age. Our young people continue their formation through EDGE and LIFETEEN programs as they grow through their teenage years. (Find information on those programs here).
Adults today face issues that our ancestors never confronted. St. Mary's strives to provide adult faith formation/education so that we might all face those issues with strong family and parish ties and support. Instruction and growth in the faith should never end; "from the womb to the tomb." Monsignor Francis Smyer, a long time pastor here who is now deceased, often said, "You are either green and growing - or ripe and rotting." You are invited to sign up for one of the many varied programs offered at St. Mary's so that you might grow in your knowledge of the faith and let the Holy Spirit work in your life.
Faith Formation/Religious Education is the process of becoming a better disciple of Christ. It is both a personal and a communal journey that benefits from a life-time of catechesis, prayer, scripture study, worship and plenty of practice. St. Mary’s Cathedral’s Faith Formation efforts foster the religious education and faith formation of children, teens and adults through a variety of programs and ministries.
Adult Faith Formation: Bible and book studies, RENEW, That Man Is You, She Shall be Called Woman, Church and Salvation History studies, Apologetics are a few of the offerings at St. Mary’s Cathedral. These opportunities invite adults to nurture their maturing faith and to be a witness for others.
Children’s Church: children 4-years old through 5th grade are dismissed at the 9:15 and 12:00 Masses for the Liturgy of the on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
RCIA-Christian Initiation of Adults: This multi-month process provides education about the Catholic Church’s belief, worship and practice while providing a supportive community in which to grow in faith and to discern a commitment to full membership. The process involves weekly Sunday meetings, beginning with a period of inquiry and culminating in the reception of Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday the night before Easter Sunday. A component for children and families is offered. Read more on the Ministries/RCIA link.
Religious Education of Children: St. Mary’s Cathedral offers religious education programs for children 4-years old through 12th grade. More than 60 volunteer catechists and assistants serve in this ministry. The program formally runs from the beginning of September through early May.
Sacramental Preparation: Children who have been baptized Catholic prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist as part of the regular religious education program. Children preparing to receive these sacraments must have attended two years of faith formation/religious education prior to receiving them. The pastor meets with the parents, who are given a book, for the immediate preparation of their children to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Children receiving Confirmation in middle school must have attended two years of instruction prior to receiving Confirmation.
Vacation Bible School: for children 4-year old through Grade 5. Must be members of St. Mary’s Cathedral parish.
Youth Ministry: EDGE and LIFETEEN, offering a growing number of fun, faith-filled programs/activities for youth in middle and high school, happens on Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 7 – 9 PM. Social and spiritual activities and retreats are all on the agenda. Visit our EDGE/LIFETEEN page to learn more or e-mail friemel@stmarysamarillo.com.
For more information contact the Faith Formation Office at 376-7204 or e-mail bnoggler@stmarysamarillo.com.