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Adult Faith Formation
"An adult community
whose faith is well-formed and lively will more effectively
pass that faith on to the next generation." (p 13, OHB) This
quote, taken from the Bishops Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith
Formation in the United States, called Our Hearts Were
Burning Within Us, forms the basis for our Adult Faith
Formation process here at St. Thomas More. In addition to
sacramental preparation programs like our Engaged
Experience, R.C.I.A. and Baptism Preparation classes, St.
Thomas More offers regular Bible Study sessions, classes on
current topics and interests, as well as our monthly Read
More Learn More Book Club. Watch the bulletin for more
information or call the Adult Faith Formation Office in the
Community Center.
Holy
Name Society
Are
you looking for a way to grow closer to God? The Holy Name
Society may be for you. H.N.S. promotes reverence for the Trinity,
explains Holy Name coordinator for STM Rolly Yap, and to
praise and venerate the holy name of God. This is
accomplished through prayers, Eucharistic adoration,
Scriptural study and sharing, outreach service to Del Mar
Gardens, special prayerful activities during Lent and Holy
Week, and by performing any special work or task assigned by
Fr. Pat. Holy Name Society is open to all members of
the parish, Rolly said. Once a person's application is
approved, they are a member of H.N.S. for life. No dues are
required but donations by members are welcome for particular
projects.
Little
Kingdom
Would you like some
help teaching your children about God? Thanks to STM's
"Little Kingdom" program, help is available. Little Kingdom
is a cooperative religious experience for newborn children
to five years of age. Each week a parent or caregiver is in
charge of teaching a lesson, providing a related craft, and
giving a snack. The leader also leads the group in a song.
But don't worry - you wont be doing it alone. "We have a
program guide which explains everything that needs to be
done," said the coordinator for Little Kingdom. "Plus
everyone helps each other." Don't worry about leading the
song - these are children, not "American Idol's"
Simon. The lessons teach simple messages about friendships,
love and other themes based on Scripture. Crafts reinforce
the lesson's theme and allow children to explore art
materials. Plenty of time is also given to practice prayer.
Marriage Encounter
This weekend
enrichment experience for married couples is designed to
deepen and enrich the joys of married life. Learn new
communication techniques, and ways to be more aware of and
attentive to each other's needs. It's a great opportunity to
spend time with one another and to remember that Christ is
an important part of your marriage.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.)
Everyone has a mom.
Now every mother can be part of MOMS; a national program.
Mothers of all types and ages - including
grandmothers, adoptive mothers and stepmothers are welcome
to join MOMS. "It's a common misconception that our
ministry is only for mothers of young children. We've found
that diversity in ages among the participants actually
enriches the experience for all members." MOMS is a peer
ministry where faith sharing groups give women spiritual
support and promote spiritual growth. Mothers meet once a
week in small groups. The meetings include prayer and faith
sharing. Following the initial 8 week program, mothers can
choose to continue meeting with their small group on a
semi-monthly basis. All the small groups come together
twice a year for social dinners as well as an annual weekend
retreat once each summer and a day long prayer event once
each winter and spring. More good news: Childcare by
fellow ministry members is provided for MOMS sessions, small
groups are offered to fit around your schedule, available in
mornings or evenings.
Religious Education
Religious Education
includes classes for all grades, K - Confirmation (9th
grade & older) even if a student has never attended
religious education. Exciting options that were recently
added to our program include:
* Early
morning classes on Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. for
students in K - 5th grade.
* Home
Catechesis which is a family program where the parents teach
their children at home 3 weeks a month and then the 1st
Thursday of each month parent and children attend a session
at the Community Center from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
All students must
register each year for the Religious Education Office.
Junior
High More Youth
More Youth is a
unique program for Middle School age students at St. Thomas
More. More Youth is designed to have middle school youth
explore and experience their faith. Six components make up
More Youth: Breaking Open The Word, Prayer, Family
Nights, Socials, Service Activities and In God's Image
Program. A parent orientation is required for registration
into More Youth office in the Community Center for more
details.
Senior High "LIFE TEEN"
LIFE TEEN's main
goal is to lead teens closer to Christ. It is a
comprehensive youth ministry program based on, focused on
and directed toward the Eucharist. All high school teens are
invited to participate in the program that includes the
upbeat and spiritual Sunday mass, LIFE Nights on Sunday
events after mass, as well as service projects, retreats and
social activities throughout the year. LIFE TEEN provides
three retreats a year; a fall, spring and the annual week
long summer work retreat called L.I.G.H.T. (Living In God's
House Together). LIFE TEEN is a big commitment, but the
rewards are unbelievable. As you lead teens closer to
Christ, you'll find yourself becoming closer to Him. We also
have a teen leadership group in LIFE TEEN called The Young
Disciples. They are a group of juniors and seniors who
participated in a week long discernment and have committed
themselves to serving this community by being involved with
planning LIFE Nights, planning other various prayer and
social activities, have given testimonies, been involved in
skits and much more.
Vacation Bible School
Each August our
parish sponsors a one-week Vacation Bible School experience
for elementary school-aged children. Adults, middle-school
and high-school youth work together as volunteer leaders to
plan and execute this fun-filled week of learning about the
Good News of God's love. With activities such as music, arts
& crafts, videos and interactive storytelling, the Bible
comes alive with meaning for the everyday life of our young
people.
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