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Religious Education Classes (PS-8) St. William Parish offers a variety of Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation classes for your children. You can download a registration form for these classes here. Religious Education Registration Form 10/11 Acrobat Reader is needed Religious Education Financial Pledge Form 10/11 Acrobat Reader is needed Get Adobe Reader here 2009-2010 Religious Education Policy Book2009-2010 Religious Education Calendar Acrobat Reader is needed Back to Top General Guidelines for Reception of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation Once the child has been baptized, the Parish takes on a heavier level of responsibility for the spiritual development of the child, even if the parent is negligent. Sacraments, after baptism, are not to be denied solely on the basis of the lack of parental cooperation. Naturally, for minor children, parental permission is required. The other sacraments should be received as soon as is reasonable after the child has reached the "age of discretion," which may differ from child to child. (It is also assumed that there will be adequate catechesis according to the child's capacity, and that the sacrament is being requested.) The exception is that, for Confirmation, our diocese expects that children should receive the sacrament between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. A family may request the sacrament of Confirmation for the child - or the child himself or herself may request it, with the parent's permission - as long as the child will have reached the age of 13 years by the day of the celebration. Children approaching First Eucharist are expected to have already celebrated "First Reconciliation." The candidate is also to be, in the opinion of the pastor, "sufficiently disposed." The pastor, on a practical level, reaches that decision together with parent s and catechists. "Sufficiently disposed" means: For Reconciliation, that the penitents "having repudiated the sins committed, and having a purpose of amendment, are converted to God." For Eucharist, that the children "have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and can receive the body of the Lord with faith and devotion." For Confirmation, that the baptized child has a desire to be confirmed, and can approach the sacrament with faith and devotion. Back to Top Specific Policies of St. William Parish for the Reception of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level. For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor. The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed. Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
Religious Education Registration Form 10/11 Acrobat Reader is needed Religious Education Financial Pledge Form 10/11 Acrobat Reader is needed Get Adobe Reader here
2009-2010 Religious Education Policy Book2009-2010 Religious Education Calendar Acrobat Reader is needed
Back to Top General Guidelines for Reception of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation Once the child has been baptized, the Parish takes on a heavier level of responsibility for the spiritual development of the child, even if the parent is negligent. Sacraments, after baptism, are not to be denied solely on the basis of the lack of parental cooperation. Naturally, for minor children, parental permission is required. The other sacraments should be received as soon as is reasonable after the child has reached the "age of discretion," which may differ from child to child. (It is also assumed that there will be adequate catechesis according to the child's capacity, and that the sacrament is being requested.) The exception is that, for Confirmation, our diocese expects that children should receive the sacrament between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. A family may request the sacrament of Confirmation for the child - or the child himself or herself may request it, with the parent's permission - as long as the child will have reached the age of 13 years by the day of the celebration. Children approaching First Eucharist are expected to have already celebrated "First Reconciliation." The candidate is also to be, in the opinion of the pastor, "sufficiently disposed." The pastor, on a practical level, reaches that decision together with parent s and catechists. "Sufficiently disposed" means: For Reconciliation, that the penitents "having repudiated the sins committed, and having a purpose of amendment, are converted to God." For Eucharist, that the children "have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and can receive the body of the Lord with faith and devotion." For Confirmation, that the baptized child has a desire to be confirmed, and can approach the sacrament with faith and devotion. Back to Top Specific Policies of St. William Parish for the Reception of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level. For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor. The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed. Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
General Guidelines for Reception of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation Once the child has been baptized, the Parish takes on a heavier level of responsibility for the spiritual development of the child, even if the parent is negligent. Sacraments, after baptism, are not to be denied solely on the basis of the lack of parental cooperation. Naturally, for minor children, parental permission is required. The other sacraments should be received as soon as is reasonable after the child has reached the "age of discretion," which may differ from child to child. (It is also assumed that there will be adequate catechesis according to the child's capacity, and that the sacrament is being requested.) The exception is that, for Confirmation, our diocese expects that children should receive the sacrament between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. A family may request the sacrament of Confirmation for the child - or the child himself or herself may request it, with the parent's permission - as long as the child will have reached the age of 13 years by the day of the celebration. Children approaching First Eucharist are expected to have already celebrated "First Reconciliation." The candidate is also to be, in the opinion of the pastor, "sufficiently disposed." The pastor, on a practical level, reaches that decision together with parent s and catechists. "Sufficiently disposed" means: For Reconciliation, that the penitents "having repudiated the sins committed, and having a purpose of amendment, are converted to God." For Eucharist, that the children "have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and can receive the body of the Lord with faith and devotion." For Confirmation, that the baptized child has a desire to be confirmed, and can approach the sacrament with faith and devotion. Back to Top Specific Policies of St. William Parish for the Reception of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level. For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor. The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed. Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
Once the child has been baptized, the Parish takes on a heavier level of responsibility for the spiritual development of the child, even if the parent is negligent. Sacraments, after baptism, are not to be denied solely on the basis of the lack of parental cooperation. Naturally, for minor children, parental permission is required.
The other sacraments should be received as soon as is reasonable after the child has reached the "age of discretion," which may differ from child to child. (It is also assumed that there will be adequate catechesis according to the child's capacity, and that the sacrament is being requested.) The exception is that, for Confirmation, our diocese expects that children should receive the sacrament between the ages of 13 years and 15 years. A family may request the sacrament of Confirmation for the child - or the child himself or herself may request it, with the parent's permission - as long as the child will have reached the age of 13 years by the day of the celebration.
Children approaching First Eucharist are expected to have already celebrated "First Reconciliation."
The candidate is also to be, in the opinion of the pastor, "sufficiently disposed." The pastor, on a practical level, reaches that decision together with parent s and catechists. "Sufficiently disposed" means:
Back to Top Specific Policies of St. William Parish for the Reception of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level. For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor. The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed. Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
Specific Policies of St. William Parish for the Reception of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level. For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor. The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent. With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed. Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
For the catechetical programs preceding First Eucharist and Confirmation, it is expected that the children normally are participating fully in a parish-run religious education program (either the day school or the after school program) for the one year prior to the sacramental year, as well as the sacramental year itself. Because of the participation in a formal program, the pastor will assume the candidate has the proper dispositions, and, after the process of immediate preparation (described below), will be able to approach the sacrament. THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT THE SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION, but, rather, is part of the ongoing faith-development and religious education of the youngster. These classes have their own scope and sequence within which all sacraments are presented each year, appropriate to the child's developmental level.
For families who are not participating in a formal parish program, children who are being home-schooled, and children who are not cooperating with the religious instruction or are absent too frequently, the pastor will make no assumptions about the proper dispositions and readiness of the candidate. Rather, the parents must prove to the pastor the child's proper disposition and readiness. This process of discernment is dependent most heavily upon the parents themselves, who are to give to the pastor written responses to certain questions and issues. The Office of Faith Formation will provide these questions ahead of time to the parent. There also MAY be a personal interview with the pastor.
The immediate sacramental preparation will take the form of several classes/workshops/retreat experiences (typically, four for Confirmation, and four for First Eucharist), which will focus on spiritual growth and prayerful proximate preparation for the celebration, as well as provide some familiarity with the signs and symbols.
With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the goal is that each child of conscionable age will have an adequate preparation to celebrate the sacrament if they choose. There will be a series of three workshops provided by the Parish in the fall of the year, available to all families that intend to celebrate the sacrament that year. We will provide opportunities for parents to bring their children to the sacrament sometime prior to First Communion, typically during the season of Advent.
With regard to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our efforts as catechists will be to present the concepts of sin and forgiveness as well as providing practical instructions for the Sacrament, at age-appropriate levels. The practical aspects of celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation should be addressed each year in every grade beginning with Grade One. This presentation (or review) would be most appropriate at those times that the regular religion lessons touch on topics of sin and forgiveness. In the cases of the youngest children, such as those in first or second grades, the practical side would be little more than making them aware that they could go to the priest if they are want to confess their sins and feel sorry, and that the priest would help them through the process. They should be at least somewhat familiar with the reconciliation room. Older children should have an easy familiarity with the form of the sacrament, and be able to pray a prayer of sorrow, and be properly disposed.
Back to Top Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
Registration for the Immediate Sacrament Preparation Sessions Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year. Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year. Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
Families involved in the formal religious education programs, whether day school or after school, can indicate their desire for their children to receive a sacrament at the time they register for the formal program. This registration takes place in the spring of the year.
Families not registered in a formal religious education program of the parish, who are preparing a child for either First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation within the school year must contact the Office of Faith Formation by October 1st of that same year.
Back to Top How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
How Do We Baptize Our Child? St. William Parish celebrates infant baptism (for children younger than seven) twice a month except during Lent. These celebrations are normally at 1:00PM (outside of Mass) or by special arrangement at Mass. The process begins with an interview with Nancy Thomas. Please call 248-624-1371 to arrange and appointment or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com.
Back to Top How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com. Back to Top
How Do I Become Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for adults and children older that seven who wish to become Catholic. This process is for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and those who were baptized as Catholics, but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation. The process runs all year around and consists of three parts: Inquiry which is an informal discussion of what the Catholic Church believes and teaches; the Catechumenate, which is worship and facilitated sessions, meant to form us in the in the Christian life and finally initiation into the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please call Nancy Thomas at 248-624-1371 or e-mail nthomas@stwilliam.com.
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