Adult Faith Formation

The church teaches us that a mature adult faith is living, explicit, and fruitful. We do this by nourishing our faith by:

having a relationship with Jesus,

celebrating our faith with others in Eucharistic Liturgies and praying with others,

living a moral life in our homes and workplaces,

building a strong church and civic community,

sharing our faith in appropriate manners with those we come in contact.

To grow in our faith at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we offer these opportunities to adults and their families:

Scripture Study: Several Series of Scripture study are offered throughout the year.

Prepared programs such as Little Rock and Loyola have printed material which groups meet and discuss on a weekly basis.
Reflection of Sunday Readings happens on a weekly basis throughout the year where groups prayerfully read the up coming readings for Sunday and discuss important insights into these readings.
Seasonal and particular scripture study periodically are scheduled such as Advent or Lenten themes or Scriptual insights into the Rosary or Stations of the Cross.

First Wednesday: On the first Wednesday of the month, there is an evening presentation on some aspect of our faith that is covered. A light meal is provided at 6:00 p.m. followed by the presentation at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome and there is no cost but signing up prior to the evening assists in the preparation of food and other materials.

Advent: The Adult Faith Formation Committee has worked at making the preparation time for Christmas a time when adults can have reflective times away from the business of their regular routine. These opportunities for prayer and reflection are ususally on the Wednesdays of Advent.

Lenten Series: The Lenten series are light meals and reflective talks that happen on Wednesdays during Lent. The reflective evenings are listed in the bulletin and in a flier which goes out prior to Lent.

Grief Recovery: The three parishes of Midland offer a group process for grieving the loss of a loved one. Each process is over several weeks and is offered at various time during the year to accommodate different schedules for those who would benefit from this.

Special Programs: Diocesan programs are frequently listed in publications such as the bulletin or in the Diocesan newspaper. These growthful programs include such things as university courses, lay ministry formation, retreats and other enrichment programs.

Catechist Formation: Volunteers are always needed to assist the pastoral staff with important ministry of handing on the faith. Those wishing to be catechists should contact a staff person to find out the requirements. All catechists go through the diocesan required background check and educational presentation of VIRTUS to enable that we can create safe environments for our children. Other preparation to becoming a catechist is an ongoing willingness to build on ones knowledge through the diocesan certification process.

Sacramental Preparation

Baptism: Parents who are expecting should contact the office as soon as they can so that the preparation for Baptism can begin. Baptismal classes happen throughout the year; however, there is preliminary information that is required before this preparation so it is beneficial to begin eary.

Confirmation: Children and Adults who have not been Confirmed and who desire this can contact the staff to see what the requirements of this are.

Eucharist: Classes are provided for Confirmation and First Eucharist for children in grades 2 through 5. It is a requirement that these children have attended faith formation and that their parents have a willingness to assist in their children's faith development. Watch for the schedule in the early fall.

Reconciliation: Classes are provided for Reconciliation for children in grades 2 through 5. It is a requirement that these children have attended faith formation and that their parents have a willingness to assist in their children's faith development. Watch for the schedule in the early fall.

Anointing of the Sick: The sacrament of healing, Anointing,is available to those who are in need of it at any time. The parish provides this sacrament at healing Masses within the vicariate at various times throughout the year. Those who have just learned that they are in need of surgery or who are suffering from a difficult illness may request the sacrament at anytime. It was once known as the"Last Rites" which could only be given at the end of one's life. This is not the understanding of the sacrament of Anointing.

Marriage: Couples who have become engaged should contact the parish as soon as possible. There are many guidelines to have in mind for the preparation of a sacramental, Catholic wedding. It is extremely helpful for couples to know what these guidelines are before they get too far in their plans.

Decree of Nullity: People who have been previously married and are no longer are invited to contact the office regarding how they might proceed in their lives as Catholics. What is commonly called an Annulment may be discussed in their individual situations. The process is on of healing.