Faith Formation

Contact: Sr. Pat Hall, srpat@sacredheart-church.org

The Faith Formation Commission fosters the personal and spiritual growth of children, youth and adults and strives to draw them to responsible participation in the faith community. This Commission meets quarterly, usually on the second Tuesday.

Ministries to Children

Children's Liturgy of the Word - During the Sunday Celebration of Eucharist (8:30 and 11:00), children are invited to leave the assembly with prayer leaders who celebrate the Liturgy of the Word with them. The first reading and the gospel are proclaimed, a homily/reflection is shared with the children, they pray their own general intercessions and Creed and return to the assembly during the preparation of the gifts. Prayer leaders receive orientation and have resources to direct the sharing. Currently, prayer leaders prefer to minister for a month, taking a turn every 4-5 months.

Parish School of Religion - Religious Formation sessions for children who attend public school (Kindergarten through grade eight) are held on the 1st, 3rd,4th, and 5th Sunday mornings from 9:50 - 10:50 from mid-September through early May, with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring. There are no Sunday morning sessions on the second Sunday of each month. Four times a year, an intergenerational catechetical assembly is held on the second Sunday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Session focuses on the theme of the PSR textbook with supper, input, table activities, and prayer. On three second Sundays, textbook lessons are sent home for a "household" lesson. The core curriculum for grades K-8 is published by Harcourt Religion Publisher: Call to Faith. A Parent Handbook is available on request. Volunteer catechists are provided formation and ongoing assistance throughout the year. For more information on the program or about catechists, contact Sr. Pat.

Columbia Catholic School - CCS provides Catholic education for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Student teacher ratio is 16-1 with enrollment averaging about 545 students. The three Columbia parishes have equal access to enrollment. Parents enter into a covenant with their parish for financial stewardship for the parish and for Catholic education. Sacred Heart averages 25-30 families at CCS. A member of Sacred Heart Parish serves on the CCS School Board. Initial contact can be made directly with Columbia Catholic School.

Helias Interparish High School - Helias High School is one of the two Catholic high schools in our diocese. Located in Jefferson City, it is available for students in grades nine through twelve.

Vacation Bible School - For a week of half-days in the midst of summer (the time varies from year to year), children "come to church" for stories, games, crafts, music and shared community experiences with their peers. Adult and teen volunteers lead the activities and share faith and fun with little people.

Youth Ministry - Ninth and Tenth grade youth meet from 7-9 p.m. on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th Sundays for sharing, input, socializing and planning service. Juniors and seniors are welcome to join the group, especially during a non-Confirmation preparation year.

Adult Faith Formation

Invites ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life by assisting in the development of personal relationship with Jesus, promoting an attitude of conversion to fostering baptismal spirituality and deepening personal prayer life.

Promotes and supports active membership in the Christian community by actively building households of faith, assisting small faith groups, creating opportunities and providing resources for sharing faith.

Current on-going opportunities and programs:

• Question of the Week - weekly resources published in the bulletin, on-line and as a handout for families, individuals and parish organizations to focus on the Sunday gospel reading.
• Second Sunday Assembly - Intergenerational gathering in October, December, February and April from 5-7 p.m. that includes supper, input, faith sharing, prayer, table activities and take home resources.
• Growing in Faith Newsletter - monthly publication that provides inspiration, information and education on Catholic beliefs and practices.
• Living in Christ Retreat - Gathering of about 20 persons on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-10 p.m. for a retreat experience. Offered bi-monthly, the retreat experience grows faith community and provides the opportunity to renew and deepen one's relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
• Church Issues on Tap are gatherings at Boone Tavern on the first Monday of the month. Participants choose the topics annually; readings are posted on line to allow for rich sharing led by a competent facilitator.
• Faith Sharing Group meets every other Wednesday for sharing on Scripture and/or a book that allows for shared faith and prayer together.

Parish Newspaper

The Heart of the Matter, a monthly newspaper is mailed to all parishoners. Its goal is to inform, instruct, evangelize and, at times, amuse. It relies on God's grace and the efforts of many volunteers to fulfill this mission.

Parish Library

Our library has a wide selection of current materials in print. The circulation system is very user friendly. Books and videos can be checked out any time the Activity Building is open. One unit of shelving contains books and videos for children.