Religious Formation & Spiritual Growth Ministries
See Our 2011/2012 Religious Education Guide
40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion
Periodically throughout the church year our faith community celebrates the gift of the Eucharist by holding a forty hour period of Eucharistic adoration. During this time of adoration, both silent and communal prayer opportunities are offered. This activity normally takes place either in Advent or Lent.
Parish Office, 749-1423
Adult Confirmation
This ministry offers preparation for any baptized Catholic over the age of 18 who wishes to be confirmed. Sessions begin in January.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Adult Scripture Studies
Bible Study Groups provide a way for individuals to fully live God’s Word, understand what the Word means, and how to apply that Word to today’s world. Group Bible Study enables parishioners to come together to share their faith in this setting. Please click here to read about this year's opportunities.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
CLOW is a continuation of Mass when children in grades K-2 leave the main assembly during the Liturgy of the Word and gather to hear the Sunday readings proclaimed in an age-appropriate way. This helps the children understand God’s Word better and, therefore, helps them to live this Word in their daily lives. The CLOW team plans and leads this special Liturgy offered during the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass. Teens in grades eight and up are invited to join the team to support this ministry.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
Christian Initiation – RCIA/RCIC
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process for those interested in becoming Roman Catholic or inquiring about the Catholic Faith. It is a step-by-step program in which people may slowly look at the Catholic Faith and decide to become Catholic after a period of several months of Inquiry, Catechesis and Election, which leads to the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). Topic Schedule and more information.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Confirmation Team
As a part of RockSolid Faith Formation program, Confirmation Catechists support senior high youth in grades 11-12 in preparation for the sacramental Rite of Confirmation.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
Coordinators
These volunteers provide refreshments for RCIA meetings and events.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Cursillo Movement/Weekend
“Cursillo” (pronounced kur-SEE-yo) is a world-wide movement within the Church with the purpose of making Christian community possible in neighborhoods, parishes and work environments. For an application, call the parish office or talk with someone who is in a Cursillo group.
More information can be found on the Internet at www.tulsacursillo.org.
Diocesan Youth Conferences
High School conferences held each Fall present an opportunity for youth to travel and join thousands of Catholics from the region (Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma) or the nation for concerts, speakers and prayer, to become one body of Christ.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary is a worldwide Catholic organization of adults and youth who offer their services to their pastor to help perform spiritual works in the parish. Through a balanced program of prayer and service under the banner of Mary, members become stronger Catholics, thus enabling them to serve as instruments of the Holy Spirit. At St. Mary, the Legion’s spiritual works of mercy have included evangelizing door-to-door, teaching children the Rosary, leading the Rosary before Mass and for funerals, serving as Christian initiation sponsors, consecrating homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and taking Communion to nursing homes and to parishioners who are sick and dying.
Margaret Dayer, 747-0443
Little Rock Scripture Study
Little Rock Scripture Study is a study of the Bible, not a study about the Bible. Although a little scholarly background of scripture is provided, academics are kept in the background and participants are urged to find the meaning of scripture for themselves.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Marriage Preparation
Couple-to-couple Marriage Preparation helps prepare engaged couples for the Sacrament of Marriage by discussing aspects of marriage. Sponsor couples are approved by the pastor.
Junie and Carla Lechner, 744-1742,
carlalechner@hotmai.com
Parish Religious Education Teacher, Aide or Teen Helper
Religious Education Classes for Youth, preschool through grade 10, teach our Catholic Faith to students on Sundays throughout the school year. We provide training for catechists, adult aides and teenage helpers. A one-year commitment is requested. Catechists for preschool-grade 10 assist families in nurturing the Catholic Faith of our children through religion classes. Adult Aides for preschool-grade 10 assist catechists during religion classes. Teen Helpers for preschool-Grade 10 assist catechists during religion classes.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
Pastoral Studies Institute
The Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) is an Adult Education program of the Diocese of Tulsa and includes the Wednesday morning Women’s Scripture study.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
RCIA Hospitality/Refreshment
RCIA Sponsors
These parishioners support candidates as they explore the Catholic Faith by sharing their own faith and introducing candidates to others in the parish community. In addition, sponsor coordinators hold periodic team meetings to answer questions that come up with candidates.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Re-Membering Church Team
The Re-Membering Church Team reaches out to those who have been away from the practice of the Faith. We invite inactive or alienated Catholics who parted company with the Church over new changes, old rules, a marriage situation, hurt feelings, or for any other reason, to join us in this six-week program.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Retreats
Throughout the church year, retreats are planned on request or for specific purposes, such as days or mornings of reflection, Lent, RCIA, confirmation and adult education.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
RCIC is a process whereby children ages 7-14 who are seeking Baptism and/or full communion in the Catholic Church learn about the Catholic Faith and are prepared for the life-long faith journey. RCIC classes generally begin in the fall and end during the Easter season after the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
Small Faith Groups for Adults
Small groups of 8 to 12 people gather together regularly to help each other connect faith and life. Sometimes called “small church communities,” this is not simply a discussion group, prayer group or Bible study group. The basic purpose is to create an environment where ordinary people can experience being Church for one another.
Brian Desmarais, 749-2561
bdesmarais@churchofsaintmary.com
Vacation Bible School
VBS is a short summer religion program for children in pre-school through the eighth grade. VBS includes music, games, Bible stories, crafts and service opportunities for older youth. It is a fun way for the children of the parish to get together during the summer to help strengthen their faith and commitment to God.
Linda Schoonover, 749-2561,
lschoonover@churchofsaintmary.com
