PARISH EDUCATION

Baptismal Preparation

Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation, the beginning of a person’s journey of faith.  The newly baptized “put on Christ.”  They are “born again through water and the Spirit.”  Because the celebration of this sacrament is so special, so meaningful, parents who request Baptism for their child attend a preparation workshop.  Baptismal Preparation workshops are scheduled once a month on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 until approximately 2:30 PM in the Children’s Chapel.

Parishioners who are part of the Baptismal Preparation ministry facilitate the workshop, Baptism 101.  They discuss with parents the meaning and history of baptism as it was initiated by Jesus and as it continued in the early Church.  Parents learn about the sacrament’s symbols, water, fire, the white garment, oils, and the sign of the cross.  They see how beautifully these symbols are incorporated into the celebration of the sacrament and they review the rite of Baptism so that they know what to expect on their little one’s special day.

Facilitators also discuss the role of godparents, the role of parents as primary educators of their children in the faith and the many ways in which the parish offers educational support. 

Engaged Couples Workshop

 Working with engaged couples as they prepare for marriage is a real opportunity for sharing.  Members of the Engaged Couple Conference Team are able to share some of the blessings received in marriage with those who are preparing for this lifetime commitment.

Once known as Pre-Cana, because Jesus worked his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana, these preparation sessions are now called Engaged Couples conferences.  Together with a priest or deacon, volunteer married couples facilitate discussions at each conference on the many facets of married life.  Topics include personal growth and adjustment, communication, finances, intimacy and the Sacrament of Matrimony.

The couples who share their time and insights so generously do not consider themselves experts, nor do they believe they have perfect marriages.  Their goal is to help engaged couples to focus on preparation for the commitment of marriage.  One of the true joys of each conference is, the couples tell us, that “we all come away filled with more love for each other.”

SALT VOLUNTEER

SALT (Saint Ann Learns Together) is our innovative, whole-parish approach to faith formation.  Gathered together, like Christ’s earliest followers we share a meal and learn more about God and about our Catholic faith.

If you are looking for a way to share your gifts and talents, we invite you to work in the SALT mines.  Help us with curriculum development as we work to enhance SALT’s learning materials.  You might be familiar with materials or activities that have been effective in other parishes.  You might have ideas or suggestions from working with your own children, from prior experience as a teacher of religious education or from your professional background.  Please consider sharing your insights and your expertise to help Saint Ann parishioners of all ages to grow in faith.  Teen consultants are welcome on our curriculum development team.

Or, consider being a facilitator for our group sessions with teens or with families.  Our goal for family break-out sessions is to work in smaller groups, which can be livelier and more comfortable for the participants.  For teens, we’d like to move to a co-facilitator model for all learning sessions.  Monthly SALT gatherings are held on Friday evenings from 6 until 9 PM and on Sunday afternoons from noon until 3 PM.