SAINT ANDREW AVELLINO FAITH FORMATION FOR LIFE

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS  

ADULTS, TEENS AND CHILDREN

 
Our Hearts were Burning Within Us, the Bishops’ document on religious education, challenges all Catholics to recognize that our faith, if it is a loving faith, must grow and mature over the years of our life span as surely as our bodies and minds develop and mature. The Bishops claim that religious education/faith formation is not solely for children. They contend that the central task of catechesis is adult faith formation. At present, Saint Andrew Avellino has several programs and many opportunities for adults.

 

 

 

Adult Confirmation

Some adults have yet to be fully initiated into the Body of Christ because they have yet to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each January, a program based on the RCIA model of prayer, faith sharing, service and catechesis is offered. Confirmation is celebrated on the Feast of Pentecost.

 

 

Prayer Groups

Men and women meet in groups of prayer. The quiet or contemplative prayer groups meet weekly.  

 

 

 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

This program is for unbaptized women or men and Christians who are baptized but have not received religious education but now desire to be fully initiated into the Body of Christ (Confirmation and Eucharist). The RCIA team of parishioners meets with these interested adults on a weekly basis for prayer, faith sharing, service and catechesis. The RCIA process can last from one to three years depending upon the person’s desire and readiness. Since the program runs year round an interested person can join the community at any time.

 

 

 

Scripture Study

There are a number of groups of parishioners who meet on a regular basis to study and pray with sacred scripture. These groups meet according to the convenience of their members.

 

 

Lenten Programs

Each Lent, the parish offers a program of spiritual enrichment. In the past we have had parish missions, a series of workshops on prayer and liturgy and video tapes followed by reflection and discussion.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

            Our religious education program for children and young teens begins in kindergarten and runs through the seventh grade. Our program calls for parental participation. The full program is offered on Wednesday afternoons and again on Sunday mornings. During their seven years of faith formation the children will be prepared for and celebrate Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation.

            For older children who come to PREP with little or no previous faith formation, special ungraded classes are offered on Sundays. These children attend the sessions for approximately two years prior to being prepared for Eucharist and Reconciliation. After celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation they continue in the program for at least two more years before being prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

            One-on one classes are often available for the child with special needs. Our ability to offer these sessions depends upon the availability of catechists.

Children’s Catechumenate

            The RCIA is adapted to use with children and teenagers who have not been baptized or were baptized but received no further religious education/ formation. This program is offered on Sunday mornings and requires the active involvement of parents. During the two or three years of prayer, service, study and faith sharing, individuals gradually become part of the larger faith community.

 Teen Confirmation

            This program is for teens who have celebrated Eucharist but have not yet completed their initiation into the Body of Christ. The program follows the RCIA model by using a team of Catechists, prayer, faith sharing and service. These sessions are held weekly and run over a period of two years. 

Office of Faith Formation

35-60 158th Street Flushing, New York 11358

718-359-0417 or 718-445-7012 

Registration for Children/Teenagers

If you are interested in registering your daughter or son please contact us for an appointment.

Registration for Adults

If you wish more information or wish to join a group or program, please contact us.

Catechist Volunteer/Tutor/Office Helper

If you would be able to volunteer your services, we welcome you. We will provide any training that you might need or want.