Bible Studies
Adults in the parish who are interested in learning more about the Bible and who want an opportunity to share their faith experiences with others are invited to join one of our four bible study groups.
No previous experience is required to belong to any of these groups. Materials and childcare are offered with your registration.
Group: Adults
When and where: Tuesday, 9:30 -11:00 AM
Rm. 1 in the Parish Life Center
Contact: Bud Gallagher 676.2340
Email: BarbGallag@aol.com
Group: Women
When and where: Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Parish Life Center
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
Group: Women
When: Wednesday, 9:30-11:00 AM
Where: Parish Life Center
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
Group: Adults
When: Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Parish Life Center
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION
Adult Education
Catechist Certification
Adults who volunteer to teach religion to children and youth are required to engage in ongoing faith formation leading to certification. After eight hours training in four distinct dimensions, St. Robert Parish awards a provisional certificate to its volunteers. The Diocese of Grand Rapids awards certificates for completion of 50 hours of formation.
Everyone who is signed-up to teach or is interested in teaching is welcome to participate in on-going faith formation. A variety of learning formats are available to customize your personal certification process.
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
Family Library
St. Robert’s Parish Family Library is located in the alcove near the Faith Formation Office. It has many excellent educational tools available to enhance learning of our faith and personal or family growth. The library functions by self-checkout. There are books, videos, DVDs and CDs available on a variety of topics for all ages. Some examples of materials available are parenting books, Veggie Tales, Christian music, children’s bibles, marriage enrichment books and teen topics.
New and good condition used items are always welcome to enhance our library. Consider donating gently used materials that your family no longer uses. Drop-offs can be made at the Faith Formation Offices. The library is open during all church business hours.
Contact:
Steve and Kathy Dalesseindro 874.8707
Pre-Cana Conferences
Participation in a Pre-Cana Conference is required for engaged couples planning to be married in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. At these conferences various topics are presented by Lead Couples who share their experiences of married life. Each fall and spring conference is limited to eighteen engaged couples. Lead couples are needed at each conference. By sharing your experiences of married life, you enrich your own marriage. A one time training session is required. All materials are provided.
Conferences:
When & where: Saturdays, October 16, 2010 and March 12, 2011; 9:00 – 5:00 pm in Rooms 13 and 14
Contact: Terri Nausieda 676.9111 (Ext. 18)
Email: TerriN@StRobertChurch.org
Download the Pre-Cana Conference Registration form here!
Pre-Cana Lead Couples
Enrich your marriage by sharing your experiences of married life with engaged couples at a Pre-Cana Conference. A one time training is required. All materials are provided.
When: Monday, September 20, 2010 or Tuesday, March 1, 2011, 6:00 PM
Where: Adult Lounge
Contact: Terri Nausieda 676-9111 (Ext. 18)
Email: TerriN@StRobertChurch.org
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith including the process of joining the Catholic Church meet weekly in the fall (Inquiry). When they are ready, the next step (Catechumenate) includes reflection on the Sunday readings followed by a teaching segment exploring the Catholic faith. Following initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil, weekly meetings (Mystagogy) continue through the Easter Season.
Sponsors are needed to walk alongside each person during the Initiation process that begins in January. You do not have to be a perfect Christian to be a sponsor. The role is that of a mentor who provides encouragement, guidance and honest feedback.
When and where:
Inquiry – Tuesdays, September 29 – November 17, 2009, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Catechumenate – Sundays, January 10 – March 28, 2010, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Mystagogy – Sundays, April 18 – May 23, 2010, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Adult Lounge / Room 13/14
RCIA Sponsors
Walk alongside a candidate of the initiation process while strengthening your faith as well. Beginning in January meetings are held Sundays after the 11:00 AM Mass. Training is provided.
When: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 6:30 pm
Where: Adult Lounge
Contact: Terri Nausieda 676-9111 (Ext 18)
Email: TerriN@StRobertChurch.org
Christian Initiation of Children
Volunteer to prepare children who have passed the traditional age (2nd grade) for celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Materials are provided for several one hour sessions on Sunday mornings.
When: Sundays, November 7 & 14, 2010, February 6 & 29, 2011, March 27 and April 17, 2011, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Where: Room # 4
Contact: Terri Nausieda, 676-9111 (Ext 18)
Virtus (Protecting God’s Children)
All adults who interact with minors at St. Robert Parish are expected to attend an awareness session on child sexual abuse. This session is open to parents or other interested adults. Online pre-registration is required.
When and where: September 22, 2010, 6:30 pm or September 23, 9:00 pm in the Parish Life Center
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Faith Formation Session Times
Early Childhood - Sundays at 9:00 am or 11:00 am
Contact: Karen Ottenweller 942.7277
Grades 1-4 Mon. & Wed. at 4:45 - 6:00 pm or 6:45 - 8:00 pm or Tues. 4:45 - 6:00 pm
Contact: Jolana Peard 676.9111 (Ext. 23)
Email: JPeard@StRobertChurch.org
Grades 5-8 Sunday 7:00 - 8:15 pm or Mon. & Wed. at 4:45 - 6:00 pm or 6:45 - 8:00 pm
Contact: Kris Maurer 676.9111 (Ext. 24)
Email: KMaurer@StRobertChurch.org
Grades 9-12 High School Sunday 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Contact: Kris Maurer 676.9111 (Ext. 24)
Special Needs - Inclusion in regular session times or personalized sessions are available.
Contact: Mary Ann Snyder 676.9111 (Ext. 15)
Email: MASnyder@strobertchurch.org
Catechists and Assistant Catechists
These two volunteer ministries for adults (age 18 and above) offer the opportunity to grow in faith as you teach or assist in a classroom. The joy of giving and sharing your time and talents with the young will enrich your relationship with Jesus Christ. You will meet and make new friends while sharing the Gospel message with children and youth. Training, resources and childcare are available.
Contact for Grades 1-4:
Jolana Peard 676.9111 (Ext. 23)
Email: JPeard@StRobertChurch.org
OR
Contact for Grades 5 –12:
Kris Maurer 676.9111 (Ext. 24)
Email: KMaurer@StRobertChurch.org
Childcare
Volunteers are needed in the nursery during class times and programs held for Catechists’ and Assistants’ enrichment. Adults who love children and are able to share their time and talents with us are encouraged to call.
When and where: During all class sessions and meetings as scheduled. Nursery
Contact: Faith Formation Office 676.9111 (Ext. 14)
Email: FaithFormation@StRobertChurch.org
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Leaders and Assistants
Adults who love the Sunday scriptures and are comfortable with children are invited to share their reflections with our children grades 1-4 during the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Sunday masses. A prepared format is included with other resources during your training. Benefits include: “seeing” God’s presence through the eyes of children and a greater reverence and respect for God’s word in your life.
When and where: Sundays as scheduled during the 9:00 am and 11:00 AM Masses in the Old Church
Contact for Grades 1-4:
Jolana Peard 676.9111 (Ext. 23)
Email: JPeard@StRobertChurch.org
Seasonal Activities Coordinator(s)
Vacation Bible School and the Christmas Pageant are activities where adults are needed to share their time and talents. These established children’s activities occur once a year. Materials and a one time apprenticeship is offered to the volunteer facilitator who works under the direction of our Elementary Coordinator, Jolana Peard.
Contact: Jolana Peard 676.9111 (Ext. 23)
Email: JPeard@StRobertChurch.org
