BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

Class is offered in English on the first Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Religious Education Building (Christopher Hall), Rooms #3 & 7 and in Spanish on the first Saturday of the month. An affidavit certifying that they are practicing Catholics must be signed by each Godparent and the Pastor of their respective parish, and returned to our Parish Office, attn. Teresa Rivera, at least 2 weeks prior to the Baptism.

BIBLE STUDY

In the process of life-long catechesis, Bible Studies are an ongoing, continuous occurrence. The continuance of our Christian faith calls each to learn more of why we believe what we read and hear of Holy Scripture. Bible studies are available for both men and women or combined throughout the year. For more information please consult the weekly bulletin or call the parish office at (352)394-3562.

LIFE LONG CATECHESIS

Religious Education and Self-Enrichment for Adults: Life-long catechesis for adults on various subjects is available on a periodic schedule throughout the year. The schedule is published in the Sunday bulletin, on the Parish website (blessedsacramentcc.com) and may also be obtained by calling the Parish office.

Adult Confirmation for those Catholics who are seeking to complete the Sacrament of Confirmation should call Fr. Cromwell or Chris Stalnaker in the parish office for details, dates and procedures. You will need a copy of your Baptismal certificate.

Parish Religious Education Program (P.R.E.P.) provides a catechetical environment where the students will grow in faith and experience the love of God and church while they are formed in our Catholic faith tradition. P.R.E.P. is designed to instill a deep sense of the message revealed by God, of fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit, and of service to the entire community as our children and youth are prepared to receive the sacraments of our faith. P.R.E.P. meets from early September until mid-May. It includes First Grade through Twelfth Grade. If you would like further information or if you are interested in volunteering to help in this ministry, please call Chris Stalnaker at (352)394-3562, ext. 103, or email cstalnaker@blessedsacramentcc.com.

   • Catechists: The catechist must have a desire to share the Good News with children of all ages. Good communication skills are important. Previous experience is not necessary although familiarity with Scripture and a basic understanding of Catholic doctrine would be most beneficial. Group and individual orientation and basic training is provided on campus by the Director of Religious Education. Ongoing Certification courses are provided throughout the year by the Diocese of Orlando.

   • First Reconciliation: Children in the second grade or older are prepared for this sacrament within the P.R.E.P. program. Children must be pre-registered with a copy of their baptismal certificate. It is required that all children receive First Reconciliation before First Communion.

   • First Eucharist / Communion: Eucharist is offered to those who are in the Second Grade or older and who have completed the prior year of basic religious education. Children meet on Monday evenings from September until mid-May. Please pre-register and submit a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate.

   • Confirmation: In accordance with Diocesan policy, Confirmation preparation at Blessed Sacrament is a two-year process. Beginning candidates must be at least an eighth grader, a registered member of the parish, have received the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist, and be practicing his or her faith.

    Vacation Bible School: A one-week summer Religious Education Program is offered each summer in which a theme is chosen and developed into an enjoyable faith teaching experience for grade school children - ages 3 through 10. Topics are developed through stories, music, service projects, crafts, games and enjoyable interaction. The class is held from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. For more information call the Office of Religious Education at the parish and ask for Dorene Rodriguez.

    The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which new members are brought into the Church. The RCIA is meant for you if you have had no formation in any Christian way of life or belong to another denomination, whether baptized or not. The process is ongoing and culminates with full communion with the Catholic Church or as otherwise required at the Easter Vigil.

    The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children: These sessions have been developed solely for children about the age of reason who express a desire to be initiated into the Catholic Church. Children are prepared for the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation to be administered at the Easter Vigil. The sessions are held on Monday evenings, beginning in September through mid-May. One parent or adult must accompany the child. To pre-register or for information, call the parish Office of Religious Education and ask for Chris Stalnaker, (352)394-3562, ext. 103.

    Youth Ministry: To register or for more information on any of the events listed here, call Dorene Rodriguez at (352)394-3562, ext 120, cell (321)281-7904, or email drodriguez@blessedsacramentcc.com at the parish office.

    • The Bridge - Middle School and High School Teens: Meets every Sunday night from September through mid-May. This Sunday Faith Formation Group meets from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the church for games, contests, music, and light snacks, with age appropriate breakouts at 6:45 pm in assigned rooms.

    • Wednesday Youth Bible Sharing - Grades 7-12: Meets in John Bosco Hall from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

    • Friday Night Teens - Grades 9-12: From 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm in John Bosco Hall. A fun time in a safe place to hang out with other teens with snacks, movies, and games.