Faith Formation encompasses the experiences and education that enable us to continue to grow in our Catholic faith. Here at Precious Blood a number of opportunities exist or are being considered to provide ongoing formation to all parishioners, both children and adults.

The Faith Formation Commission is a group of parishioners who are dedicated to providing faith formation opportunities to the entire parish community. This Commission works with the Director of Faith Formation to discern the formation needs of the paris and how best to meet those needs.

Wednesday Evening Registration form

Sacramental Preparation Enrollment form - for all Confirmation candidates

Adult Bible Study Registration form - for the upcoming bible study opportunities to be held at Precious Blood Parish. More information located in the Adult Scripture Study tab above.

For all forms - fill in your information and print; or print and fill in by hand

Scripture study is offered both on a periodic and ongoing basis for those adults who would like to meet and reflect on God's holy word. Times vary. The bulletin and "The Voice" will have information regarding when scripture study is scheduled.

Upcoming Adult Formation Opportunity

Scripture: The Word of God in Faith, Theology, and Ministry

Registration Form - Type in your information and print; or print and fill in by hand

This adult formation opportunity is for those who are really serious about an indepth study and understanding of Scripture as it relates to their reading and praying of Scripture as accepted by the Roman Catholic Church. It is a commitment that will change their lives.

Description:

This adult formation opportunity provides a deeper look at the Scripture. Some topics it will cover include the following:

• Various types of writing in the Bible.
• Differences between our Bible and the Bible the Protestants use
• Translations of the Bible
• How our Catholic Bible came to be
• God of the Old Testament and relationship to the people
• Jesus in the New Testament
• Inspiration and Revelation
• The Catholic Church’s way of interpreting the Scriptures

The process of Theological Reflection will be taught and practiced to help adults:

• Integrate Scripture in their daily faith life, their job, their understanding of God in their lives
• Look at issues in Scripture, reflect, and share how our culture, our church, our own history looks at these issues

The process of Lectio Divina (holy reading) will be taught and practiced to help adults:

• Deepen the practice of praying with the Scripture
• Know the difference between meditation and contemplation
• Become aware of their response to God’s call in their lives through praying the Scriptures

Who will benefit?

• Any parishioner who desires a deeper understanding of the Scripture
• Those who lead Bible Study Groups in parishes (a must for them to become stronger, more competent in this role)
• Catechists and religion teachers in the schools
• This is an adult class taught at an adult level

Note: Registration and the $50 fee will be due no later than May 30 to give us time to order materials for the participants.

Freshmen and sophomores meet on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm for religious education. We use the "Horizons" program from St. Mary's Press. This program uses a variety of methods for catechesis, including lecture, activities, reflection and discussion. The immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is done outside of religious education classes, but attendance on Wednesday evenings us expected as a part of a comprehensive plan of catechesis.

Juniors and seniors meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm for prayer and dialogue. The topics discussed come from the students themselves and the issues which are relevant to their lives. Opportunities are provided so that the young people may take ownership of their Catholic faith and identity. Guest discussion leaders are invited to speak on particular topics of interest to older teens.

St. John Bosco Youth Ministry includes the four parishes located in the Jasper area - Holy Family, St. Joseph, Precious Blood and St. Mary in Ireland. Under the leadership of Becky Epperson and a team of youth and adults, various activities are provided for fellowship, fun, service and spiritual growth on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

The middle school religious education program meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm; students gather in the church at 8:00 for closing prayer, and are dismissed at 8:15. Along with the materials in the middle school textbooks, students are involved in planning prayer experiences for the group and learning about a variety of Catholic teaching and devotions. An opportunity for reconciliation is proved to the students each year during religious education time.

Retreats and lock-ins may be scheduled for middle school or high school students on a periodic basis.

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to attend Children's Liturgy of the Word during 10:30 Mass on Sundays. The children are dismissed following the opening prayer to hear scriptures and a reflection in a more understandable way; they rejoin the rest of the community before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Registration is not necessary to participate. Parents are welcome to serve as leaders for Children's Liturgy of the Word.

Our preschool program, Children's Church, takes place during the 10:30 Mass on Sunday. Children ages 3-5 are invited to attend. The children learn about God's love and their own identity as a child of God in an active and engaging manner. Parents act as leaders and helpers to work with this program.

Vacation Bible School is a summer program that is offered to children from age four to those who have completed the fourth grade. Vacation Bible School meets for one week, Monday through Friday, during the month of June. Information about Vacation Bible School is announced in the Sunday bulletin and in "The Voice".

The Parish Library, located in the gathering area, contains a variety of books, videotapes, audio tapes and periodicals that parishioners may check out for their use.