REF Program

Religious Education Formation (REF)
Religious Education Formation serves to educate our children in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture and Sacred Traditions. Along with parents, the first teachers of the faith, the role of REF is to assist our children in the development of a mature Catholic Christian faith. St. Mark’s Religious Formation strives to help young Catholics to encounter Christ and to become Missionary Disciples of our Catholic Christian faith.
TO REGISTER FOR ALL FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS CONTACT THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE OR RKENNEY@STMARKGOODRICH.ORG 


Catechists - Catechists are needed each Sunday, from September to early May for the REF Program; in the morning from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Grades 1-5) and in the evening from   5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (Grades 6-12). It is the Catechist’s responsibility to present the traditions, prayers, and practices of the Catholic faith to our children and to bring them to know the person of Jesus Christ. Any baptized Catholic, 18 years or older, who actively participates in their faith and enjoys working with children can be involved. This requires a commitment of 1-2 hours a week in addition to the Sunday session. Volunteers are required to complete VIRTUS training and a background check.


Elementary REF - Sessions for children in Grades 1-5 are weekly after Sunday morning Eucharist, from September to May. The Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance are a two-year process beginning in Grade 1 and celebrated in Grade 2.


Middle School and High School Youth Group  - Parishes must be a place where youth feel welcome. Young people must feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to achieve a sense of identity in the community if they are considered as full-fledged members. The feeling of approval helps adolescents to develop a higher self-esteem as well as self-acceptance. Young people need a community in which they are listened to and valued. St. Mark’s makes a commitment to the youth and their growth.  St. Mark Youth Group Sessions are held on Sunday evenings. Our Youth Group meets every Sunday in a comfortable, caring environment that nurtures spiritual growth, maturity and helping young people to encounter Christ. The sessions are focused on Community Building, Catechesis and Prayer.  Fun activities occur throughout the year, as well as a number of service opportunities (Including our Summer Mission Trip) where our youth can help people in need. Retreats, service projects and recreational activities are offered as well. 
The Church’s ministry with our youth is centered on three essential goals:
1. Encouraging young people to live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today;
 1. Inspiring young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community;
2. Nurturing the personal, spiritual growth of each young person.
 
Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation – St. Mark also offers all necessary Sacramental preparation for Eucharist, Penance and Confirmation. Normal preparation for Eucharist and Reconciliation begins in 1st grade and is received in 2nd grade.  Normal confirmation preparation begins in 8th grade and is received in the Spring of 9th grade.  Those young people desiring to receive the sacraments can contact the Faith Formation office. 


Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) - Children's Liturgy of the Word' refers to the practice of children leaving the Sunday assembly before the Liturgy of  the Word and gathering elsewhere to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word that is age appropriate for their understanding. After the Introductory Rites at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Liturgy, children ages 3 to 8 are invited to participate in CLW. The children rejoin the Community at the Preparation of the Gifts. The purpose of adapting liturgical celebrations to make them more accessible to children is to gradually lead them to full, conscious and active participation in the Sunday Eucharist.