Adult
Faith Formation and Evangelization Committee
The Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization Committee (AFFE) is a coordinated “umbrella” group of subcommittees which assist in the planning and implementation of events for the religious formation and spiritual enrichment of various parish populations as well as of the larger faith community. AFFE members share their own faith journey with each other, consider different ways of reaching particular parish populations as well as the general parish membership and help implement the plans made. Members attend monthly meetings and as many events that AFFE sponsors as possible.
The Baptism Ministry helps to first prepare parents of infants being presented for baptism and then to support these families as they raise young children in the Catholic faith. Greeters welcome families and friends when they arrive at the ceremony and help coordinate the flow of the liturgy.
If you have an
infant to be baptized at St. Elizabeth, the first step in planning is
for the parent(s) to call to determine a date for the baptism. At that
time, the preparation process will be discussed, and an appointment will
be made for a personal interview.
Family Program
“Family Program” is the title of our religious education and spiritual formation process for families with children in elementary school. It is in session in the Parish Center from fall through spring for parents and children. Children study with volunteer catechists (religion teachers) while parents study selected religious subjects in other rooms with their own qualified teachers. There is also a Home Study option for families who learn together at home. Many volunteers are needed to serve the program. Please print a copy of our Brochure for more information about this program.
If you want to enroll your child for religious educations or would like to volunteer, please
contact Lois Szypot at (631) 271-4455 x 308.
Adults help supervise in the building during Family Program sessions by monitoring traffic in the hallways, providing childcare in the nursery and assisting catechists in the classrooms. Supervisors are responsible persons who wish to assist in the education of the children, yet are not directly responsible for teaching the class. They participate in this ministry usually weekly at the Family Program session of their choice.
Contact
info: Eileen Conneely |
The Family Mass Committee values and fosters the participation of our families and young parishioners at the Family Mass, including coordinating adult catechists, training junior lectors and junior ushers. Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade are dismissed with a qualified catechist to hear an age-appropriate reflection on the Gospel. Adult members of the Committee are practicing Catholics who possess an understanding of liturgical principles and are overseen by the Director of Religious Education and the Liturgy Committee. The Committee meets four times a year for prayer and planning and are present to coordinate at the Family Mass.
The Joy & Justice Committee promotes discipleship by providing opportunities for families to serve the issues of justice and care for the poor in an atmosphere of joy and love. The members of the Committee advise the Director of Religious Education and organize activities, including food pantry tours, collections for the needy, outreach to the disabled, Christmas boutique and Christmas pageant. The Committee meets approximately six times a year to plan and are present at events.
Family Program catechists are engaged in the faith and spiritual formation of children in preschool through 6th grade. They prepare and present a lesson each week to a class of approximately 12 to 15 students. Catechists are practicing Catholics who possess a general understanding of the faith, usually through our adult Family Program classes and life experiences. Catechists are given approved materials to use and a schedule to follow. For their updating, they are expected to attend three workshops (held here in the parish) each year.
The Penance Ministry
plans and provides leadership at the Penance Services for children, parents
and teachers. Some members are catechists who also prepare children for
the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
First
Communion Committee
Contact
info: Lauren Matus |
The First Communion Committee provides support for families with children preparing to receive First Communion in the parish. Committee members have an understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist and have the ability to work with children and their parents. The Committee meets twice a year to plan the retreat and Communion liturgies. They are present at the Saturday retreat day (spring), and weeknight rehearsals for First Communion Masses on the first and third weekends of May.
The Jr.-Hi Youth Ministry Committee plans and provides enrichment activities which call our 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. It is a bridge to the parish senior high Comprehensive Youth Ministry program.
The Confirmation Ministry provides leadership for the Service Projects
which demonstrate a life in the Holy Spirit and the particular gifts of
our Confirmation candidates
Understanding the Sunday Readings: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time