But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
— 2 Peter 3:18
Faith Formation ministries strive to deepen the faith life and understanding of adults and children by lifting up Catholic teaching, traditions, and values. Well-formed individuals are better equipped to confidently share the good news of Jesus Christ and Catholic Christianity with a world in need. Family formation ministries assist parents in their primary role as shapers of their children’s faith, and support the development of strong families — the “domestic church.”
Interested in learning more about formation ministries and service opportunities? Contact Sheila.
The Church teaches that “parents are the primary educators in the faith.” To that end, Family Faith Formation at Epiphany strives to partner with parents in their efforts to pass on the Catholic faith to their children. It does so by equipping parents with well-rounded, developmentally appropriate resources and the support they need within an active, supportive faith community. At the same time, parents receive ongoing formation to nourish and sustain their own faith life to help them feel more confident in their role as primary educators in the faith. There are family gatherings at the parish and additional lessons intended to be completed by children at home with parental guidance in approximately one hour or so per week. With parents, children, and the faith community working together in such an engaging context, our faith is more likely to take root and thrive in the lives of those directly involved and the wider parish community.
Our year of Family Faith Formation is from September - May. This includes First Reconciliation, First Communion preparation for 2nd graders, as well as Confirmation for our 8th graders who will be confirmed early in their 9th-grade year. Families gather for communal prayer in the Worship Center. Children and adults separate for faith formation according to age-appropriate levels in the Worship Center (English-speaking adults), Library (Spanish-speaking adults), Community Center (Preschool-7th grade), or Lighthouse (Confirmation candidates 2022 and 2023).
Becoming Catholic - Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)
RCIA is the process of welcoming new adult members, and unbaptized children aged 7 and older, into the Catholic faith community. It is generally a year-long process tailored to the needs of the individual.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Classes in English and Spanish are offered for baptized adults who have not been confirmed.
FORMATION SPEAKERS
Periodic evening and weekend presentations on Scripture and Catholic teaching, traditions, and values are offered.
MONDAY SCRIPTURE STUDY
Morning and evening sessions are offered for the prayerful study of Scripture and Catholic teachings. The next one offered is The Bible Timeline. Two studies in one.
This group meets on the third Monday of the month to discuss the Sunday Gospel.
Spanish adult faith-sharing and Scripture study are offered Sunday mornings between Masses in the Epiphany House living room.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at the 9:00 am Mass.
An after-school class is offered for children aged 9 and older to prepare for First Eucharist/First Reconciliation.
Held for a week each summer in conjunction with our covenant partners Anchorage Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's Episcopal, Bibletimes invites K-6 children to learn what life was like in biblical times. They dwell in tents with tribe families, participate in craft-making, singing, and dancing, and experience Scripture stories that come to life through storytelling.
Books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs on a variety of faith-related topics are available in the library and from the moveable kiosk in the Community Center. Come browse!