Adult Enrichment is offered by means of individual sessions and personal resourcing of interests. Additionally, there are group sessions for adults offered in June and October. The topics for these sessions are determined by the consensus of the group.

Adult Enrichment sessions are meant to complement the ongoing three year Disciples in Mission program and not to compete with this excellent mode of adult formation/enrichment. Other adult enrichment opportunities will be available at the conclusion of the Disciples in Mission process. This year's sessions are concerned with the scriptures.

These sessions are free.

RE-MEMBERING CHURCH is an opportunity for people who have dropped out of active participation in our Catholic Christian Community to take another look at our tradition. These people may be in need of healing due to unfortunate past experiences as church members, or perhaps there is some lingering resentment due to changes in a church in which they felt comfortable, but now feel only frustration and confusion.

There are a few people who are present and available to listen to any concerns or issues. Also, those who wish to grow in their own understanding of the church, prayer, and the liturgical life of the church will receive assistance. All persons and issues are most welcome.

If you are aware of anyone among your friends, family, neighborhood or workplace who may be searching or may just feel awkward about returning, please take the risk yourself to encourage him/her to give the church another chance. We need everyone to become the Body of Christ. We are impoverished by the absence of these members around the banquet table provided by our loving God.

There is no pressure and all will be gently welcomed. Persons may come as often as they wish. Sessions are available weekly.

God loves each of us unconditionally. Some of the people present have themselves been away from the Church in the past. They understand absent membership very well. Please pray for this important ministry and do whatever you can to encourage others to join us. Interested persons should contact the Parish Office at (727) 869-3130.

Faith Formation parallels our journey and this continuous process runs from the beginning to the end of life. Regular attendance at the sessions is an important factor in deepening a child’s understanding of God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, revealed to us in Scripture, prayer, Church teaching and the lived experience of community. Attendance at Sunday Mass is essential. Growth in faith and readiness for the reception of the sacraments is nourished by regular attendance and active participation in the liturgy. It is our expectation that parents and children attend Mass every Sunday.

In our Pre-k to 6th grade program the children are called to gather, believe and respond as they study the We Believe Series. Each week the children bring home a family page allowing parents to become more involved as the primary catechist of their child. The 7th and 8th grade students are building a foundation in the Creed, Christian Morality and Liturgy & Sacraments. Our High School students continue to grow in their faith with a more detailed teen/adult curriculum “One Faith, One Lord”.

All Faith Formation Classes are held on Sunday mornings between 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. at Bishop Larkin School.

For those families who are unable to attend Faith Formation on Sunday mornings, home schooling is available. To participate in this program parents must attend three training sessions and both parent and child must attend monthly meetings on Tuesday night throughout the school year. Home Schooling is not available for Sacramental Prep, it is limited to Faith Formation sessions.

You can help by being supportive of the program, encouraging our youth to attend the Faith Formation classes, praying for the success of the program, donating supplies, supplying refreshments on special occasions, celebrating the reception of sacraments and by volunteering as a catechist or an assistant.

The Sacramental Preparation Program prepares our youth for reception of the Sacraments. It is parish based and follows the guidelines of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Readiness for the sacrament, not age or grade, determines when a person is eligible to receive the sacrament.

Baptism

The journey toward infant Baptism is an exciting and well defined process. To begin the process, the parents must be registered practicing members of the parish for a minimum of six months, all paperwork must be completed and godparent letters of good standing must be in file. When this is completed the parents will be given an appointment with one of our Priests. At Fathers recommendation the parents will be scheduled for a Baptismal Preparation Class and the Sacrament will be scheduled. If the chosen godparents are local residents, it is recommended that they also attend the preparation session. It is through this process that your child will be welcomed and begin their journey as a new member of our faith community.

Confirmation

The final Sacrament of Initiation is conferred on teens in the eighth grade or high school. This is an intense program “Fire in the Spirit” which consists of six sessions and a retreat. All candidates must complete 20 hours community service, a short essay on the name and saint selected and submit the name of their sponsor and a letter of good standing.

All Sunday Confirmation sessions begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Bishop Larkin Library with opening prayer and end following the final blessing at the 5:00 p.m. Mass in the Centrum. The teens report to their assigned classes following prayer and attend Mass as a group.
As we approach the sacrament, the teens will be well prepared to make their commitment and understand the responsibilities which result from this commitment. This is a very exciting time for our teens.

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist

Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist consists of a series of eleven meetings for parents and youth. All students must have completed two consecutive years of Faith Formation to be considered for reception of the Sacrament. Our program has three main components which integrate Catechesis and Liturgy which are held on selected Saturday’s at 2:45 at Bishop Larkin Library and ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the Centrum (immediately following the final blessing at the 4:00 p.m. Mass). For scheduled classes please refer to the Website. To meet the needs of the community, we approach the sacraments on three levels: primary (grades2-3), intermediate (grades 3-7) AND Teen (grades 8 through High School).
From August to December we are focused on the celebration of God’s mercy and forgiveness as we prepare for the Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation. In January the youth begin an intense program preparing for the Reception of 1st Eucharist.

The catechumenate is a process of adult faith and conversion. The community is the context and the means by which catechumens (unbaptized) are initiated into the Christian Way of Life. The stages of initiation are marked by liturgical rites. The motivating force of conversion is the Word proclaimed and lived out in the community. The conversion process is supported by the life, prayer, and witness of the Christian community.

Catechumenate sessions begin in late summer and continue through Easter and beyond.

Interested people may contact the parish office at (727) 869-3130.

RCIA adapted for Children

A two year process during which unbaptized children study and prepare to be fully initiated in our parish community. We meet every other Tuesday year round and follow the format of all RCIA programs. The four periods are inquiry, catechumenate, purification & enlightenment and mystagogy. In year one, the children attend regular Faith Formation and the RCIA sessions. In year two the program becomes more intense as the children prepare to receive all three Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. In year two they attend faith formation, sacramental prep and RCIA. Excellent attendance is mandatory in this process. Parents are invited to attend all RCIA sessions with their children.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. After proclamation of the Gospel, the presider will call the children forward to the steps of the sanctuary as he addresses his homily to the children. After the homily is completed Father will invite all children and any one else who is unable to partake of the Eucharist to come forward for a special blessing. This is a pivotal part of the children’s formation process which allows the parents the opportunity to take an active role in the catechesis of their child