Adult Education Provides opportunities to grow in knowledge and practice as mature Catholics. Various programs are offered throughout the year Ministries Opportunities in Adult Education
Committee Member
Plan and coordinate offerings Hospitality
Welcome and offer refreshments
Contact:
Mr. Doug Muir
(630) 894-5880 ext. 118 Baptismal Preparation
The program consists of a class attended by parents who wish to have their child baptized, making them aware of their responsibilities to help their child grow in the Christian Faith. Please refer to the Baptismal Guideline Page for more information. Christian Initiation (RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a
process of welcoming and preparing adults for the Sacraments of Initiation---Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist---for full membership in the Catholic Church.
We invite unbaptized adults, adults baptized in another Christian faith who wish to be Catholics and baptized Catholics who have had little formal religious education and want to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. Come any time during the year. MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES IN CHRISTIAN INITIATION Parish Sponsors
Accompany candidates in their sessions, rites/ceremonies and help introduce them to St. Walter Parish.
Approximately 15 volunteers are required each year. Meetings are held each Sunday between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Training is available in the summer and/or fall. Prayer Sponsors
Pray especially for a particular candidate and may send cards or messages. Ministers of Hospitality
Provide welcome and/or refreshments for Sunday morning sessions and occasional receptions. Rotating responsibility. Inquirer Contacts
Meet
with individuals interested in the Church to share faith and knowledge of the parish. Catechists
Lead session for candidates. Rotating responsibility. Core Team
With the director coordinate the Christian Initiation process, conduct interviews and plan Rites.
If you are interested or have questions, contact:
Mr. Doug Muir
(630) 894-5880 ext. 118
St. Walter School For detailed information and current happenings
regarding St. Walter School visit their web site @ stwalterschool.com
***************************************************** As the largest school in the Diocese of Joliet, St. Walter School provides Catholic education for over 750
students in pre-school through eighth grades.
Continuing the tradition of excellence in Catholic education since 1952, the school offers a challenging well balanced academic program, focused on responding to individual needs, and allowing each young person the opportunity to develop the abilities and talents with which she or he has been blessed. In addition to core-curriculum, its academic program includes foreign language, multimedia CD-ROM computer technology laboratory, art,
music, and physical education. The School’s library provides many student services including computer and Internet access. Field trips and cultural arts assemblies are provided to augment student studies.
Extracurricular activities of band, yearbook and bell choir are offered, in addition to the core-curriculum.
The Spartan athletic program at St. Walter School offers volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheer leading, and is a member of the Big West Catholic League.
With a strong commitment to family, St. Walter School actively supports parents as partners in education. The school encourages participation through the Parent School Organization and School Board.
St. Walter School is committed to sharing the Christian message, building community, and acting upon the call to service.
St. Walter School Board The St. Walter School Board is a consultative body whose members are elected to advise and participate in decision making in designated areas of responsibility.
St. Walter Parent-School Organization The Parent-School Organization (PSO) supports quality education and Christian values between school and community. PSO serves as a liaison between St. Walter School and the parent community. School of Religion The religious education program provides spiritual growth and formation with the Parish community.
The mission of the School of Religion is to assist the families of St. Walter Parish by providing a catechetical program for the children that brings each family to a deeper awareness of God working in our homes and workplaces.
The children will study the truths and traditions of the Catholic Faith but most importantly, the children will be called to a life in Christ through participation in prayer and sacrament.
We like the way that Jesus said this as written in John 10:10
“I CAME THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE LIFE,
AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.” In helping your children reach the abundant life, we see our task as helping you, the parents. We never forget that you are the primary educators of your children.
It is in the loving environment of your family that your children learn to love God. We extend your love and provide formal instruction.
Because of this, it is important for parents and catechists to support and encourage each other. Their mutual trust and cooperation will enable the children to develop deeper and happier religious experiences. “Christianity is more than a set of truths to be learned...it is a way of
life to be lived.”
(National Catechetical Directory) School of Religion sessions are held from September through May. Contact the Religious Education Office for specifics regarding registration information and session dates and times. Catechist
Work with children from early childhood through junior high in religious formations sessions.
Catechists are offered classes for initial certification. Classes are also offered on the topics of doctrine, liturgy, scripture, and methodology. Ongoing formation and training is offered during the school year.
Catechist Assistant
Assists and works with catechists in activities, and classroom sessions. Initial training held in the fall. Ongoing training offered.
Substitute Catechist
Facilitate session with materials provided on occasions when a catechist cannot be present. Training as required.
Office Volunteer
Assist
with attendance, hall monitoring, and assorted support roles durig class sessions. Parking Lot Attendent
Direct traffic for the safety of all-Tuesday at 4:30, 5:45, 6:15 and 7:30 pm
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Small Christian Communities God, a Community of Love -The Definition-
Small Christian Communities, A Movement of Live Hope What is a Small Christian Community? A group of Active Catholic parish members who meet regularly around the Word of God, reflect on it, share their lives of faith and study church related topics and gather for the local celebration of the Eucharist. By doing this they seek to grow in their participation in the mission
of Jesus. -The Vision -
The Parish as a Community of Many Small Communities “In such a human context it will be easier to gather to hear the work of God, to reflect on the range of human problems in the light of this work and gradually to make responsible decisions inspired by
the all-embracing love of Christ.” .
Pope John Paul II
“The Church in America”, January 22, 1999
This process in designed to assist people in their journeys toward a deeper spirituality and a greater understanding and appreciation of their faith.
Supplement faith-sharing materials are intended for the growth of personal faith in Christ in the context of the Church.
-Principles and Guidelines Faith-sharing refers to the shared reflections on the action of God in one’s life experience as related to Scripture and the faith of the Church.
Faith-sharing in not discussion, problem solving, or Scripture study,
The purpose is an encounter between a person in the concrete circumstances of one’s life and a loving God, leading to a conversion of heart. The entire faith-sharing process is an expression of prayerful reflection. Constant attention to respect, honesty and openness for each person will assist the community’s growth. Each person shares on the
level where he or she feels comfortable. Silence is a vital part of the total process. Confidentiality is essential, allowing each person to share honestly. Action flowing out of the small community meetings is essential for the growth of individuals and the community.
One woman symbolized what taking the time to be in
a small Christian Community meant to her;
She arrived with two flowers; one a closed bud,
the other a fully blossomed flower.
“This is how I see myself as I came to this community.” she said,
pointing to the closed bud,
“And this is what is see happening as a result of being here,”
pointing to the open flower.
Contact
Mr. Doug Muir
(630) 894-5880 ext. 118
Youth Ministry Youth Ministry is truly about nurturing adolescent faith development and Catholic identity of young people in grades 7 through 12 (and beyond) through teaching, prayer, liturgy and community service.
Faith development through teaching/learning is realized by participating in opportunities to learn more about what it
means to have a growing and changing relationship with God. You are no longer a small child. Your image of God relates to how well you relate to others in your life.
Faith development through prayer is experienced by bringing who you are – inside – to your relationship with God. God loves us so much! Many of us do not truly know the extend to which this is true!
Faith development through liturgy is acquiring the ability to recognize the need for full presence
and active participation at weekend liturgy. Through this ultimate presence at liturgy, many of life’s question are able to be understood. The experience of a community of believers is seen and felt!
Faith development through community service is seeing for yourself how we each can make a difference.
Many opportunities are organized for the youth of our parish to experience the larger picture of life around them. The adults and elders in our parish and community will benefit from contact with these young people. Be open to them when they are trying to make a difference and often are unsure of just how to do this. The adults are the collective wisdom this community cannot be without. Click here to obtain a General/Medical Permission Form
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