CHRISTIAN FORMATION

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLW)

Children from Kindergarten to those who have not yet received First Holy Communion are invited to take part in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 11:00 Mass through the school year. After the opening prayer at Mass, the celebrant will invite the children to leave with the catechist and an assistant. They return to the assembly following the Presentation of the Gifts. CLW is held in the Church Hall on the stage. Children listen to the same Mass readings adapted to a child’s level. The catechist teaches the children through discussion, role playing, and/or activity. Adult volunteers are welcome as catechists and assistants. For more information, please contact May Manalaysay at maymlyn@gmail.com.

CONTINUING FAITH JOURNEY (CFJ)

Continuing Faith Journey meetings are held quarterly during the year following reception of new and fully-initiated members of Assumption BVM Parish through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The purpose of CFJ is to continue to explain and experience the Catholic Faith through the rituals and celebrations of the liturgical year while expanding on topics introduced during the RCIA process. CFJ gatherings also offer an opportunity to explore current church issues and share the ongoing faith journey of new fully-initiated Catholics. For more information, please contact Deacon Eric at 215-357-1221, ext. 24, or email deaconeric.abvm@gmail.com.

PRE-BAPTISM PROGRAM

Expectant or new parents can register for their child’s baptism by calling the Parish Office and making an appointment with Fr. Mike or Deacon Eric. At that meeting, information will be taken and the process explained. The parents should select their child’s godparents and tell them to contact the parish to which they belong and obtain a letter of eligibility to be a godparent.

Prior to the baptism, new parents are required to attend a “Baptism Meet and Greet” gathering. During the first half of each gathering, Fr. Mike, Deacon Bob, or Deacon Eric explain the meaning of each part of the Rite of Baptism during its celebration. The second half of the gathering is led by couples who cover living out the call to plant and nourish the seeds of faith by suggesting ways to bring religion into the home and make it a part of everyday family life. Our wonderful team of couples are a great source of information to expectant or new parents in the weeks and months ahead.

Baptisms are usually celebrated the first and third Sundays of each month at 12:15 p.m. (after the 11 a.m. Mass). They also may be scheduled for celebration during a weekend Mass. Please contact the Parish Office for more information at 215-357-1221.

PRE-CANA

The Pre-Cana Team is composed of married couples from the parish. Each March the team presents a Pre-Cana Day on a Saturday for couples engaged to be married within the upcoming year. Topics include Communications, Intimacy/Sexuality, Adjustments and Spirituality. The team is under the direction of Deacon Bob Stewart who may be contacted at 215-357-1221 or email psykman@verizon.net.

RELIGION SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASS

Children with special needs such that placement in the regular PREP Program is not appropriate to attend, a special class is offered on Saturday mornings twice a month. This is a group program with one on one assistance to address the individual pace and disability of each child. For more information on this program, contact Elaine Flood at 215-962-4312 or email lainey39forever@yahoo.com