As a parish, we strive to provide various opportunities for all members of our parish family to participate in on-going faith formation.
The Children’s Faith Formation (Religious Education) program provides formal instruction for children age 5 through 14. Be assured that we follow the guidelines and policies of the Diocese of Brooklyn in regards to preparation for the reception of all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). This includes a minimum of two years preparation for Eucharist and continued ongoing formation for Confirmation. Attached is our Parish Faith Formation Handbook which explains in detail our Children’s Faith Formation Program. In addition for your convenience, the calendar for the current year, 2015-2016 is included as an attachment which details our weekly Faith Formation Schedule as well as our Sacrament Proximate Preparation Schedule. All children receiving Eucharist and/or Confirmation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church must attend the Sacrament Proximate Preparation Program. This includes children attending our Children’s Faith Formation Program, Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy, or another Catholic School/Academy in the area. All parish children are encouraged to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Immaculate Heart of Mary as this is where they worship with the Faith Family each week.
Vacation Bible School – Each summer children age 4 through Grade 5 are invited to participate in our two week VBS Experience. Through song, crafts, games, music, and snacks children discover God’s word. FUN is the experience while discovering God’s love for each one of us. The application will be available as an attachment below in the coming months.
The Adult Faith Formation Team assures that a variety of opportunities are available throughout the year for all members of the community – the very young to the very wise. Throughout the year the Team coordinates opportunities for education, discussion, study, prayer, and fellowship.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A) – is designed for adults who have never been baptized, perhaps been baptized in another faith, or baptized Catholic but never received Eucharist and Confirmation. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the R.C.I.A. call S. Mary Ann Ambrose, CSJ, at (718) 871-1310 ext. 15.