FAITH FORMATION

Throughout the months of July and August, Holy Spirit parish kids are invited to participate in the Summer Kid's Club.  There's a daily at-home (or on vacation) activity scheduled for club members. Any club member who completes all seven of the activities in a week earns a small prize AND has their name put in a drawing for three prizes ($100 gift card, $50 gift card and $25 gift card) at the end of the summer.  By completing all eight weeks of activities, kids can have their name in the drawing up to eight times!

Parents should download the assignment ("mission") sheet each week, as well as any occasional handouts for the week.  When the assignments are completed and the sheet returned (hardcopy or via email), the club member earns their weekly prize and their name in the end-of-summer drawing!

Mission sheet for:
July 5-11 (and handout)
July 12 -19

Please feel free to contact Carolyn Houston of the parish office of lifelong faith formation (carolyn.houston@portlanddiocese.org) with any questions or faith formation needs.

Congratulations to the high school graduating class of 2020!!

The parish will honor our high school seniors at two Masses - 4pm Mass at St. Mary’s on Saturday, July 18th, and the 10am Mass at St. Martha on Sunday, July 19th. The Masses will provide an opportunity for the parish to congratulate and pray for our parish graduates, their classmates, and parents. If possible, we ask that parents bring their graduate’s baptismal candle to this Mass in order that they might symbolically “pass on” the light of faith to their graduate. If parents are unable to locate their graduate’s baptismal candle, one can be provided. Due to the Covid-19 gathering restrictions, graduates and their families must RSVP by providing Carolyn Houston with the names of those attending (and choice of Mass) by July 10th. Carolyn may be reached at 646-5605, 985-6252 or carolyn.houston@portlanddiocese.org.

A video tribute by high school catechist Lisa White to the graduates in youth ministry:
https://youtu.be/GGaYiAPhlmM

Faith Formation endeavors in our parish shall support and strengthen the work of the Spirit to:

• Nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Foster an ever-deepening understanding of the Gospel.
• Build on the Traditions of our Catholic faith.

  We will serve the parish by providing opportunities to foster a sense of spiritual vitality for all age and ability levels. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these efforts will lead to wisdom, as well as personal and social transformation.

ADULT Faith Formation (18+) 

• Small faith-sharing groups are available at various days and times at both church sites. 
• An ongoing Bible study is held on Wednesdays at St. Mary's from 10 am -noon. 
• Six Journey in Faith sessions will be offered - see schedule listed above.
• For more information on adult faith formation at Holy Spirit parish, please contact Rosanne Smith at rosanne.smith@portlanddiocese.org. 

YOUTH Faith Formation (pre-school through high school)

    It is the philosophy of the parish that parents are the primary teachers of their children, and the parish supports that role. The most important means of support is through the celebration of weekly Mass, when the community comes together to nurture one another and to be nourished by Jesus Christ through his Word and his Body.  For some families, involving their children in children’s Liturgy of the Word or having them assist at Mass, has helped in strengthening a sense of belonging and ownership in the Mass in their children.

Nurturing our parish children’s friendship with Jesus is the ultimate aim of Youth Faith Formation, and the parish will provide various service, prayer, and educational opportunities to help children better understand who Jesus is, and what Jesus has called us all to do. For further details, please review the parish Faith Formation Family Handbook and/or contact Carolyn Houston at carolyn.houston@portlanddiocese.org.