Ministries ~ Education
At St. Mary, we strive to provide the best possible religious education for our parish community. Together, our programs work as a resource, preparing our children, young adults, and adults for the sacraments and continuing to nourish our communities’ faith formation. The Parish Council Education Committee Chair is Aristides Lucas.
Adult Religious Education
St. Mary is always seeking ways to enrich adult education/faith formation. Adult Education Offerings for 2019-2020 include: (1) Walking with Purpose — a Catholic Bible study that aims to bring women to a deeper relationship with Christ. The course involves personal study and small group discussions that link our everyday challenges with solutions given to us through the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. (2) The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation — Discover the “Epic” Story of the Catholic Church.(3) Romans: The Gospel of Salvation explores the ways in which Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s prophecies, which leads to the universal, “Catholic” family of God. In this 8-session program, theology professor Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins examine Paul’s letter to the Romans. Dr. Swafford and Cavins provide historical context and highlight the connections to Jesus and Christianity Paul makes with the Old Testament. (4) Pillar I: The Creed, by Sean Innerst, opens up the structure of the Catechism and shows how it is far more than a list of “faith facts,” but instead a sure map for your journey of faith. (5) Pillar II: Sacraments, by Sean Innerst, is a 12-part program that explores the second section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacraments. Not only will you learn about the power and purpose of the sacraments, you’ll also discover how these fonts of inexhaustible grace can transform your life, providing strength, healing, and hope. (6) No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion: Filmed on location in the Holy Land, No Greater Love is a five-part video series and full-length book that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us. Best-selling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ’s life in this biblical pilgrimage.
Mission:To support and enrich educational efforts for adults within our parish community. This includes guest speakers, educational series, retreats or days of reflection for parishioners
Time: Meet regularly, varies by program activities
Coordinators: Aristides Lucas, Director of Religious Education (540) 373-6491
Faith Formation K-12 (Religious Education Program)
Catechists, Prayer Aides, Catechist Aides, Office Assistants
As a school community this past year, we joined the parish in focusing on recognizing God’s gifts in our lives and learning how to use them for his service and the good of those around us. It has been a great blessing to see our children grow in their awareness of the Spirit working t
Mission: To assist in our children’s faith formation. There is a large range of responsibilities undertaken by the parish in serving over 1,200 children in their faith formation and sacramental preparation.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS and on-going formation as needed. As much or as little time as you can give is deeply appreciated.
Talent: A love of faith and children is foremost, and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. Training and certification are made available to all to ensure that we are educated in the faith we teach. Volunteer opportunities include; catechists/teachers, teacher aides, prayer aides, child care providers, office and clerical volunteers.
Director: Aristides Lucas, DRE, 540-373-6491
Holy Cross Academy
Tutors, Library Aides, After school care, Art Room Aides, Garden Care, Lunch room and playground volunteers
Holy Cross is blessed to have extremely talented teachers who are always looking for new ways to help our students. All our teachers are certified in the area in which they instruct. Many hold Master’s degrees or are currently enrolled in a graduate program. All our teachers of Religion hold Catechist certification with many at the advanced level. Our faculty members are experienced, dedicated and innovative. Our teachers are supported in all they do by dedicated staff in the office, classrooms, kitchen, maintenance and extended care program. They make our school the wonderful place that it is.We are always happy to welcome additional help to facilitate one-on-one learning or assistance as needed in other areas. If you are called to work with students in any capacity, we would love to have you!
Mission: To provide support for the Catholic education of our children.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS and on-going formation, as needed. As much or as little time as you can give is deeply appreciated.
Talent: A love of education and children is foremost and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. A full spectrum of opportunities are available.
Coordinator: Angie Tomayko, Assistant Principal 540- 286-1600
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
We are blessed with a faithful formation team for adults who are seeking to live the faith, toward the ultimate goal of full sacramental initiation in the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Mission: To facilitate the process of initiating new members into our Roman Catholic community of faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Providing personal presence which seeks to accompany Inquirers throughout the process of coming to the Sacraments.
Time: Mondays 7:30-8:15pm, then small group discussion after snacks 8:30-9:15pm; weekly meetings and some other weekend activities, planning meetings.
Talent: An ability to share your love of Christ and the Catholic faith with those seeking to become Catholic. Some teaching and leading of discussion groups is possible, along with priests and other faculty.
Coordinators: Jim Florio and Sara Meyer rciastmaryfred@gmail.com Spanish Coordinators (RICA): Leticia Gonzales, leyg59@aol.com
SPRED: Special Religious Education
Mission:The SPRED program serves children and young adults with developmental disabilities such as, down syndrome, autism and learning disabilities. During each session, the students participate in catechesis and joyful activities designed to lead them closer to Jesus, and prepare them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) and Penance.
The program will meet for twelve (12) Saturday’s between October-April. For more information and to register contact Karen Sturtevant.
Contact: Karen Sturtevant, Assistant DRE
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Vacation Bible School
Mission: To create a fun-filled environment where participants are immersed in a particular Bible theme, where knowledge and love of the Lord and each other are fostered.
Time: One full week in the summer, with planning and preparation in advance.
Talent: A love for young children. Must be energetic, loving and kind-spirited. Teachers, aides and caregivers needed.
Coordinator: Karen Sturtevant, Assistant DRE
Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM)
Mission: Our primary mission as a Youth Ministry program is to bring young people into an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. We believe that lives are transformed when young people are invited to encounter, connect and grow in their relationship with God. Some of the organizations that benefitted from our ministry are: Greenfields nursing home, MICAH Ecumenical Ministries, Mary’s Shelter, Woodmont Nursing Home, Catholic Charities Migration and Resettlement Services, and St. Vincent de Paul. Several opportunities to serve our youth are listed below.
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran, Assistant Youth Minister tbeltran@stmaryfred.org
Note: The Diocese mandates that all CYM adult volunteers (18+ years of age) be compliant with OPCYP Programs. Contact Tatiana Beltran for more information.
Confirmation Team Leaders
We have over 200 8th grade youth receiving Confirmation this year and a new group of rising 7th graders that need to be formed into teams.
Mission: To serve as a team leader to 7-10 seventh and eighth graders who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Leaders serve as spiritual mentors and coordinators of spiritual works mercy service projects which lead candidates into serving in the life of the Church, reflect on their involvement and connect. Loving adults are needed to witness their faith and commitment to the Church and inspire our young people to grow in their faith.
Time: 15-18 month commitment. Monthly meetings with team members to complete spiritual and corporal works of mercy and accompany youth to the Confirmation retreat. Several formation meetings with staff and other Team Leaders.
Talent: An ability to act as a mentor, witnessing your love of God and our life in the church. Able to share freely and appropriately, and inspire faith.
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran
High School Youth Group
We average 50-60 youth at each of our Sunday night meetings and about 20 of our youth participate in our Wednesday night YOUCAT study. Our high school work camp numbers about 40 youth. Mission: To engage young people in their faith, the Church, and current issues occurring in their lives through small group discussions and speakers.
Time: Meetings held Sundays after 5pm Mass and other activities as planned.
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran
Middle School Youth Program
Mission: To engage young people in discussing topics about their faith, the Church, and current issues occurring in their lives through small group discussions and speakers. 7th-8th grade boys and girls welcome.
Time: Select Sundays 3:30-4:30pm (see youth calendar).
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran
WorkCamp Volunteers
Mission: To assist in the preparation, coordination and participation of our youth’s WorkCamp experiences.
Time: Varies based on area of support. Can include volunteering the week of camp, weekend fundraising activities or planning meetings.
Talent: Many opportunities are available such as: contractor, team leader, fundraising coordinator, stakeholder, security, lunch prep, etc. All share in the coordination and execution of a powerful week long service oriented WorkCamp experience. Volunteers are needed to attend WorkCamp and provide leadership. Always in need of a contractor or someone who is very handy. the Diocese requires that each parish have one or two contractors attend WorkCamp-we need you! No experience necessary but a willingness to witness Christ through your example to our youth is a must.
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran
Youth Group Parent Volunteers
Mission: To help with the faith and personal development of young people. Moderating small group discussions, chaperoning/assisting with retreats, helping prepare/serve Sunday Night Youth Dinner etc.
Time: Weekly High School night is Sunday, following the 5pm Mass, as well as activities during the week. A weekly commitment is desired but any time is appreciated.
Talent: Capacity to build community by inspiring youth to be involved. Specific talents are welcome, not required.
Coordinator: Tatiana Beltran