Pillar of Formation

 - Continuous Conversion

"Being a disciple is not just something else to do, alongside many other things suitable for Christians, it is a total way of life and requires continuing conversion." - USCCB's Stewardship a Disciple's Response - Pastoral Letter on Stewardship


Formation is a formidable task, involving education for the mind and conversion of the heart. To know the "stewardship way of life", does not make one live a "stewardship way of life." Ongoing Catholic education is important if we are to grow in our lives as stewards.


(https://www.usccb.org/committees/evangelization-catechesis/stewardship)


  • †Adult Sacrament Preparation (OCIA & Adult Confirmation)

    Adult Sacrament Preparation is for adults seeking to receive or complete the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) in the Catholic Church. These sessions are part of an ongoing conversion experience that seeks to lead to a deeper understanding and love of the Catholic faith.  Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process for those needing all three sacraments. We meet individuals where they are on their catechesis journey to aid in living a full life as a participating catholic as the body of Christ. 


    Parishioners who choose to become involved in this ministry are invited to consider:

    • Becoming a sponsor for the Order of Christian
    • Initiation of Adults
    • Becoming a Catechist

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    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Bible Studies

    ​Various Bible study courses are offered throughout the year to gain an understanding of God’s word.


    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Catechism Aide - Grades K-12

    Assists catechism (faith formation) teachers with lesson and material preparation as needed. No prior teaching experience is needed, just a love for God and a willingness to serve. You are not alone, we provide the curriculum, train how to use it, and support classroom management.



    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Catechism Teacher - Grades K-12

    Teachers are needed for the religious education (faith formation) of kindergarten thru high school students. Curriculum is supplied. No prior teaching experience is needed, just a love for God and a willingness to serve. You are not alone, we provide the curriculum, train how to use it, and support classroom management.



    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Infant Baptism Host (Asistente de Bautismo)

    Baptism volunteers in English and Spanish act as hosts during the Sacrament of Baptism. The host is responsible to set up items required for Baptism and greet the families as they arrive, including opening and closing the Church, if necessary.


    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Grupo de Parejas (Spanish Couples Group)

    Married couples meet twice per month to pray and discuss being united in the love of Christ. This ministry meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday at 6:30 pm. Meetings are in Spanish.



    Coordinator:



    Staff Liaison:


  • †Infant Baptism Preparation Teacher (Maestro de Preparación Para el Bautismo)

    Volunteers in this ministry lead sessions to prepare parents and Godparents for the Baptism of their young children. In both English and Spanish, the preparation sessions include catechesis, spiritual growth, and community building.


    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Marriage Enrichment

    Married couples seeking to enrich their marriage are invited to participate in the “Marriage Course.” This seven-week program is presented annually. The evening begins with dinner served at tables for two to provide a “Date Night” experience. After input from Marriage Specialists, each couple spends time discussing a theme related to the presentation. A workbook guides the couples through their personal sharing.


    The couples who have experienced this course have given rave reviews for the presentation, personal sharing time, and delicious meals. Volunteers are needed in this ministry to coordinate the program, including the dinners. This ministry meets weekly on Fridays (Jan-Mar), 7-930 pm.



    Coordinators:

    • Peter & Ana Garcia

    Staff Liaison:

    For the Sacrament of Marriage, please click here.

  • †Religious Education Office Help - K-12

    Reliable and creative individuals volunteer their time and talent as they support our Kindergarten thru 12th-grade Faith Formation programs with behind-the-scenes administrative and design help.  Volunteers perform various clerical tasks as needed. May include computer input, copying, filing, and other tasks.


    Staff Liaison: 

  • †Religious Vocation Committee

    Vocation work in the Church today is evangelization, primarily of the young, but ultimately of all Catholics. This ministry seeks to promote and support religious vocations through various activities.


    ​Staff Liaison: 

  • †"That Man Is You" Men’s Ministry

    The Men’s Faith Formation is an annual series of sessions, led by Fr. Mark, to share faith and grow spiritually. Weekly sessions. Men gather at 6:30 am on Saturday mornings (Fall-Spring). They watch a short video and then break into small groups for discussion. 



    To find more information about the program, visit: https://paradisusdei.org/that-man-is-you/



    Coordinator:



    Staff Liaison:


    Lucy Soldati, 209-320-5733, lsoldati@presentationchurch.net


  • †Young Adult Ministry

    Young Adults, ages 18-39, are invited attend monthly meeting to learn, have fun, and grow their faith.



    Coordinator: 



    Staff Liaison:


    • Sr. Marie-Pauline B. Nguyen, MTG, 209-320-5711, pnguyen@presentationchurch.net

  • †Youth Group

    A safe, welcoming, and fun weekly gathering for teens (between the ages of 13 and 17) to learn and grow as children of Christ into missionary disciples. This ministry meets on Sundays at 6 pm.



    Staff Liaison: