Faith Enrichment
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation provides an opportunity for parishioners to continue to grow in faith through teachings, bible study and small groups. Adult Faith Formation is offered one or two Sundays per month from 9: 10am to 10:10am (between the Sunday morning masses) from October through May as scheduled. Topics covered include the Bible, living our faith in today’s world, our Catholic beliefs, and the Liturgy and its seasons. All are welcome to attend. Children’s ministries are offered during this time so parents of young children may also be encouraged in their faith.
Catechesis of the Good Shepard
This special program weaves the truths of our Catholic faith into children ages 3-12 and seeks to foster in them a sense of mystery, wonder, and joy. Specially trained catechists use the parable method of teaching and help the children fall in love with God. The children learn about the sacraments and are introduced to tangible elements of the Mass through use of a miniature altar with a chalice and a paten, which the children can examine in a special room called an atrium. After each parable is presented, the children work with the materials of the parable. St. Michael’s is the only non-Montessori school in all of Minnesota to have and use a Good Shepherd Atrium as part of their religious education program for pre-school
through grade 4.
Evangelization Initiative
The Evangelization Initiative began in the fall of 2004 and is an archdiocesan-wide multi-year effort to make Jesus Christ known and loved in our times by choosing to live out the Gospel in every moment. Parishioners meet in small groups during Lent and proceed through three phases: awakening, transformation/conversion, and witness. This initiative will prepare parishioners to reach out to the unchurched, separated Catholics, and our youth.
Faith Formation Program (CCD)
The Faith Formation Program (also referred to as Religious Ed. or CCD) is for all Catholic children in our parish in grades 1 through 8 who attend public school. This program assists parents in their primary responsibility in educating their children in the Catholic Faith. The Faith & Life textbook series (published by Ignatius Press) is used, as well as Sacred Scripture, liturgy, prayer, and moral virtue. It also includes the sacramental preparation for First Confession (First Reconciliation), First Holy Communion, and Confirmation for all Catholic youth in our parish. Please call the Faith Formation Office in the Parish Center for information on any of these programs.
Fatima Apostolate
This group meets in the Church at 5:45pm on Thursdays to pray the Rosary. The Apostolate conducts an all-night prayer vigil on the first Friday of each month at selected parishes throughout the diocese. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Apostolate, or simply wish to join them on Thursdays to pray the Rosary, contact the president.
Fathers United in Prayer
“Fathers United In Prayer” is a team of men committed to pray the Rosary and the Litany of St. Joseph for the parents, students, teachers, and staff of St. Michael’s students. They meet the second Saturday of each month during the school year in the Parish Center, promptly after the 8:00am Mass. All parishioners are welcome to participate.
Marian Devotions
Each week, St. Michael’s offers several opportunities for devotions to our Blessed Mother. Please see the weekly bulletin for the current schedule of devotions.
Moms United in Prayer
“Moms United in Prayer” is a group of moms who meet one hour each week to pray for their children and families, school and parish, and teachers and administrators. They meet each Thursday (when school is in session) at 10:00am in the Adoration Chapel. Childcare is provided. If you would like to join them, please contact the head of the Moms United in Prayer.
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament — 3rd Order Carmelites
Lay men and women meet the third Sunday of each month for Carmelite spiritual formation. Parishioners interested in learning more about the 3 rd Order Carmelites should contact the president of the group.
Prayer Group
The Prayer Group meets weekly to pray at 9:00am in the Parish Center. For further information or to join, please call the contact person.
Prayer Line
The Prayer Line forwards prayer requests through a network of prayer intercessors. If you would like to be a prayer intercessor or submit a prayer request, please call the contact person.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
St. Michael’s offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for (a) unbaptized people wishing to be baptized into the Catholic Church, or (b) non-Catholic Christians wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Typically, preparations (formative study) are handled on a one-on-one basis during regularly scheduled appointments with the pastor. When formation is judged sufficient, the candidate will be received into the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil. To inquire about becoming Catholic, please contact the Parish Center.