Column: Growing in the Word of Truth

Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In our second reading today, we hear St. Paul's glorious introduction from his letter to the Ephesians. He reminds us that we are blessed in Christ and that we are chosen for divine adoption as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. He also tells us that we "have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him" (Ephesians 1:73). Today, I want to share some of the many ways here at St. Michael that we can continue to immerse our hearts and minds in the word of truth. 

Family of Faith Family Formation - Registration Opens August 1: Family of Faith is a formation opportunity for families with children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Built on the foundation of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Family of Faith follows a family catechesis model of education that focuses on encouraging and equipping parents to become the primary educators of their children. To learn more: stmcatholicchurch.org/familyoffaith

First Communion and First Reconciliation Classes - Registration Opens August 1: Children who are baptized can prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist beginning in their second-grade year. Sacrament preparation includes instruction classes, mini­retreats, and full participation in Family of Faith. (Families with children at the St. Michael Catholic School prepare for the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion through the school.) To learn more: stmcatholicchurch.org/firstcommunion 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) - Registration Opens August 1: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, also known as CGS, uses the Montessori approach for the religious formation of children. CGS has its foundations in the Bible and in the sacred liturgy. CGS is offered as a weekly program that runs through the school year and is open to children ages 3 ½ to 12 years of age. To learn more: stmcatholicchurch.org/cgs

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): RCIA explores the teachings of the Catholic Church and offers spiritual support for those discerning the call to join the Catholic Church and to prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. Formation sessions are held on Thursday evenings here at St. Michael Catholic Church from October until shortly after Easter. To learn more: stmcatholicchurch.org/rcia

Fall Bible Study "When You Pray - A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God" by Dr. Edward Sri: Are you ready to deepen your relationship with God through prayer? Please join us for the next parish wide bible study beginning on Tuesday, September 24. This is a seven-­session study meeting on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in St. Joseph Hall. To learn more or to register: stmcatholicchurch.org/bible-studies

Catechetical Institute (Cl) Class of St. Maximilian Kolbe - 2024-2026: With St. Michael Catholic Church becoming a Catechetical Institute satellite site, our parishioners have a rare opportunity to be well formed in the Catholic Faith right here at home. To learn more or to register: stmcatholicchurch.org/catecheticalinstitute

Called and Gifted™ Workshop (October 12): Come to a deeper understanding of your spiritual gifts by exploring the teachings of the Church on how the gifts of the Holy Spirit work in your life and in the life of your parish. During this one day workshop at St. Michael, you will learn the signs and characteristics of the most common charisms of the Holy Spirit. To learn more or to register: stmcatholicchurch.org/calledgifted

Awakening Retreat (September 13-15) and Silent Retreat (November 15-17): Join Father Park and get ready to grow in your faith through these amazing adult retreat opportunities being held at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. To learn more or to register: stmcatholicchurch.org/awakening or stmcatholicchurch.org/silent-retreat

Wisconsin Marian Shrine Pilgrimage (Oct. 16-18): Join Father Park and fellow parishioners on a three day pilgrimage to the holy shrines of Wisconsin, including the approved apparition site of Our Lady of Champion. To learn more or to register: stmcatholicchurch.org/wisconsin-marian-pilgrimage