FAITH FORMATION

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 (meeting postponed during the pandemic).
• Monthly adult faith formation sessions are offered at St. Martha on Sunday mornings (9am) on Mar 14, Apr 11 and May 2; and at St. Mary's (4:30pm) on Monday afternoons on Mar 15, Apr 12 and May 3.  
• Monthly adult faith formation classes are also available via Zoom at 6:30pm on March 10 (Triduum), April 14 (Mass & Eucharist, part 1) & May 12 (Mass & Eucharist part 2).
• For more information on adult faith formation at Holy Spirit parish, please contact Carolyn Houston at carolyn.houston@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.
 

The diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation (OLFF) has partnered with Kathy Hendricks, from Sadlier Publishing, who will lead a FREE live virtual gathering/presentation, designed specifically for our diocese, during Lent on Feb 28. Her theme is  Lenten Inspiration for Families. The OLFF has also created a webpage for the event: https://portlanddiocese.org/olff/lenten-inspiration-families

Week One of Lent: Faith Conversion for Families: 
https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Lent%202021/Wk%201%20-%20Lent%20Faith%20Conversations.pdf

Creating a Family Lenten Plan:
https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Lent%202021/My%20Lenten%20Plan.pdf

Four Lenten Essentials:
https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Lent%202021/Living%20This%20Lent.pdf

Seven Meatless Soups for Lent:
https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Lent%202021/7%20Meatless%20Soups%20for%20Lent.pdf

Saint Feast Days during Lent:
https://www.dmdiocese.org/filesimages/Catechetical%20Services/Lent%202021/Feast%20Days%20in%20Lent.pdf