Catechetical Ministries

Catechetical ministries at Ascension span the range of baptism, children, youth, and adults. These activities expand beyond the typical idea of classroom teachers "teaching religion" to find their natural place within the life of a community of faith that consciously integrates with parish worship, parish community-building activities, and parish social-action efforts. See the General Directory link above for contact persons for each group.

BAPTISM PREPARATION for infants and young children is a mandatory seminar designed to prepare parents and sponsors for the reception of this sacrament. It is advised that "parents-to-be" attend this preparation before their baby is born. The seminars are conducted by appointment on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in Worner Hall. Baptisms are performed on the first Sunday of each month at 12 noon.

CATECHETICS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH are available for the following age groups:

• PRE-SCHOOL (4-year olds). Currently offered during 9 am Mass each Sunday
• KINDERGARTEN (5-year olds). Currently offered during 9 am Mass each Sunday.
• ELEMENTARY GRADES (1-6). Except for the First Eucharist program, primary classes are currently held Sundays, 10:15-11:30 am, and Tuesday afternoons, 4:00-5:15 pm, depending on the number of students and the availability of catechists.
• FIRST EUCHARIST is a family-based program, consisting of parent, child, and family sessions. Classes are held Tuesday afternoons, 4:00-5:15 pm.
• FIRST RECONCILIATION is regularly scheduled during 4th grade classes. For exceptions, please call the parish office.
• JUNIOR HIGH currently meets Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9:00 pm. Topics cover a wide range of Catholic Christian subjects. In addition, the Junior High program includes opportunities for social interaction, and service in the community.
• THE HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION program is a one-year program that currently meets two Sundays a month. Candidates also participate in regular High School meetings, attend 3 parish meetings and complete 3 service projects.
• THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM is a ministry to help young people discover their Catholic identity and to call them to an active life in the Christian family. To accomplish this, it is necessary to recognize youth as "CHURCH" and to welcome their rich and spiritual style of expressing their faith. High School (grades 9-12) meets Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN serves grades 1 through 6. Children are invited to celebrate the Word of God at the 9 am Sunday Mass in a manner understandable to their age level. The children meet with adult and teen leaders after the Opening Prayer and return to the regular Mass at the Presentation of the Gifts.

THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION program is for engaged couples. It consists of five sessions presented by married couples from the parish who have been trained by the Family Life Ministries Office of the San Jose Diocese. The purpose of the program is to enhance an engaged couple's understanding of married life through discussion and sharing in a workshop atmosphere. The first evening is devoted to introductions and a premarital inventory called "FOCCUS." For the remaining four evenings, the presenting couples then share experiences in communication, conflict, intimacy and faith (the Sacrament of Matrimony). The workshops are limited to four to six engaged couples per class and are normally given in the home of one of the presenting couples.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) is the formal process our Church uses to initiate and confirm new members into the community. The RCIA approach seeks to prepare catechumens for active participation as Catholic Christians in today's ecumenical environment in the Parish community. The community's responsibility is to identify the catechumens, to assist with their preparations and training, and to be aware of their development and progress toward reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) is a similar program adapted for children.

FAITH AND SCRIPTURES DISCUSSION GROUPS ("Renew Continued") meet on Tuesday mornings (9:30-11:30 am) and Sunday mornings after 9:00 am Mass. Individuals meet in the parish lounge to pray, listen, reflect and discuss the scripture readings of the Sunday liturgy. With the aid of the "Celebrating the Lectionary" workbook and "Share the Word" pamphlet, the participants read commentary and scripture background. After each of the four readings, there is a group discussion. Members find a sense of community enriched by a deeper understanding of scripture and its application to daily life. New participants are always welcome. These groups are open to parishioners and non-parishioners alike. Come join us and bring a friend.