Adult Formation

Check out more information about the new translation of the Roman Missal [click here].

Adult Formation Team (AFT)

Mission Statement: The mission of the Adult Formation Team is to provide parishioners with opportunities that weave Catholic faith with their lives through a diverse balance of scripture, tradition, education, and fellowship.

Members meet monthly to assess Epiphany parishioners’ formation needs then to develop programs to meet them. Besides programs listed below, the AFT has offered Tours of Christian Art, Sacrament studies, Retreats, What Do Catholics Believe About series, Saints and Mystics series, and so much more. Interested? Contact any team member:

Sacrament Preparation

Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated during the regular weekend Eucharistic liturgies (Masses) about six times a year. A two-session program prepares parents of infants and small children to be baptized. meets three times per session. The series is repeated for each scheduled Baptism weekend.  

Volunteers needed are:

  • Calligraphers - prepare Baptismal certificates. Contact Bobbe Moutray 245-9733 x26.
  • Mentors – offer personal witness about raising children who are aware of the gift of their Baptism as well as suggestions about living out their Baptism call. Contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14.
  • Catechists - teach the two-session class. (Training required). Contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14
  • Seamstresses - sew the Baptismal garments presented to the children. Contact Elaine Davitt 635-5196.

For more information see our Baptism page.

Confirmation for Adults

A program for adults Baptized in the Catholic faith, who have received First Communion, and wish to complete their initiation into the Roman Catholic Church through Confirmation. An initial interview with interested candidates begins the process. Contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14 for more information and to register.

Volunteers needed are:

  • Catechists – both English and/or Spanish speaking to facilitate classes in a variety of topics. Training required. Contact Therese if interested. 
  • Translators – to translate English handouts into Spanish. Contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14.

Marriage

Engaged couples are asked to contact the parish office, 245-9733 at least six months prior to their projected wedding date to begin their marriage preparation. Part of this preparation includes six to eight meetings with a trained Mentor Couple. The program guides engaged couples in self-examination of their values, skills, concerns, and views in preparation for their marriage.

Volunteers needed are:

  • Mentor Couples - married at least three years are invited to interview and train to become a Mentor Couple. Contact Joe & Linda Niehaus 749-0114 or Therese Brennan 502-245-9733.

For more information see our Marriage page.

Adult Formation Opportunities

Bible/Scripture Study

Given the richness of our scriptures, specific topics are endless! Each semester, a book, theme, person (people), or some other of scripture is offered. To discuss your expertise and interest in serving as a catechist, contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14.

Volunteers needed are:

  • Catechists – to facilitate various scripture studies at Epiphany and in parishioners’ homes. For an interview appointment with Therese Brennan call 245-9733 x14 or email Therese@churchofepiphany.com
  • Hosts – with DVD or video players to open their homes for small study groups. Contact Therese for more information.

Bible/Scripture Sharing

Groups form at their convenience to share how they hear God speaking to them through the Sunday readings or specific books of the bible. Groups meet on campus or in homes. Interested in joining, forming or hosting a new group? Contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14. 

Current Groups:

  • At Epiphany - Third Monday of the month, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, sharing around the Sunday Lectionary (readings) Contact Jan Woodall 244-9195
  • At Epiphany – Lectio Divina facilitated on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, during the Advent, Lent, and Easter seasons.
  • In Homes – These may or may not have room. To find out, contact Therese Brennan 245-9733 x14

Volunteers needed are:

  • Coordinators – to develop and maintain a spreadsheet that will help the Adult Formation Team keep track of the various groups and respond to group needs
  • Facilitators – to lead individual groups

Small Christian Communities

Provide an opportunity for parishioners to share and deepen their faith in a personal, intimate way. Topics and meeting times vary with each group’s needs. These have included, but are not limited to: scripture sharing, parenting, family relationships, women of the bible, work issues and most recently, Why Catholic? Renew groups.

Existing groups open for new members include:

  • Marriage Enrichment: Couples regularly gather in the warmth of members’ homes, usually monthly to support each other with regard to values of marriage, family, etc. Currently nine groups are meeting.
  •  Wednesdays for Women: Women of all ages and life stages gather bi-monthly, the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10 – 12:00 noon. Each semester, those gathered determine the focus for the semester. Contact Dawn Knapp.
  • Why Catholic? Renew – This program is Archdiocesan-wide. Epiphany is participating in each semester. Fall 2012 will focus on the new Missal. Spring 2012 will focus on Sacraments.

Volunteers needed are:

  • Coordinators – to develop and maintain a spreadsheet that will help the Adult Formation Team keep track of the various groups and respond to group needs. Contact Therese Brennan at 245-9733 x14.
  • Facilitators – to lead individual groups. Interested in Hosting? Facilitating? Contact any member of the Adult Formation Team or Therese Brennan.
  • Members – Interested in joining? Watch for announcements in the fall of 2011 and January and February of 2012 for registration information

Marriage Enrichment

  • Couples’ Retreat – Offered at least annually in February, this supports couples seeking to strengthen their relationship with time to focus only on one another.
  • Marriage Moments: A weekly note of enrichment emailed to you upon request. To read and/or register for these Marriage Moments by Susan Vogt [click here]
  • Support for Healthy Marriages: What Have you done for your Marriage? For a great website with suggestions and support for healthy marriages. [click here]

Epiphany Library

Located in the Community Center, Epiphany’s library offers current books and AV materials on many Catholic Christian topics. The materials are arranged alphabetically by topics.

Library Hours – When the room is not needed for meetings, the library is available:

  • Sundays from 8am until about 1:00 pm
  • Weekdays from 7:30 am until about 3:00 pm.
  • Contact Therese, Adult Formation Minister, if you need access at other times.

Volunteers needed are

  • Circulation Volunteers – work on a regular basis (e.g. once a week, once a month, etc.) during library hours, especially Sunday. Tasks include checking our materials, keeping accurate records, listing over-due materials. Contact Rosemary Smith, 240-5801 or 767-5368 (cell).
  • Processing Volunteers – are willing to work behind the scenes to get the library into operation and keep it current and operating effectively. Tasks include typing, processing materials, and mending books. Once a week, monthly or quarterly commitment will be appreciated. Contact Rosemary Smith, 240-5801 or 767-5368 (cell).
Ministry: Adult Formation
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