Purpose : The mission of the Gesu Faith Formation Commission is to foster a community of faith by providing opportunities for all parishioners to deepen  their faith-understanding and spiritual growth.

Members

Allen Arnett - Bible Study

Maria Davison - Secretary

Angela Hibbard, IHM - Director of Religious Education

John Kiley - Gesu School

Mark Lezotte - Baptismal Preparation

Diane Patterson Schultz - Family, marriage, divorce ministry

Laura Silveri - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, 3-12 years of age, is founded on the conviction that God and the child are already in relationship.  In the prepared environment of the Atrium, children learn about their faith by working with small models of liturgical materials and biblical stories.  The Catechesis is the primary Christian formation program in the parish for all children.  Gesu also prepares children for sacraments through this catechesis, both those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) and those eligible for First Eucharist and Reconciliation.  Catechist training is available for adults interested in participating in this ministry.

Contact: Laura Silveri (248) 548-2018.

Children Liturgy of the Word

On Sundays children 3 - 9 are dismissed from the 10:30 A.M. mass with a catechist, a lector, and a cantor.  This ministry team leads the children in procession to the Parish Center chapel where they are prepared to hear the Sunday scriptures proclaimed from the Children Lectionary.  The catechist opens the meaning of the text to them at their own level and leads them in a simple Creed and prayer of the faithful.  Before they leave, they contribute money they have earned to the poor.  Catechists, lectors, and cantors are welcome to participate in this ministry to our young ones.

Contact: Sr. Angela Hibbard: (313) 862-4400.

R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the official process for anyone entering the Church after age 7.  It provides instruction in Catholic teaching, community fellowship, and opportunities to grow in prayer and in a life of service.  Catechists and parish sponsors help those joining the Catholic Church in a variety of ways.  Children over the age of three are initiated into the Church through a combination of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Gesu School (where applicable) and R.C.I.A.  The children participate in the catechumenal rites, are catechized in the school and/or in the Atrium, and by Sunday dismissal catechists.  They are called to grow in prayer and service as well as in doctrinal understanding.

Contact: Sr. Angela Hibbard, IHM, at (313) 862-4400.