Adult Faith Formation

Download the new Adult Faith Formation Booklet here.

Sign up for Small Faith Communities here

CONTACT Marilyn Anderson, Director of Adult Faith Formation (678-252-5687) manderson@stjudeatlanta.net

RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is the process by which persons become fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church. RCIA is for adults who were never baptized or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and who wish to become Catholic. Candidates meet on a weekly basis. These sessions typically include prayer, instruction on some aspect of the Catholic faith, and small group discussions. Each RCIA candidate is paired with a sponsor who walks through the faith journey with them. Candidates are initiated gradually through a series of liturgical rites. They receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. RCIA officially concludes at the feast of Pentecost in May. RCIA candidates also will be required to attend two retreats, usually on a Sunday afternoon, attend selected liturgical rite Masses, and attend Breaking Open the Word discussions during Sunday Masses.
Monday Evenings –September 8, 2008 – May 4, 2009
7 to 9 PM – Stapleton Center
Director – Marilyn Anderson

Preparing for Your Baby’s Baptism
Sacramental preparation classes for your infant’s Baptism are held the third Sunday of every month. In this class, parents will look at the history of the sacrament of Baptism and explore its meaning as a sacrament which initiates your child into the life of grace within the Catholic community. The rite and its rich symbols are explained. In addition, participants will discuss the why, what, and how of Christian parenting. Helpful insights and advice are offered for dealing with the challenge of living the Baptismal commitment in the world today.
Contact: Tom Boyle – tjboyle@mindspring.com or 770-993-3319

Small Faith Communities - (Little Church)
At St. Jude’s we are proud of the many efforts that are made to get to know and care for each other, even though we are a large parish. One of these is Small Faith Communities, small groups of parishioners that get together in one another’s apartments and homes. In these “small churches” God’s presence comes alive and close relationships are formed that become sources of faith and support for participants.

Beginning the first week of Lent (March 1st), St. Jude’s will be forming new groups as well as continuing groups already in existence. Materials will be available for the groups to use. Watch for information from the Small Faith Communities team. And, think and pray about joining a small group of fellow parishioners. If you would like to know more now, please contact Jim Anderson at 770-393-4553 or jmanderson30328@comcast.net.

Just Faith
Just Faith offers an opportunity for you to experience a spiritual journey into compassion in a small group setting. Just Faith is a thirty (30) week program that looks at poverty and compassion for the poor through Catholic social justice teachings. Through prayer, immersion experiences, books and videos, participants will encounter poverty in a way that they will be drawn to respond to the needs of those less fortunate.
Contact: Maggie Winfrey at 770-396-7216

Catholic Answers
Has one of your non-Catholic friends or neighbors asked you a question about the Church and her teaching and you don’t know the answer? Are you curious about the Church’s stance on an issue now in the news? Do you want to know the Church’s answer to a social justice issue you are concerned about? If any of these describe you, then Catholic Answers should interest you. Catholic Answers will explore the Church’s position on a contemporary issue or event in a discussion format.
Facilitator: Tim Spruell
Dates and Times - TBA

Mass and a Meal – For Young Adults
The Young Adult Ministry (YAM) brings together young singles and marrieds ages 21-35. This ministry hosts a variety of events that allow young adults in our parish to share their faith and experiences through social and spiritual gatherings. YAM’s cornerstone event is Mass & a Meal held every second Sunday of the month starting with 6PM mass and then ending with dinner at a local restaurant. There is no requirement to be a parishioner at St. Jude's- ALL young adults are welcome!
Contact: Kathy Powell – kpowell@stjudeatlanta.net or 1-850-294-7103

Making the Most of Marriage
Parents are invited to join us on Sunday mornings while their children attend Religious Education classes for a humorous and engaging video series – Making the Most of Marriage by Dr. Kevin Leman. Help build a relationship with your spouse that will last a lifetime. Topics include balancing the challenges and benefits of distinct personalities, doing your best for the one you love the most, how kids grow and thrive through their parents’ relationship with each other, and becoming “one” in marriage.
Sundays 10:00 to 11:15AM - Room 233 – Ministry Building

Jeff Cavins Bible Study – Adventures in Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom
Jeff Cavins, noted Catholic author, teacher and presenter, provides comprehensive teaching and commentary on the book of Acts. This is a 20 week study on video with small and large group facilitated discussion. There is a $30 materials fee.
Tuesdays – starting January 6, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 PM – Stapleton Center unless otherwise noted.

Parents on the EDGE
A program geared for middle school parents while their teens are in religious education classes on Wednesday nights. Dr. Kevin Leman’s video series – Running the Rapids. Learn how to guide your child through the turbulent waters of adolescence. Learn how to transfer the values that will make your teen a successful adult.
Wednesday evenings starting October 1, 2008
6:45 to 8:00PM – starting October 1, 2008 – Room 229

Little Rock Scripture Study
Tuesday nights for our senior citizens. This year we will focus on the Year of Paul. Learn about Paul’s reasons for hope and joy as well as finding unity.
Ongoing – Tuesdays – 7:00-9:00PM – Room 229 – Ministry Building