If you are feeling God's call to teach the faith, we need your help! As catechists you are called to embrace the following:
COMMITMENT: Our Catechists and Assistant Catechists will attend an initial training/orientation and Safe Environment Training. They are committed to teaching 27 classes, utilizing the Office of Faith Formation to plan for any absences. Catechists will also commit to the ongoing formation, through Diocesan training, online resources, and opportunities through the parish.
Our catechists are simultaneously teachers and students, growing in faith and knowledge with our students. As a Faith Formation teacher, you will recognize ways to enrich yourself and your students, becoming a true catechetical leader.
SUPPORT: The Office of Faith Formation supports your vocation of being a Catechist by providing in-depth teaching guides, workbooks for all students, additional resources, craft materials, and a library of videos and books so you can successfully spread the word of God with a small class. Contact the Office of Faith Formation (813-671-4434) for more information on how to become a Catechist and our current needs, or download the Volunteer Form.
Faith Formation – Kindergarten – Grade 5
Teaching our children about the Catholic faith at young ages enables them to develop a foundation of the Catholic faith that will serve through their lifetimes. Please consider sharing your time and talent with our K-5 children this year! We are in need of lead teachers and assistant teachers during our Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday classes. For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “Faith Formation (K-5)” tab, or contact Kim Davis by phone at 813-671-4434 or by email at Kim@ststephencatholic.org
Middle School Youth Group (6-8)
Our Middle School Youth Group Program helps students grow in their love for Jesus and their understanding of our Catholic faith. We want to show young people how to find Jesus in themselves, in their friends, and in their lives. For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “Middle School Youth Group (6-8)” tab.
High School Youth Group (9-12)
The High School Youth Ministry meets on Sundays following the 5:30 Mass for Life Nights in the Family Life Center. These gatherings include dinner, games, faith talks, group discussions, and of course, prayer. For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “High School Youth Group (9-12)” tab.
Young Adults Ministry
St. Stephen Parish Community welcomes young adult ages, 18-35 to participate in community, worship, and fellowship. This ministry invites young adults in the area to come together to pray, make connections, and grow in their faith with one another. For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “Young Adults Ministry” tab.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
(RCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic Church (Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church). RCIA also includes adult baptized Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Those who are not baptized will celebrate their Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Those who are baptized are brought into Full Communion of the Catholic Church during the year. For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “RCIA” tab, or contact Rosie Bridges by phone at 813-671-4434 or by email at Rosie@ststephencatholic.org
Catholics Come Home
Catholics Come Home Program is intended to be a journey of sharing together in the rediscovery (or discovery) of the true roots of our faith: a loving and forgiving God. Many of us also left our Catholic faith, some because of alienation, some because of hurt, some from broad dissatisfaction. The reasons are as varied as we are. We returned, again for many reasons, but always with someone’s help. We offer you a loving hand and ear. Together we will travel through the process of understanding our Catholic faith and finding the merciful, caring Father who is our God. Please allow us to welcome you back home! For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “Catholics Come Home” tab, or contact Rosie Bridges by phone at 813-671-4434 or by email at Rosie@ststephencatholic.org
Adult Lifelong Faith Formation
The Adult Lifelong Faith Formation Ministry offers many opportunities for adults to be involved in our parish such as Bible Study groups, Book Studies, Catholic Apologetics, etc.
For more information, click on the “Faith Formation” tab in the header above and then the “Adult Lifelong Faith Formation” tab, or contact Sue Haines by phone at 813-671-4434 or by email at Sue@ststephencatholic.org