Growing Together in Faith (G.I.F.T.) 

Growing together in Faith (G.I.F.T.) is our whole parish approach to faith formation. This is an event-centered, age appropriate, inter-generational learning process that recognizes that we can learn best when we learn together; parents learning with their young children and other adults learning together in an environment conducive to adult faith-based discussion.

We meet once a month for six sessions with each session running 2 1/2 hours. This approach also provides enriching take-home resources to help households of faith continue learning at home. We live a Christ-filled life every day.

Become a GIFTer! Take your place in the gatherings for faith building, fellowship and meal sharing. For further information about G.I.F.T. and our G.I.F.T. Sacramental Program, please call 203-874-0634 x 10 or send an email to atomasetti@snet.net.

GIFT 2019/2020 – Following Jesus Through the Church Year

• Cover Letter 2019
• Registration 2019
• Brochure 2019

You choose either Friday, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.   or  Sunday, from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m.
All programs begin with a catered dinner.

1. September 20 and September 22 – Identity of Jesus (Ordinary Time)
2. October 18 and October 20 – Becoming a Disciple (Ordinary Time)
3. November 15 and November 17 – Preparing for the Coming of Jesus (Advent and Christmas Seasons)
4. December 13* – Advent/Christmas Celebration
5. January 24* and January 26* – Child/Teen Lures Safety Program (For families with children and teens)
6. February 21 and February 23 – Suffering and Death of Jesus (Lent and Holy Week including Good Friday)
7. March 1 – Lenten Activities
8. March 27 and March 29 – New Life in Christ (Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday, Easter Season)
9. April 24 and April 26 – Living as Disciples
10. May 29* between 6:00 and 7:30 PM – Pentecost Celebration

*indicates shorter program

2019/2020 Sacraments

• Letter to Parents/Guardians
• First Reconciliation Schedule
• First Communion Schedule
• First Reconciliation/ First Communion in a Parish Center Classroom Saint Ann Campus unless otherwise noted
  Saturday, September 7, 10:30 – 11:30 AM Overview Meeting for parents/guardians
  Saturday, October 5, 10:00 AM – 12 noon – Required.  Introduction to the Sacrament
  Friday, October 18, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM or Sunday, October 20, noon – 2:30 PM Highly Recommended. GIFT Session
  Saturday,  November 2, 10:00 AM – 12 noon – Required. Preparing for the Sacrament
  Friday, December 13, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Optional but encouraged. GIFT Advent/Christmas Celebration
• First Reconciliation Practice  date and time TBD.
• First Reconciliation – Saturday, December 14, 1:00 PM Saint Gabriel Church
• First Communion/Eucharist in a Parish Center Classroom Saint Ann Campus unless otherwise noted
  Friday, January 24, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Required. Child Lures Prevention Safety Program
  Saturday, February 1, 10:00 AM – 12 noon Required.
  Sunday. March 1, 12 noon to 1:30 PM Highly Recommended. GIFT Lenten Activities
  Saturday, March 7, 10:00 AM – 12 noon Required
  Saturday, March 21, 10:00 AM – 12 noon Required. Meet in Saint Ann Church Children’s Chapel
  Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM or Sunday, March 29, 12 noon – 2:30 PM Highly Recommended. GIFT Session
  Thursday, April 2 , 6:15 – 7:30 PM Highly Recommended Last Supper Prayer Service and Dinner
  Tuesday, April 21, beginning at 6:15 PM Required

Confirmation Schedule 2019/2020 Confirmation Program Overview 
Confirmation Year 1 Schedule

In addition to the dates below Confirmation Candidates and parents or guardians must attend the GIFT sessions listed above.

• Confirmation Year 1 Candidates in a Parish Center Classroom Saint Ann Campus
  Sunday, October 6, Noon – 1:30 PM
  Sunday, November 3 , 12 noon – 1:30
  Sunday, December 8, 12 noon – 1:30 PM
  Sunday, January 12, 12 noon – 1:30 PM
  Sunday, February 9, 12 noon – 1:30 PM
  Sunday, March 8, (longer session beginning in the Children’s Chapel) 12 noon – 2:00 PM
  Sunday, April 19, 12 noon – 1:30 PM
  Sunday, May 17, 12 noon – 1:30 PM
  Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Confirmation Year 2 Candidates
  Monday, October 7, 6:30-8:30 PM
  Confirmation Practice Monday, October 28 at 7:00 PM at Saint Ann Church
  Sacrament of Confirmation Mass Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM at Saint Ann Church

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? Do you have questions about Catholic beliefs and traditions? If so please consider joining our RCIA program. Fill out St Raphael RCIA Registration Form and return it to the church office.

Adult Confirmation

We are setting up a program for adults (age 18 or older) who have received their First Communion in the Catholic Church but have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation. This program will be a weekly evening program beginning in late August. We will be scheduling six 2-hour sessions. Adults who compete this program will be able to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in October 2019. Please contact Maria Tomasetti (203-988-8598 or atomasetti@snet.net) for more information or to register.

Catholic Biblical School

The program is intended for adults who are willing to make a commitment to complete all course requirements for at least two years. No particular educational background is required. It is recommended especially for religious education teachers, deacons, lectors, leaders of Bible study groups, and those wishing to meet the Lord in a deeper way through Scripture. ENROLLING NOW for September. Call 860-242-5573 or contact catholic.biblical.school@aohct.org or visit their website www.catholicedaohct.org