Weekly Scripture Study
Join us EVERY THURSDAY at 10 AM as we read, discuss, and better understand the Scriptures for the upcoming weekend Mass and how they relate to our everyday lives facilitated by Pat Pavlucik. We meet in the Saint Ann Parish Center. Please bring your Bible and if you prefer a notebook and pen for any notes you would like to take. If you have any questions for would like more information please call or text Amanda at 203-868-2377.
Growing In Faith Together (G.I.F.T.)
Growing in Faith together (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.
GIFT Program Information 2021-2022
GIFT Letter
GIFT Registration Form
St. Raphael Parish, Milford – Faith Formation for People of All Ages – Information Sheet
What is GIFT?
GIFT – Growing in Faith Together – is open to all members of Saint Raphael Parish as well as non-parishioners — from age 5 through adult. It is out Saint Raphael Parish faith formation program. It is the way our parish educates children and teens about the basics of our Catholic faith. It is also designed for adults – to answer their questions about the Catholic faith, explain religious traditions, and help them grow in relationship with God. Singles and couples without children and teens are welcome and encouraged to join us!
Through GIFT, we build community by involving people of all ages in the life of the Church. Materials are provided to encourage continued learning at home.
GIFT Theme
Our GIFT theme for 2021/2022 is Prayer Life. There will be six GIFT sessions focusing on different forms and styles of prayer as well as different Catholic prayers and devotions so we can focus on our prayer life with the purpose of deepening our relationship with God. We will begin in October with Prayer and Forms/Styles of Prayer, focusing on the five forms of prayer:
Blessing/Adoration, Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, and Praise.
GIFT In-Person Class Schedule – 2021/2022
* October 22, 24, or 27 – Prayer and Forms/Styles of Prayer
* November 19, 21, or 23 – The Mass, Our Most Important Prayer
* December 10, 12, or 14 – Catholic Prayers
* January 21, 23, or 26 – Child/Teen Lures Safety Program (families with children and teens)
* February 11, 13, or 15 – Catholic Devotions
* March 11, 13, or 15 – The Bible and Prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer)
* April 1, 3, or 5 – More Prayer Styles and Our Practice of Prayer
We offer family sessions, a Grade 5/6 session, teen sessions, and an adult session on these dates – based on registered families/participants. Adult participation is essential to our program so at least one parent/guardian per family is required to attend with children and teens. Adults who attend with children through Grade 4 usually participate in our family sessions. Adults who attend with young people in Grade 5 or older or who attend without young people participate in our adult sessions.
Families will be scheduled into GIFT session dates and classrooms based on either their first or second choice indicated on the GIFT registration form. Due to COVID, advanced notice is required for families to change GIFT session dates.
2021/2022 Sacramental Information to come
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. 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. Call 860-242-5573 or contact catholic.biblical.school@aohct.org or visit their website www.catholicedaohct.org
