Adult Faith Formation
Provides opportunities for further education in our Catholic Faith via bulletin articles, video and discussion series, new resources in the Parish Library, awareness of off-site public events, and more. Consult weekly bulletin for up-coming sessions.
Baptism Preparation
Rotating with parishes in our area to provide monthly sessions, a team of parishioners provide a 1½ hour session to help new parents understand the theological, spiritual and practical realities of their child’s up-coming Baptism. Our parish offers a session in January, May and September. Call the parish office to register before scheduling a date for the Baptism: 440-285-7051.
Bible Study Group
Every Wednesday morning, 9:00-11:30am, a group led by trained parishioners meets to study God’s Word and its effect in our lives. Catholic resources are used to facilitate a deeper appreciation for Sacred Scripture and skills on how to read and understand the Bible.
♦Life Teen Support Group
Led by our Youth Ministers, adult volunteers assist our teenagers with growing in the faith,
developing leadership skills, sharing fun activities, and building community. Meets every Sunday
(September – May) at 6:00 pm. Adult Core Team also meets separately for planning purposes.
Marriage Support
Trained couples provide opportunities for married couples to renew their covenant commitment and grow in the skills necessary for a holy, loving and sacred marriage according to God’s plan taught by the Catholic Church. Meets as needed.
Parish Library
Our library of Catholic and Christian books, CDs, and DVDs provides helpful media on a borrow-andreturn basis that encourages enjoyable learning. A team of volunteers purchases materials with the pastor’s approval, catalog and maintain them, as well as offer a quite space during weekly PSR classes.
Pre-Cana
Each Spring a team of married couples offers a one-day program of prayer, learning, discussion and reflection concerning many different aspects of married life for any engaged couple seeking Marriage within the Catholic Church. Register on our website.
Pro-Life Group
Volunteer members raise awareness to the parish and local community about all issues pertaining to the respect for human life from conception until natural death. Activities include Saturday morning prayer on the square, a 9-month Spiritual Adoption program, Holy Innocents Holy Hour, educational bulletin announcements, the National March For Life and more.
♦PSR (Parish School of Religion)
Trained volunteers provide Catholic education for students in grades 1-8 who do not attend a Catholic school. Program covers the essentials of the Faith: Creed, Liturgy/Sacraments, Morality and Prayer, as well as formal preparation for First Penance, First Holy Communion and 8th grade Confirmation. Meets weekly during the school year: (Grades 1-5 on Mondays 6:15 – 7:30pm) and (Grades 6-8 on Sundays 6:30 – 7:45pm).
PTU (Parent-Teacher Union, School)
These volunteers are committed to Catholic education and raise funds in support of St. Mary School (pre-K through 8th Grade) and assist the faculty and staff in meeting their educational needs. Support is given to the academic, spiritual, physical and social growth of our school families. All school parents are invited to join. Meets monthly; consult weekly bulletin.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
This is the process in which individuals inquire about membership in the Catholic Church and can then, during the Easter Vigil Mass, become fully initiated and on-going practicing parishioners within the Church. With the pastor’s approval, team members must be fully initiated and actively participating parishioners, as well as have a desire to work with all RCIA catechumens and candidates to deepen and grow in their faith journey.
Saint Mary School
Our parish is privileged to support and maintain our own Catholic Elementary School (Pre-K – 8th Grade). To register, contact the School Office 440-286-3590 and at www.stmaryschoolchardon.org.
♦Vacation Bible School
Many volunteers run a week-long summer Bible camp that makes Jesus relevant and present for children ages 4-10. Activities include: crafts, games, snacks, singing, playing, praying and saint presentations. Adults and older teens help in advance and during the camp.
♦VIRTUS: PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
All those over 18 years of age who volunteer or work with children more than once a month, or
more than four (4) hours a month, must comply with the diocesan and parish Virtus Guidelines
regarding child sexual abuse awareness. These positions are noted with the symbol ♦.