Last Updated: Monday, October 13, 2008                     

“This boundless, unfathomable love of God... Is Love beyond all telling.”

Anne Marie Holland, Coordinator of Religious Education

Dr. Bob Schihl, Director of Adult Education

Robin Kapec, Assistant to the Ministers

499 - 4494

Calendar for Religious Education
Classes and Special Events
for the 2008 - 2009 School Year

CLASSES ARE HELD FROM 6:30 PM UNTIL 7:30 PM.

If there is an occurrence of inclement weather we will follow the schedule of the Virginia Beach Public Schools for that given day concerning closure.

The PARISH MISSION date has not been confirmed.  The week of the Parish Mission will be a week off.

SACRAMENTAL CLASSES

RECONCILIATION/ PENANCE

“Jesus began his risen life by giving the Apostles power to forgive sins. The sacrament of Penance continues His work of forgiving and reconciling. It celebrates  the prodigal’s return to the eternally merciful Father, renewing the sinner's union with God and also, with the community, in as much as, our sins harm our brothers and sisters.” – NCD

Parents and students are expected to attend the following WORKSHOP for parents and RETREAT for children:

                                     • Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon.
                                             Students will meet in the SCHOOL.
                                             Parents will meet in the ASSEMBLY ROOM.

All parents must bring a COPY of their child’s /children’s Baptismal Certificate to the workshop.

This meeting is mandatory for all students and parents.

                                    • Reception of the sacrament of First Penance: December 6 at 9 am.

FIRST EUCHARIST/COMMUNION

“Eucharist and Church are the basic realities, bearing the same names; communion and Body of Christ. The Eucharist increases charity within the visible community.” – NCD
 

Parents and students are expected to attend the following WORKSHOP for parents and RETREAT for children:

                                         • Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon
                                                 Students will meet in the SCHOOL
                                                 Parents will meet in ASSEMBLY ROOM.

All parents must bring a COPY of their child’s Children’s Baptismal certificate to the workshop.

This meeting is mandatory for all parents and students receiving First Eucharist (communion).

                          • Rehearsal for First Eucharist is:
                                  Thursday evening, April 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the church.

                          • Reception of the Sacrament of First Eucharist is:
                                    Saturday, April 25.
                                • Children who’s Last Name begins with A through L will celebrate at the 8:30 a.m. mass.
                                • Children who's Last Name begins with M through Z will celebrate at the 11 a.m. mass.

CONFIRMATION

“Confirmation emphasized the transformation of life by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in His fullness. Confirmed Christians claim fully as their own, the new life into which they were first initiated at Baptism” – NCD

ALL CANDIDATES must be PRE-REGISTERED for classes which will begin on: September 23rd in Paschal Hall

The Confirmation Schedule will follow the Religious Education schedule for the 2008/2009 school year.
Confirmation rehearsal and liturgy will be announced at a later date at the discretion of the bishop.

BAPTISM

“Preparation for Baptism of infants is a “teachable” moment, when the Parish Community can encourage parents to re-examine the meaning which faith has in their lives. In offering catechesis to parents and sponsors the Church shows it's love for and eagerness to support them, as well as, their children.” – NCD

Because we are sensitive to the needs of parents we make Baptism a priority of our community. Pre-baptism classes are held the last Tuesday of every month, while baptism takes place every Sunday during the year. Arrangements should be made in advance of the classes by calling the office.

MATRIMONY
“Husbands and wives become signs, in to the world of God's love for His people.”
– NCD

Realizing the need for advanced planning, couples contemplating marriage are to make arrangements at the parish offices one year prior to insure quality and dates.

MARRIAGE CONVALIDATION

There are many Catholics who married civilly but not sacramentally in the church.  If you would like more information about having your marriage blessed by the church, call Julie Abbate (497-8330) in our church office.

MARRIAGE ANNULMENTS

An annulment is a declaration by a Tribunal to the Church that a marriage never legally existed as a sacramental union according to canon law. If you find yourself in this situation where your marriage was not a marriage, please contact Julie Abbate (497-8330) in our church office.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN
OF CATECHETICAL AGE (CICCA)

These movements are designed for adults and children who have a desire for full membership in the Roman Catholic Community and for full membership for members who wish to share their faith with others.

The following list of dates is for RCIA classes.

CICCA classes are designated to the right of the list.

The Church of St. Gregory the Great has many adult study opportunities throughout the year. These programs are designed to meet the many needs and interests of all people in our parish community. For more information contact the Religious Education Office at 499-4494.

Following is a list of the ongoing programs which meet weekly:
                          • Wednesday mornings: Scripture Study

In addition to these weekly programs, there will be PARENT SESSIONS held on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm starting September 23. These sessions will cover a wide variety of topics. Babysitting will be available to parents of small children. Watch your bulletin and home flyers for more information.

• Confirmation for Adults will be offered starting in the fall. Time and place will be announced. Many Catholic adults find for various reasons that they did not receive their confirmation in their formative years. These classes are also great refresher courses for confirmed Catholics who wish to update their knowledge of church. St. Gregory recognizes this and offers class on a bi-weekly basis.

• Catechist Formation Classes are held periodically throughout the year for all catechists and all parishioners. Watch the bulletin and flyers for more information.

• The Parish Mission will take place during the Lenten season, make sure you set aside this week for a prayerful and spiritual experience. Watch the bulletin and flyers for more information.

• The Landings Program welcomes inactive Catholics back to the practice of the sacraments and greater involvement in the life of the parish.

• Small faith sharing communities are in practice. Groups of 8-12 adults gather weekly to pray together, discuss faith and encourage and care for one another. Watch the church bulletin for more information.

Stay alert for many more opportunities in adult study.