On June 18. 2015 Pope Francis released his encyclical on our common home. The title "Laudato Si" translated is "Praise Be To You" which is taken from the "Canticle of the Creatures", attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis refers to different saints such as St. Francis as well as former popes Pope Benedict and St. John Paul II and others reminding us that care for our common home is not a new idea. What is new is that while much has been written from a scientific point of view, Pope Francis is asking us to consider our home and it's creatures and their care from a spiritual perspective.

• Papal Encyclical:  Laudato Si
• Top Ten Takeaways from "Laudato Si" by James Martin, S.J
• Laudato Si: A Map  This text is a useful guide for an initial reading of the Encyclical. It will help you to grasp the overall development and identify the basic themes. The first two pages are an overview of Laudato si' (literally "Be praised" or better, "Praise be to you"). Then for each of the six chapters, there is a one-page summary that gives the argument or main points and some key passages. The numbers in parentheses refer to the paragraphs in the Encyclical.
• Father Robert Barron's Video on Laudato Si
• Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
• Writings and Homilies of Pope Francis
• Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium – Joy of the Gospel

Adult Faith Formation Scripture Programs are offered on Monday Evenings 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Wednesday Mornings 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Catholic Study Programs used are based on the preference of the group members and may vary. This year the scripture study group will be using the Little Rock Scripture Study on the Book of Mark. Join us as we reflect and pray with scripture.

Lectio Divina

Friday mornings from 9:30 am to 10:30am in the John Bosco Center, room 2, we meet to pray with the following Sunday Gospel. We have adapted Lectio Divina for a group, modifying the structure to provide time for reflection, discussion and prayer. One does not need to be an expert or experienced to participate. Participants come after the 8:30 Mass and spend time chatting before we start. We use Renew International PrayerTime: Faith-Sharing Reflections on the Sunday Gospel as a resource.

Lectio Divina is an ancient form of prayer used with scripture or holy reading. Lectio Divina or Divine Reading was used as an individual prayer form by the desert fathers and was also used in monasteries. They were not the first to use this approach, and I daresay that the reason the prayer style continues to be used is because it enhances one's relationship with God. As St. Jerome reminds us "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ". Through Lectio Divina we see how the scripture is as relevant today as it was in the time of Christ.

There are several steps to Lectio Divina. One always starts and ends with prayer. The steps we use are Lectio, Meditatio, Contemplatio, and Oratio. Below is the format that the group uses.

Lectio Divina adapted for group use at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church:
Come Holy Spirit, Enlighten my mind while I read scripture today. Help me to understand any difficult passages. Show me how what I read applies to my life. Give me the willingness to welcome the Word that I read into my heart and obey it.

LECTIO: Listening with the ear of our heart - First reading of the selected passage slowly and reverently without rushing

Let the words of the Scripture that will be read resound in your heart. Be attentive to the Lord speaking to you personally. After a few moments of silence recall which word, which action, or detail remains with you more vividly and meaningfuly. Say inwardly:

"Thank you Lord for bringing this to my awareness. Your Word is alive for me"

*Share with the group one word, or those few words, or that one action that caught your attention. Share this without comment or background of why it came to you. Simply state it and let another person do the same.

*Brief sharing of what caught one's attention. After a brief silence when it is obvious that all who want to share have shared, go on to Meditatio.

MEDITATIO: Ponder on His Word- Second reading of the same passage slowly, attentively and reverently without rushing.

Allow what surfaced in Lectio to be like a door that opens you deeper to discover personal insights in the Word of God. Ask for the grace to see new connections in the Word of God within the context of your own life. Meditation is like mulling the Word over in your mind so that it begins to descend into your heart, and causes you to reflect about your own life. Share your reflection with the others in the group. As each person shares this may open more insights and this will contribute to a discussion among us.

Everyone will have an opportunity to share if they wish and join the discussion, please allow everyone to share before speaking a second time. No one is required to share.

CONTEMPLATIO: Resting in His Presence - Third reading - commentary or reflection on same passage – using PrayerTime. We have used as the 3rd reading a reflection from PrayerTime. The group finds this approach useful as it deepens our understanding.

This is a time of complete silence. A silence of fullness as one is present to the Lord and surrenders to the silence without effort. Simply rest in God's presence very much like a little child desires to be embraced by mother or father. Closing one's eyes can be of help, so that one can gaze inwardly on the heart and be present. Allow what has transpired thus far in Lectio and Mediation to echo in your heart.

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46

ORATIO: Conversation with God - Fourth reading of the same passage slowly, attentively and reverently without rushing. A time of silence to allow each participant to speak directly to the Lord. All is addressed personally to the Lord with no group discussion.

Oratio is speaking directly to the Lord. Use the personal pronoun "You" in speaking directly to Jesus, the Father, or the Holy Spirit. Offer: Praise, thanksgiving, petition. There may be more silence within this stage because the words come more from your heart. Silence aids in finding the words to address the Lord. The spoken prayer can be very short, or it can extend to several sentences but it should not be overly long. You may desire to pray again after others pray.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The group remains silent for a time – possibly about 5 minutes or so.

Each person may share a short prayer, a word, a concern ,or a question as prayer. Please do not start a discussion with each other during prayer.

The group ends praying the St. Francis Prayer, Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory Be together.

This format can be used at home, alone or with a group. All are welcome to join us Friday morning. Check bulletin for schedule changes, we usually meet weekly during the fall/winter months and switch to monthly during the summer. 

Faith is a journey that starts with God's call to each one of us. We experience God in the every day activities of our lives as we live out our Baptismal call to be priest, prophet and king (Catechism of the Catholic Church{CCC}, paragraphs 783-786).

The primary source of learning about our faith is the Mass, the Source and Summit of Catholic Christian Life. Our faith is nurtured and grows in the community of believers (CCC, p. 1253).

During the Year of Faith, Liturgy and Faith Formation Ministries collaborated to bring you teaching about the Mass. Four articles were printed in the bulletin and focused on in the homilies by our priests celebrating Mass. Copies of these articles can be found below. Also included is an article which provides the scriptural basis for the prayers in the Mass, reminding us that the observation that Catholics do not use the bible or scripture is unfounded. Source: compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

There are a number of opportunities to learn about your faith here at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church. We have Scripture Study, talks by visiting priests and others (check your bulletin for scheduling of events), and Opening Up the Catechism with associate pastor Father Frank Lubowa.

Opening Up the Catechism meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. Each week Father Frank addresses a different topic from the Catechism. Using the Bible and Church Documents, Father Frank answers questions about faith and helps those who attend to gain understanding about their faith and how to live as a Catholic Christian. Check the bulletin for times and schedule changes.

There are also opportunities to complete your sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) in the RCIA program. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for those who have not been baptized or baptized as Catholic or in another Christian Faith but need to be prepared to receive the sacraments. Those who have received baptism and Eucharist in the Catholic Church but who have not yet received Confirmation have a separate program which is based on each individual's needs.

If you have been away from the Church or just want to know more about your faith we have opportunities for you to nurture and deepen your faith. If you have questions please call dfd3d08baed3e0ddced38bbad1d1d4ced08bccdf8ba29da299a29da199a39fa2a28b k2ZLFN76xxkIdQ27XogIrYxC7jR7Wi7G caesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. . We also have a blog called Living your Faith that will have updates on events in the parish or tools for nourishing your faith.

Karen Heaphy is the Pastoral Associate for Lifelong Faith Formation and Pastoral Care and welcomes your inquiries about faith formation opportunities in the parish.

Mass Teaching Articles

Gathering Rites

Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Scriptural Texts

Small Faith Communities are made up of individuals and families of all ages who meet in small groups in their homes to share their faith and to pray together.  Jesus invites all of us "To Come and See" the exciting possibilities of a Small Christian Sharing Community.

Communities support each other during good and tough times.  Groups meet regularly at times that are convenient of them. Please consider joining or starting a group.  

So often, people ask how they might grow in their faith. In response to this searching, Bishop Lynch initiated the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute. The LPMI is a four-year program: an informal year of discernment and three years of formal academic training and spiritual growth.

The initial segment of the program, the Year of Discernment, consists of eight Saturday sessions from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The classes meet at Christ the King Parish, located at 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. Classes begin on September 12, 2015 and continue once monthly through April 2016.

The Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute of the Diocese of St. Petersburg provides education and formation for laity in the Catholic faith. The program is designed to enhance personal faith and develop intellectual aptitude to enrich personal ministry. Over the past 14 years, Bishop Lynch has formally commissioned 330 graduates of the LPMI program. New LPMI classes begin September 12, 2015. For more information about the LPMI program, contact Dale Brown at dpb@dosp.org or call 727-344-1611, ext. 5458. Program brochures and registration forms are available on our website: http://dosp.org/lpmi/

Class studies include: Intro to Theology, Spirituality, Liturgy, Catholic Social Teaching and more. To speak with someone about the LPMI program, contact Dale Brown at dpb@dosp.org or call 727-344-1611, ext. 5458.

Registrations are due in the LPMI office no later than September 8, 2015. The Ministry Formation Program offered by the Diocese of St. Petersburg Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute is accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation.

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Waiver

Preparation for children receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation is provided by the Religious Education Office.

• Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation begins during the second grade year. First Reconciliation sessions start in mid-Novermber and the sacrament will take place in January. Then First Holy Communion sessions occur between February and May.
• The Confimation preparation sessions begin in October of the eighth grade year. 
• During the month of September, parents will receive a mailed letter about the first meeting.
• Confirmation students are required to attend one preparation session per month between October and June, one retreat, and spiritual and service hours which will be outlined during the first meeting. 

The Diocese of St. Petersburg requires that students be enrolled in Religious Education classes for two years prior to receiving a sacrament. Please call our office at 727.812.4656 if we can help you get your child enrolled in classes.

Religious Education Handbook - "Encountering the Living Christ"

A useful guide in your role as catechist at Espiritu Santo Catholic Chuch.  This handbook contains information on the various catechetical roles, guidelines, policies, parent guidelines, the Safe Environment Program (SEP), catechist certification, curriculum, and classroom resources.

Section 1:  Catechesis, Roles, Policies, Guidelines, School Map

Section 2:  Religious Education Parent Handbook

Section 3:  Diocesan Safe Environment Program, Code of Conduct, and Harassment Policy

Section 4:  Catechist Certification, Teaching Tips, Games, and Prayers

Section 5:  Curriculum Guidelines by Grade Level

Section 6:  Classroom Resources

Helpful Resources:

Online Catechism

Daily Readings, Bible, & articles from the US Bishops

Catechist Magazine

Review Games, Activity Finder, & Blog links

Welcome! We'd love to have you join us for Religious Education classes.

Classes are for children not enrolled in a Catholic school. The role of the program is to assist families in teaching their youth about our Catholic faith by: providing opportunities for family development in knowing Jesus Christ, building a relationship with God and others, and living a moral and Christian lifestyle.

Registration for Returning Families

Print Form - Form can be printed out and filled in and mailed with a check to the Religious Education Office.

Registration Print Form for New Families - Form can be printed out and filled in and mailed with a check to the Religious Education Office.

Classes are held at the parish's Education Center and are available for Grades K-8.  Please feel free to contact our office if we can be of assistance in any way: 727.812.4656

We have several different options this year as far as the religious education of your children. We are offering limited availability in our new Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program on Sunday morning and Monday afternoon/evening. This program uses the Montessori method to bring children into a relationship with Jesus through work in an atrium environment. The environment supports their growth in learning about Jesus through hands on materials and the use of bible stories. More information can be found online at www.cgsusa.org.

For our middle school students we are offering the Edge program on Tuesday evening. This program works with our youth minister, Amy Persaud, to help the students to see their faith as part of their life. It uses the Life Teen program to promote a more youth-friendly, hands on, relational program than a typical textbook session. There is also limited availability in this program, so apply early to reserve your spot.

Class Days and Times:

• Monday: Grades 1-8 from 6:15 pm -7:30 pm
• Monday: Ages 3-5 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I
• Monday: Ages - 6-8 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II
• Tuesday: Grades 1-8 from 6:15 pm -7:30 pm
• Sunday: Grades K-8 10:00 am - 11:15 am
• Sunday: Ages 3-5 from 8:30 am - 9:45 am Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I
• Sunday: Ages 6-8 from 10:00 am - 11:45 am Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II

Sacramental preparation is through our office but is a stand-alone program for both Catholic school students and RE students.

Check out our Parent's Page & Catechist Corner

Many volunteer ministry opportunities are available within the Religious Education Office:

Many Resources are available in the Religious Education offices, including games, art supplies, posters, charts, maps and audio/video offerings. Diocesan services include Catechist Training and an audio/video library. Contact 5c789d5ca4aea1a2795ea99da5a8b0ab76a1a8a8a1aa7ca1afaca5aea5b0b1af9daab0ab6a9f9f5e7a81a8a8a1aa5c86abaaa1af786b9d7a5c9db05c736e736a746d6e6a707271725c f3H1lU0qrQeWR2FL5Ptl0wYOImZjuBN caesar This page part is protected against spam bots and web crawlers. In order to be displayed you need to enable Javascript in your browser, and then reload the page. concerning any other inquiries.