Lifelong Formation & Education
Faith Formation and Religious Education Opportunities for the Parish Community
St. Thomas Church embraces the vision of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s pastoral on faith formation entitled “Teaching and Sharing Our Faith: Lifelong Formation and Education.” Our programs are partially funded by the archdiocesan Easter Collection and Catholic Education Foundation grants.
Adult Faith Formation
Heart, Mind, Body & Soul
Heart, Mind, Body, & Soul is an inventive program for adults that is unique to St. Thomas. It provides comprehensive, holistic education and formation opportunities for adults in all phases of the life-span, young adults through seniors. This well-regarded program responds to the particular learning needs of adult parishioners and offers top quality speakers and facilitators to encourage growth in faith and personal commitment.
Senior Adults
The Young at Heart program provides spiritual, educational and social activities that support and enhance community bonding among older parishioners.
Parent Formation
Parents take part in faith formation as a natural part of their children’s preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. This formation builds a sense of community and support among parents. It also enhances their understanding of the Church’s teachings on sacraments.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This process is for persons seeking Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is a rich experience of faith formation that builds a strong sense of community among participants. The RCIA process explores the treasures of the Catholic faith while responding to the questions of individual participants.. During ht liturgical year, participants experience the fullness of the Church’s powerful rituals of initiation, which culminate at the Easter Vigil.
Marriage Preparation
Teams of married couples pray, share, and dialogue with engaged couple to prepare them for married life.
Young Adults
This program provides opportunities for spiritual, social and service activities that enhance
community spirit and involvement of young adults.
Book Club
Provides and encourages group reading, discussion and faith sharing on books dealing with current issues concerning our Church, our world, and our individual lives.
Youth ministry
Youth in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to share their gifts by becoming involved with the parish community through spiritual formation, opportunities for service, and social activities.
Junior High Youth
The parish provides a two-year process that includes religious education and Confirmation preparation for those in grades 7 and 8. In the Sacrament of Confirmation we celebrate the fullness of initiation into the life of our Church, and invite participants to commit themselves to ongoing growth in faith and service.
Primary and Intermediate Children
The parish religious education program uses age-appropriate methods, strategies and technology to introduce Catholic teachings and heritage for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Sacraments, scripture and Catholic tradition are emphasized. All textbooks and materials used are approved by the Louisville Archdiocese and fulfill the curriculum set forth by the Catholic Conference of Kentucky in our statewide guidelines for religious education.
Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation: This family-oriented program is designed to raise each participant’s understanding of Catholic moral teaching and personal responsibility in living a Christian live. We ask that participants be in second grade or older and take part in a full year of formal religious education before entering into preparation for this sacrament.
First Eucharist : This family-oriented program is designed to foster an awareness of Catholic community in the Eucharist, which is the heart of Catholic worship. We ask that participants be in second grade or older and take part in a full year of formal religious education before entering into preparation for this sacrament..
Vacation Bible School
Children ages 3 - 12 are invited to take part in a variety of hands-on activities to illustrate key Biblical themes, including creation, the teachings of Jesus, and the ministry of the apostles, This fun-filled experience of faith enrichment occurs in early summer.
Altar Server Training
Training is provided for those interested in serving at the alter during the Eucharistic liturgy. Prospective candidates must be at least 9 years old to qualify for training.
Home Outreach
We provide formation opportunities and activities for parishioners who are homebound. Included are audio-taped homilies, pastoral visits by Eucharistic ministers and Home Touch, a lectionary-based study program.
Media Center
We provide a library and computer lab to meet religious education and formation needs, Parishioners are encouraged to check out books, periodicals, references and various resources, The computer lab provides internet access for additional learning and enrichment.
Formation Team
This representative body of the parish provides consultation to the director of religious education in matters of lifelong faith formation. Members include
Tammy Ballard (Chairperson), Lee Mattingly (Vice-Chair), Rene Vernon (Secretary), Emanuel Ballard, Donna Williams, Scott Turner, Jeff Peek, Melissa Cecil,
Sharon Wathen, Jan Sidebottom, & Linda Lewis (Ex: Officio)