Religious Formation
Policies
Sacramental Preparation
Newly registered members observe a three-month waiting period before beginning preparations for any sacrament.
Baptismal Preparation
Overview of the requirements for infant baptism: These requirements apply to parents wishing to have their child who is less than seven years old baptized at Holy Spirit. Parents should familiarize themselves with these requirements and then call the parish office at 480-838-7474 to begin the process to have their child baptized.
1) Parents registered in a parish other than Holy Spirit, but desiring to have their child baptized at Holy Spirit, should complete the baptism preparation at their home parish. The home parish will then send a letter to the pastor of Holy Spirit stating that the home parish baptism preparation requirements have been satisfied and requesting that the baptism be performed at Holy Spirit.
2) Parents who are members of Holy Spirit, or not registered in another parish, wishing to have a child baptized at Holy Spirit should call the parish office as soon as possible to schedule a welcoming discussion with the parish Baptism Coordinator. In that conversation the Coordinator will go over the specific requirements for preparation for the sacrament for your child. The initial paper work will be completed. A provisional date will be set for the baptism. The date will not be final until all preparation requirements have been completed.
3) Unless otherwise determined by the Baptism Coordinator, because of a previous baptism preparation class or the equivalent, parents are required to attend a baptism preparation class. The class may be taken at Holy Spirit or at another location. If the class is not taken at Holy Spirit, you must provide the Baptism Coordinator with a copy of proof of attendance. It is recommended that the baptism class be completed during pregnancy. Baptism preparation classes at Holy Spirit are usually held on the second Saturday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM. The date for attendance at a class will be discussed at the initial welcoming discussion with the Baptism Coordinator.
4) The Catholic Church asks that there be one or two godparents. If there are to be two godparents, one should be male and the other female. A godparent must be a fully initiated (baptized, confirmed, and first Eucharist), practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. If married, the godparent must be married in the Catholic Church. The godparent should be a member of a Catholic faith community. Godparents are encouraged, but not required, to attend a baptism preparation class. Godparents are required to complete the form in the baptism packet affirming that they meet the requirements to serve as a godparent. Due to cultural traditions, there is no reason why others may not serve as honorary godparents to be part of the ceremony and an important part of the child’s life. However, the parents should inform the Baptism Coordinator of the two godparents who will be officially recorded in the baptismal record.
5) Parents selecting only one godparent may have a Christian witness serve with the godparent. A Christian witness must be a baptized Christian of a faith recognized by the Catholic Church. The Christian witness may be a Catholic not meeting all of the requirements for a godparent or they may be a practicing Christian of another denomination. A Christian witness is encouraged, but not required, to attend the baptism preparation class. The Christian witness must sign the appropriate form from the baptism packet.
6) Remember that the date for the baptism is provisional until all preparation requirements, including the baptism preparation class for the parents and signed forms from the godparents/Christian witness, have been completed and verified by the Baptism Coordinator. To avoid any inconveniences to you and your guests, please complete all requirements no later than two weeks before the provisionally scheduled baptism. If the requirements are not met at least two weeks before the provisional baptism date, the baptism will be rescheduled for a later date.
Celebration: Baptism of infants will generally be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the church. If the parents desire another time for the baptism, this should be discussed with the Baptism Coordinator at the welcoming discussion. There is no charge for baptism preparation or for the sacrament itself. However, many families make a donation to the church in thanksgiving for the gift of new life in baptism received by their child. Any donation would help the parish defray the cost of materials used for the sessions and the baptism along with the expense for the use of the church.
Marriage Preparation
Nine months minimum preparation time to begin prior to any other wedding plans or reservations; wedding date set after third meeting.
Called to Protect Training
In October of 2003, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops mandated through their Charter that all who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults receive Safe Environment Training. Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix continues to uphold the requirement that all who serve within the diocese must receive the Called to Protect Training. Church of the Holy Spirit calls every volunteer to be in compliance with this mandate from our bishop.
Call the parish office for a list of current Called to Protect Training classes with dates and locations.
Adult Formation
The following ministries are coordinated by Sister Carole Frances Miller, SSND. If you would like to assist in these ministries, or may be in need of these services, call the Adult Formation office (480-838- 7474).
RCIA: (The Rite Of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIA is a process of preparation for the commitment that comes with the reception into the Catholic Church.The initiation of new members takes place at the Easter Vigil each year. The participants meet every Tuesday, 7:00-9:00PM in the Social Hall.
Scripture Study
Scripture Study is held every Wednesday, 9:15-10:30AM, in the social hall. All are welcome! Bring your Bible.
Adult Confirmation Classes
Adult Confirmation Classes are for any adult, age 21 or older, seeking the sacrament of Confirmation.
For more information call Sister Carole Frances Miller, SSND (480-838-7474).
Elementary Formation: Pre-School - Grade 5
The following ministries for young children are coordinated by Christine Holmgren. Please call 480-838-3479 for further information.
Catechetical Formation
Age appropriate groups for Kindergarten and Elementary school age children meet weekly: Kindergarten on Sunday mornings and Grades 1 through 5 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Sacramental Programs
Sacrament preparation is offered to children who have been involved in Catechetical Formation for at least one year. Families are included in the child's journey toward Baptism, First Confession, Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Liturgy of the Word for Children invites children to hear the same scripture readings as adults, but presented in a language more appropriate for their understanding. The dismissal takes place Sundays during the 9 and the 11AM Masses. There is no registration requirement.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd-Atrium
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd-Atrium, a pre-school program based on the Montessori philosophy, uses scripture and liturgy as the children's sources for meditation and catechesis. Sessions for children three-six years old meet weekly.
Evenings for the Engaged
Teaching Couples
Married couples from the parish are trained in the diocesan program called Evenings for the Engaged. These couples then host a six week class in their home for three to four engaged couples to help them in their preparation for marriage. Teaching couples usually are asked to teach one or two classes a year.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Holy Spirit Youth Ministry follows the guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Youth Ministry, published in 1997, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. Holy Spirit's Youth Ministry staff and volunteers strive to meet the goals of that document. These goals are to empower young people to live as disciples of Christ in our world today, to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community, and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
The following programs are available for youth here at Holy Spirit:
Young Apostles
Young Apostles is a program for students in grades six-eight. Social events, service projects, and retreats are held throughout the year. Contact Jr. High Coordinator Kay Price for more information or call the Youth Ministry office at 480-838-1418 to register for religious education classes.
High School and Young Adult Ministry
Contact coordinator Sean Garrison for more information or view the High School and Young Adult web pages for details on current programs and activities.
Teen Sacrament Program
Please call the Youth Ministry office 480-838-1418 to begin preparation process for teens who are in need of Baptism, First Eucharist, and/or Confirmation.
6PM Mass
Teens and adults are invited to participate as Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, altar servers, ushers, musicians, or choir.