Our Lady Star of The Sea Parish at 545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 US - Programs - Faith Formation, Education & Prayer

I. Adult Religious Education

Purpose:  To help adults better understand and practice their faith. 

Working from parishioner suggestions, diocesan and Vatican pronouncements, as well as current events, our religious design is to facilitate programs for anyone interested in learning more about Christian faith and Catholicism.  The goal is to give perspective to the tools, trappings and mysteries of faith and help participants better integrate Catholic beliefs in their lives.  Classes are held in the Spring and Fall and are open to Catholics and non-Catholics.

Events/Programs:

Program Needs: Volunteers are needed to help with childcare and refreshments.

II. Faith-sharing Groups

Purpose: To help parishioners deepen their faith through scripture study, discussion and prayer.

In the intimacy of parishioner homes, small groups meet to study the Bible.  Meetings are typically weekly and run from September to May.

Events/Programs: Groups typically meet weekly to study the Bible from September through May in parishioners’ homes.

Program Needs: Volunteers are needed to act as facilitators in new and existing groups; training is available.
 

Purpose: To help baptized adults who have already celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist but who have not celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation to discover their readiness for the Sacrament through a concise study and classroom discussion on the Creed, Sacraments, the Moral Life, a healthy prayer life and a commitment to the service of the less fortunate.  These classes are held each spring over a seven week period.

Events/Programs:  8 weeks of evening classes on scripture, church history, sacraments, and morality; preparation also emphasizes the development of a healthy prayer life and a commitment to the service of the less- fortunate.

Program Needs: Volunteers are needed to work as facilitators in a team setting.
 

Purpose: To prepare parents of infants and young children (under 7 years of age) to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism; required before the Baptism can be scheduled, unless the class has been taken within the previous 2 years.

Events/Programs: This one-evening class is offered monthly. It includes instruction on the meaning of Catholic Baptism, discussion of the responsibilities of Christian parenthood, explanation of the Rite of Baptism, and guidance in the selection of godparents. Parents are encouraged to take this course before the child is born.

Program Needs: Young couples with children are invited to assist in this ministry.
 

Purpose: Our Lady Star of the Sea Religious Education offers classes for students in grades K-12 who are not currently attending a Catholic School. Registration forms are available in the Religious Education Office and can be downloaded (see below).  All students must register each year.

Level 1 Catechist Classes are offered through the Parish as well as through the Diocese of St. Augustine.

Program Needs: We are always in need of new teachers and substitutes, as well as volunteers to help with drop-off/pick-up. Self-study courses and diocesan seminars are available for new teachers.

New Catechists, to register for a Protecting God's Children class please visit:
http://www.dosafl.com/index.php?page=policies/protecting

Safe Environment for Children is taught each year to 1st, 5th and 7th Grades.  For additional  information, please follow this link and access the information under "Children and Youth Safety Program":   http://www.dosafl.com/index.php?page=features/safeenvironment

Click here for 2012-2013 Religious Education Registration Letter
http://home.catholicweb.com/olsspvb/files/ReligiousEducationRegistrationLetter.pdf

Click here for 2012-2013 Registration Paperwork
http://home.catholicweb.com/olsspvb/files/ReligiousEducationRegistrationPaperwork.pdf

Click here for 2012-2013 New Family Enrollment Forms
http://home.catholicweb.com/olsspvb/files/NewFamilyEnrollmentForms.pdf

 Click here for 2012-2013 Our Lady Star of the Sea Religious Education Handbook
http://home.catholicweb.com/olsspvb/files/ParentStudentHandbook.pdf

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ!
Please take the time to read all the files as there is a lot of important information in them. You will need to review page 11 of the Parent/Student Handbook with your child/children then all the children you are enrolling are required to sign the Acknowledgment Form on page 12 of the Handbook in addition to a parent/guardian signing it.

If you are unable to print the paperwork, you are welcome to stop by the Religious Education Office where we are happy to print it for you.

Please return the Religious Education registration forms as well as the other forms listed below.

If you are enrolling more than once child you will need to print out an additional student form for each child. We also need to know the Medical information and learning challenges of each child.

Fill out all forms completely and neatly. Please return the following to the Religious Education Office by Thursday, August 16, 2012 to avoid the late fee.

1. The registration forms (found in the PDF File)

2. Emergency Contact/Medical and Learning Challenges Form

3. The Class (Day/Time) Selection Form

4. Authorization for Pick up Form

5. Photo Release Form

6. Baptismal Certificates for your child/children (if they are not already on file)

7. Transfer Letter if applicable

8. Acknowledgment Form from page 12 of the Religious Education/C.C.D. handbook that has been signed by ALL the children you enroll and a parent/guardian.

9. Payment in full.
 

Purpose: To assist lay Catholics in the deepening of their faith and in their ability to share that faith with others.

Events/Programs: Twice a year, a 3-day retreat is offered at Marywood. Continued growth is encouraged through weekly group reunions and monthly Ultreyas (“gatherings”).  
 

Mission Statement: Palmer Catholic Academy Preschool of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church provides early learning and developmentally oriented programs created in a Christ-centered environment, which promotes enrichment and growth for our parish children. Staffed by certified teachers and assistants, the programs promote a warm, comfortable, positive one that enables each child to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Shooting Stars & Mommy & Me Programs  are offered for children ages 18-36 months

Program Needs: There are volunteer opportunities available.  Click here to view information regarding security clearance for volunteers.

Purpose: A unique approach to revitalizing Christian marriage, Diocesan Marriage Renewal helps couples explore important areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding.

Events/Programs: Weekend programs are offered 5-6 times a year at Marywood. Additional support is offered to couples through “Circle Meetings” held on the 2nd Friday of each month from September through May.
 

Purpose: To promote devotion to Christ’s sacramental presence in the Eucharist, and to pray for an end to abortion, an increase in vocations to priesthood and religious life, and that all will be open to the message of salvation.

Events/Programs: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the 1st Friday of each month, beginning at 8 pm and concluding at 8 am on Saturday.

Program Needs: Members of the Society make a 1-hour commitment per month. 

Mission Statement:  Palmer Catholic Academy of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church provides the foundation for academic excellence in a caring, safe and Christ-centered environment.  Our goal is to motivate each child to develop sound Catholic values for future success.

Palmer Catholic Academy is located at 4889 Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, approximately one mile west of A1A on County Road 210.  We are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference and are a state-of-the-art facility with over 450 students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.  A testament to our approach is our designation as a National Blue Ribbon School, achieved just five years after our founding.  This distinction is reserved for the top ten percent of all private elementary schools in the nation.  We think this speaks volumes for the quality of our school, but it really is just the beginning.

Purpose: To provide the children of our parish and community with a quality elementary (K-8) education within a loving Catholic environment.

Events/Programs: Palmer Catholic Academy enrolls students from kindergarten through the 8th grade.

Program Needs: Volunteers are needed every day for a variety of needs; opportunities are organized primarily through the Home & School Association (HSA).
 

Purpose: We gather together weekly to pray for the intentions brought to us by Our Lady Star of the Sea parishioners.

Events/Programs: The group meets for 90 minutes each Wednesday at home (near the parish grounds) after the 8:30 am Mass.  In addition to the specific petitions and prayers brought by the group, the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet are prayed.

Program Needs: Petitions can be brought to the meeting or placed in the petitions box in the church.
 

Purpose: RCIA is for any adult who is not baptized, any adult who was baptized in another Christian faith tradition, or any baptized Catholic who has not received their First Communion and/or First Penance.  RCIA prepares these adults for full communion with the Catholic Church.

Events/Programs/Time Commitment:  Beginning in September and ending in May, participants attend weekly Monday meetings from 7:30-9:00 pm. The basic teachings of the Catholic faith are presented in these meetings.  Sponsors assist the participants on their faith journeys through shared prayer and conversation.  In addition, there are special ceremonies throughout the year, culminating in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.

Program Needs: Team members are needed to assist with the weekly meetings and special ceremonies.  Sponsors are needed to help guide participants through the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church.  Sponsors are expected to attend the Monday classes and all of the special ceremonies in which they play a role.
 

Purpose: To teach Bible stories to young children in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Events/Programs: This one-week (Monday through Friday mornings) summer program includes opportunities for the children to do crafts, sing songs, and play games.

Program Needs: Teen and adult volunteers are needed for teaching and supporting roles. Assistance is also needed with fundraising to help expand our resources for teaching and crafts.
 

Purpose: Bible study groups discuss and read scripture and commentary in a group setting.

Events/Programs: Women Bible Study, Men Bible Study and Co-Ed Bible Study groups are available.  Morning and Evening times available.