The Faith Formation Committee is one of the five standing committees of the Pastoral Council.  This advisory committee is responsible for recommending and supporting the direction of our parish catechetical programs for children, youth and adults. This committee works to bring awareness to the parish community of the importance of personal conversion, evangelization and growth in the Catholic faith.  Numerous opportunities exist for involvement with the committee and/or to participate in, organize, lead or teach in the various areas listed below.

Chairperson: needed

Crucial to building a strong, personal relationship with God is continual growth in faith by exploring prayer, morality, scripture and Catholic tradition. To support parishioners in their need for lifelong learning, a number of faith formation programs are offered at St. Bruno. Programs include Dynamic Men’s Group, FOCCUS, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and Baptism preparation.
 

-Dynamic Men's Group
The Dynamic Men’s Group focuses on the development of men in the modern world. It combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. This group meets on Thursday mornings at 5:30 a.m. beginning with a complimentary breakfast.

-FOCCUS
FOCCUS stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding Study.  FOCCUS is a tool to help engaged couples learn more about themselves and the manner in which they relate to their partner.  Couples are paired with parish mentor couples who help the engaged couples appreciate their unique relationships, learn more about themselves, and discuss topics important to their lifelong marriage.
 
-RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
RCIA is a time for you to ask questions, grow in your faith, and decide whether you want to join the Church and receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).  Throughout this process you will attend sessions where you will learn the richness of the teachings of Christ through the Scriptures and Traditions of the Church.  You won’t be on this journey alone:  we will help you choose a Sponsor, someone to walk with you as you discover, questions, and pray about receiving the Sacraments which are conferred at the Easter Vigil Mass the night before Easter Sunday. If you have already been baptized in another Christian tradition, you are also welcome to journey to the sacraments at the Easter Vigil!  In addition, adults who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation can be part of the RCIA instruction specific to this sacrament.

Child/Family Ministry recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children. Child/Family Ministry supports parents in helping their children know and encounter Christ by providing catechetical instruction in scripture, doctrine, prayer and worship for children in kindergarten through grade eight. This instruction includes class sessions, family sessions, involvement in Sunday Mass, and sacrament preparation.

-Catechists
Act as the lead teacher at each grade level for faith formation, responsible for planning and teaching grade appropriate lessons.

-Catechist aides
Assist the Catechist in their Sunday lessons

-Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders
Leaders take the young children (ages 3-7) out of Mass to hear the readings of the day, presented in a way that children can understand. They present a reflection on the readings, and will have an activity to reinforce the concepts. This is done during the 10:30 Mass.

-Small Group Leader
For the Middle School program, we use a "youth group" method of learning. Students gather in a large group for an opening and closing activity, but meet in small groups to talk about the lesson of the day, and do activities to reinforce the concept. Small group leaders meet with the same group of students all year and lead discussions and activities.

Youth Ministry fosters the spiritual growth of ninth through eleventh graders. The leadership team provides students with a strong Catholic experience through instruction and small group sessions. Youth Ministry offers a variety of faith enhancing experiences during the year including the Wisconsin Catholic Youth Rally, Steubenville Youth Conference, retreats, service opportunities and mission trips. Students receive formation for Confirmation preparations during their junior year.
 
-Group leaders