Adult Catechumenate (RCIA). This process is designed for adults who wish to become members of the Catholic Church, and for adult Catholics who wish to complete their initiation by receiving the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Sessions take place following the Liturgy of the Word at the
9 a.m. Sunday Mass. Parishioners can help the candidates by serving as “Gospel Sharers”, that is, by reflecting on a given Sunday Gospel and sharing their thoughts with the candidates. Volunteers usually do this once a year. For information, contact Meg Kuntz at 694-0792 or JoAnn Long
at 833-8882.

Baptismal Preparation. New parents who are preparing to present their child for baptism take part in a preliminary session, where veteran parents help them understand their role as the first educators of their children in the faith. This session is offered on a monthly basis, and new parents can register by calling the Rectory. Parents who would like to consider being part of this ministry can find out more by calling Brian Ruh at 836-0011.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word. At the 4:30 Saturday Vigil Mass, and on Sunday mornings at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses, children ages 411 are dismissed to the sacristy where they hear the assigned readings from the Children’s Lectionary, along with an explanation on their age level. Adult volunteers conduct the sessions. If you can lend a hand, as a presenter or a helper, please call Brian Ruh at 836-0011.

Home School Association. This group of parents helps to facilitate close ties between the school and the home, for the benefit of the school children. The Association also provides financial assistance, and sponsors social events like skating parties, fatherdaughter dances, and similar activities for the enrichment of the children and their parents. If you’d like to learn more, please call the school at 836-2230.

Lending Library. The library, located in the Church narthex, provides books and videos for adults and children to take home and use at their leisure. The library is staffed by volunteers and is generally open after all the weekend Masses. Adjacent to the library is a display of pamphlets and audio CDs available for purchase.

Marriage Preparation Program. Couples preparing for marriage take part in our preparation program. The program is presented by married couples, and is offered periodically. Married couples who can share their experience of marriage with engaged couples are welcome to consider being part of this vital ministry. To find out more, please contact Ben and Heather Cooper at 807-7674.

Religious Education. Religion classes for pupils in public school are offered during the school year on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30, and on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:45. Adult volunteer catechists conduct these sessions, often assisted by high school or college youth. Classes are limited to 18 children. Adults and young people who would like to help can call the Religious Education Office at 833-8647. Children in grades 49 also have the option of attending the Summer School of Religion, a 30hour program offered for ten days in July. Summer classes are from 9 till noon, and are taught by professional teachers. The summer program includes a field trip, conferences with the priests, opportunities for confession, and celebration of liturgy.

Children’s Catechumenate. Designed for older children who are preparing for Baptism, First Penance, and First Eucharist, this program takes place on Sunday mornings, following the Liturgy of the Word at the 9 a.m. Mass. To learn more, please contact Nancy Strychasz at 833-2330.

Coffee Hours. From time to time, the parish invites Sunday worshippers to the cafeteria after Mass for a presentation on a particular topic. Coffee and pastry is served, and the presenter speaks for a half hour. Then there is an intermission, when folks can leave, or stay an extra half hour for questions and answers.

Confirmation Preparation. After completing the curriculum for grades 9 and 10, in Catholic High School or in the parish program, eleventh graders take part in a series of six home sessions conducted by volunteer parents, in the fall. Service projects and a retreat experience complete the preparation process. Confirmation takes place in late November.

Elementary School. Since its inception in 1955, four thousand young men and women have graduated from St. Amelia School. We are the only school in New York State to boast these five “stars”: designated “excellent” by the Council on Private Education, named a National “Blue Ribbon” School of Excellence, certified as a New York State School of Excellence, named a National School of Character, and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school’s 500 pupils comprise students of varied religious backgrounds, including the Jewish and Hindu faiths. Generous financial aid is available. For more information, call the school at 836-2230, or visit online at www.stameliaschool.org.

Respect Life Committee. This committee works to combat what Pope John Paul II termed “the culture of death”. It seeks ways and means to heighten our awareness of God’s greatest gift – the gift of life. To learn more, please contact Father Mark at 836 0011.

Scripture Study. We explore various books of the bible using the DVD series of Bible Studies of Catholic teachers Jeff Cavins and Scott Hahn. Sessions are held on Thursdays from September thru May, in the Rectory meeting room from 10 till 11:30 a.m. New participants are welcome at any time. For more information, call Jane M. Brown at 837-2679 or Harriette Hoebel at 835-5996.

Vacation Bible School. Held the last week of July each year, VBS is a fun way for children from kindergarten through grade 5 to become better aquainted with Jesus and the Word of God. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. to noon, and include songs, games and crafts, and of course refreshments. High school students volunteer their time to help the program run smoothly. Call the Religious Education Office at 833-8647 for more information.

Women’s Discussion Groups. Sponsored by the Bishop’s Committee for Christian Home and Family, these groups are comprised of women who meet monthly and use a discussion guide provided by the diocese, to share their ideas and experiences, and to support each other in their vocation as Catholic wives and mothers.