Adult Catechumenate The R.C.I.A., a process by which people become members of the Catholic Church. They join the paschal journey of Jesus Christ and are introduced to Church doctrine, life, liturgy and apostolic life. Not only the catechumens and sponsors, but also the entire parish is involved in the process, through prayer, hospitality and personal support.

Baptism Preparation. This program is designed to give prospective parents a deeper appreciation of the sacrament by which the life encounter with Christ begins. It also aids the parents in fulfilling the responsibility of assuring that the life of faith begun through Baptism grows stronger with the passing of time. Parents-to-be are asked to contact the rectory about three months before the baby is born. All new parents are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Parents-to-be must be registered members of the parish prior to attending the class. Please contact the rectory to register for the class.

Children's Catechumenate Older children who need to prepare for Baptism, Reconciliation, and First communion meet weekly on Sunday mornings in a special program designed for their age and their needs.

Children' s Liturgy of the Word At the 4:30 p.m. Saturday and the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday, children ages 4-11 are dismissed to the sacristy where they hear the readings of that weekend from a Children's Lectionary and "break open" the Word of the Lord in ways expedient and meaningful to them. Adult volunteers are very welcome to help.

Confirmation Preparation. Youths to be confirmed are expected to have attended religious classes and/or Life teen regularly in previous years, and to be currently attending Mass weekly. Sponsors and parents are invited to attend a meeting so that they understand. Six experiential classes and one overnight retreat at the seminary make up the immediate preparation for the eleventh graders.

Elementary School. The school boasts modern facilities, including cafeteria, gymnasium, science laboratory, multi-media center, library, computer center, and health facilities. In addition to required subjects, the children have classes in art, music and computers. Upper classes receive instruction in a foreign language. Daily religion lessons are presented. Children have frequent opportunities for Confession and conferences with parish priests. The curriculum and calendar is prescribed by the New York State Department of Education and the Diocese of Buffalo. In inclement weather, the school is closed when the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda public schools are closed.

Home School Association This group affords parents opportunities to work with the school personnel for the benefit of St. Amelia School children. The Association provides financial and other assistance to the school. Meetings are held quarterly.

Library Maintained by the Office of Religious Education and staffed by volunteer, the library operates in the Church Narthex after each of the weekend Masses. Books and videos for adults and children are available for free rental.

Marriage Preparation. Couples contemplating marriage should contact one of the parish priests at least six months in advance. They are asked to take part in a preparation program whereby they meet with trained sponsor couple to reflect on marriage as a sacrament and on married life.

Mens Group. This group meets on Saturday mornings before the 8AM Mass. It is an opportunity for men to come together to study, learn about and share their faith.

Parents Meetings. Parents of first second and third graders are asked to attend meetings to help them prepare for Reconciliation and First Communion. Occasionally parents of children in other grades are invited to meet to reflect on the moral and spiritual development of their young people

Registration Committee. These men and women are concerned with welcoming new parish members. They provide registration sessions each month, where new members are welcomed, learn about the parish's programs and activities, and register as members of the parish.

Religious Education. With a professional Director of Religious Education the volunteer staff includes office workers, grade level leaders, teachers, and teacher's assistants. Resources include books, videos, tapes, magazines, posters, and liturgical and catechetical aids.

Religion Education Board. The Board monitors the religion classes and programs for public school children and meets quarterly to advise the pastor and the Director of Religious Education. The Board's goal is to ensure the highest possible quality of spiritual and religious formation for public school students.

Respect Life Committee. The Committee works to combat our world's greatest peril, the decline of respect for human life. It seeks ways and means to heighten people's appreciation for God's greatest gift.

School Board. This committee is comprised of professionals, with various backgrounds of expertise, who help ensue the highest possible quality of education in our school.

Scripture Study. An opportunity to delve into the Word of God and use the Bible as a source of inspiration and direction, Scripture Study is offered at times announced in the weekly bulletin.

Women's Discussion Group. Sponsored by the Bishop's Committee for Christian Home and family, the group or women 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 women.