Adult Faith Formation Committee
Epiphany Parish has a commitment to provide programs that will assist adults who seek to grow in faith and holiness throughout their adult life through ongoing Faith Formation. Adult maturing faith is marked by a life of prayer and openness to God’s call; the ability to articulate one’s faith and to share it with others; a growing understanding and appreciation of theology, Scripture, and the liturgical life of the church; and the desire and ability to reach out to others in works of justice and mercy. To foster this life of faith, adult programs are offered at various times and days to accommodate as many people as possible.
Meet: Once a month or as needed.
Contact: Religious Education Department, (941) 615-0293 or Email Here
Catechist (Teaching Faith Formation)
Catechists are people who have answered a call to minister to our children/youth/adults and who have prepared in a variety of ways to serve as catechists. Above all, they are people for whom faith is important enough to share. While our parish Faith Formation Program does have a professional staff, our catechists help fulfill the goals of the ministry as the volunteer staff of the program. The professional staff could not fulfill the ministry of this program without your service to others in our parish community. Safe Environment training, fingerprinting, and background check are required for all Catechists.
All volunteers for the Diocese of Venice are required to complete a Volgistics Volunteer Application.
Contact: Religious Education Department at (941) 615-0293 or Email Here
OCIA Sponsors
O.C.I.A. Sponsors are men or women who agree to walk the O.C.I.A journey with one of the candidates. Sponsors support their O.C.I.A candidates by attending classes with them, participating in the liturgical rites of the O.C.I.A., introducing them to parishioners and parish life, and offering them their prayers and friendship. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics, be at least 16 years of age and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Contact: Religious Education Department at (941) 615-0293 or Email Here
Religious Education for Special Needs Individuals (RESI)
Our Mission Statement: A ministry that welcomes God’s people by acknowledging that all individuals can learn, pray and have a relationship with God.
Meet: 6:00 - 7:00 pm every Wednesday
We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday here at Epiphany Cathedral in Soy Bldg., Rm. 107, beginning Wednesday, August 24, 2022.
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota.
Our group consists of friends from 10-55 years old
If you know a person with special needs that would like to develop a deeper relationship with God, and to recognize themselves as a person of dignity who is loved by God, please join our circle of friends.
Contact: Colleen DeVita (941) 928-5819 or Email Colleen Here
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation is a process through which adults and children complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. O.C.I.A. consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals. There is no specific length of time for each period. The process is a journey in faith that takes as long as it takes.
Who is this O.C.I.A. process for?
- Adults and children (above Grade 2) who are not baptized.
- Those who are baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who were never formed in the Catholic faith and have not completed their initiation, i.e. those who have not received the sacrament of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Contact: Religious Education Department at (941) 615-0293 or Email Here