Religious Formation

Our Parish Mission Statement

We, the entire community of St Bonaventure Parish, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all areas of our lives and recognize Christ in all people. We believe in and are witness to love of God, self and others. We seek an enduring faith community through Mass and sacraments, prayer and scripture, family and Catholic tradition. We pledge ourselves to charity through apostolic works and unselfish giving. While recognizing the family as the foundation of religious education, we commit ourselves to preserving, developing and enhancing our Catholic faith through education. We invite all encourage everyone to join us in sharing Christ's ministry to which we are called in Baptism.

BAPTISM, EUCHARIST & CONFIRMATION
For more information see Sacraments page

How do I arrange to have our baby baptized?
Call the parish office to make arrangements (846-3359).

Children six years old and older need to attend religious education classes or the parish school to prepare for baptism. Call the Religious Education Office at 846-1187.

Teenagers wishing to be baptized and to receive First Holy Communion (Eucharist) contact the Director of Youth Ministry at 840-6060.

Confirmation classes for high school freshmen through age18 are a two year process. Sign up at the Youth Ministry office at 840-6060. Confirmation for Adults classes are offered starting each year in January. No upper age limit.

Catholic Adults wanting to be fully initiated into the Church (Confirmation & Eucharist) attend the Christian Initiation for Adults process. Inquire at 846-2461.

Adults seeking entry into the Church attend the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.) This process takes the place of the former "Inquiry Classes". It is known as the catechumenate and is a recently restored rite of the church. It is a truly wonderful experience for the candidate and his/her sponsor. Sponsors are provided from parish membership.

MARRIAGE AND ANNULMENTS
See also Marriage FAQs

Marriage is a sacrament of the Church. Just as Jesus attended the wedding at Cana He also attends yours. The Church expects her members to be married before the priest and in the Catholic Church. Marriage is too important a step to be made in a hurry. Our parish extends a welcome to all who come here for marriage.
We ask a minimum of six months notice. That seems a lot of time but really is almost too little to take care of all that needs to be done. We have an excellent program of marriage preparation here at St Bonaventure. Call the Parish Center to get started - 846-3359.

Annulment cases come in many forms. Occasionally there are presentations on annulments at this and other local parishes. Anyone with questions is always welcome to call the Parish Center (846-3349). Ask to speak to one of the priests - or use our e-mail to find out what you need to know. Go to Annulments for more info.

FAITH SHARING COMMUNITIES

A Faith Sharing Community is a place to grow spiritually by sharing your faith, experience of God and your spiritual journey. It is place to pray, offer praise and petition with fellow believers. It is a way toward belonging and connectedness with your parish family. Faith sharing groups are small in size and large in personal spiritual growth. Call the Adult Formation and Education office at 840-0478.

Who was St Bonaventure?

Born, Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio, Italy around 1217, St Bonaventure has been called the greatest successor of St Francis of Assisi and is honored as the second founder of the Franciscan order. Little is known of his youth, but he himself claimed that he fell gravely ill while still a boy and was saved from death through the intercession of St Francis. He received his primary schooling at the friary in Bagnoregio then went to Paris around 1234 where he received a master of arts degree from the University of Paris. He then studied theology at the same university and went on to teach there for nine years. During this time he wrote many theological texts and received a masters and then a doctorate in theology.

Bonaventure's theological texts showed a deep understanding of Scripture and of the Fathers of the early church. He was regarded as an eloquent preacher and was considered by all who knew him to be a holy, wise and compassionate man. In 1257 he was named minister general of the Franciscan order. At that time there was much internal discord in the order and Bonaventure worked to reconcile the differences between the disputing factions. He is credited with preserving unity among the Franciscans and of reforming the order in the spirit of St Francis.

In 1273 Pope Gregory X named Bonaventure cardinal bishop of Albano, Italy. He then took a leading role in the Second Council of Lyons in which the Greek church was restored to unity with Rome. He died at the Council on July 15, 1274.

Bonaventure is quoted as saying "The perfection of a religious man is to do common things in a perfect manner. A constant fidelity in small things is a great and heroic virtue." He was canonized in 1482 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588.