The Christian Formation Program.docx

THE CHRISTIAN FORMATION PROGRAM The Christian Formation Office In its core, Christian Formation is centered in Christ who reveals the Father to us and leads us back to the Father in the Holy Spirit within the Church. Christian Formation in Saint Michael College therefore has only one aim – to enable our students to have a deep and personal encounter with Jesus Christ who is priest, prophet, and king-servant. This three-fold mission of Christ is thus reflected in the three essential components of Christian formation, namely, Religious Education (prophetic ministry), Campus Ministry (priestly ministry), and the Social Action Ministry (kingly ministry) which is handled by the Community Extension Services Office.

VISION 

A community centered in Christ and committed to His mission

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A community within the Church, one with her in the task of evangelization

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A community one with our people in their inspiration towards human dignity, unity, peace, and justice and in their efforts for the social and moral reconstruction of the Filipino nation

MISSION 

To proclaim Jesus Christ as the Good News to all and as the Lord of all life and history

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To build believing, worshipping, and serving Catholic Christian communities rooted in the Word of God and truly Filipino

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To work for the transformation of persons and structures in line with Gospel values

Religious Education The Catholic School forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education in the faith. Thus, Catholic Faith education must be imparted in the school curriculum. The Religious Education (RE) curriculum of Saint Michael College offers a systematic and organic catechesis that is programmed with a definite goal of leading the Michaelinians “to awaken, nourish and develop their life of faith” (CT 21). It is Christocentric, kerygmatic, and experiential in its approach. The underlying objectives to realize the goal of the RE Program include the following: a) Understanding and appreciation of the sources of our Catholic Faith according to the level of the students; b) Basic knowledge of the truths of the Catholic faith pronounced in the Creed; c) Understanding of the basic principles and practices of Catholic morality; d) Interest in prayer and active participation in the Church’s liturgy and Sacraments; e) Sense of belonging and meaningful involvement in the life of the Church; f) Translating Gospel truths, moral principles, spiritual attitudes into concrete acts in ordinary daily life.

Campus Ministry Through the Campus Ministry Michaelinian education creates in the school a Catholic Christian environment by providing opportunities for growth in the sacramental and prayer life. Liturgical celebrations, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and religious activities to mark special Church events are organized to meet the goal of the Campus Ministry. In coordination with the parish / diocese, the Sacraments are also made available during the school year. Retreats and recollections are special moments when members of the school community set aside longer and quality time for their personal spiritual life. While celebrations lead the members of the school community to worship and prayer, signs and symbols remind them of their Faith. Bulletin boards, projects that express the Christian Message or Gospel values, posters, contests, advocacy, etc. can help enhance a Catholic Christian environment in the campus. The following are the objectives of the Campus Ministry program: a) To set and ensure a Christ-centered climate in the school. b) To provide avenues for everyone to practice the Faith, grow in mutual service and fraternal charity, and celebrate God’s love in the liturgy, popular devotions, and faithsharing. c) To internalize the vision-mission of the school to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Good News to all. CAMPUS MINISTRY PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES 1. Liturgical Celebrations The heart of the life of faith in the college is the Eucharist, the “source and summit of the Christian life” (LG 11). a. Eucharistic Celebration Grade School Department Second Friday of the month High School Department Third Thursday of the month College Department Fourth Friday of the month Institutional every First Friday of the Month Feast Day Masses (St. Michael, St. Paul, Nativity of Mary, Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Holy Spirit Mass) Novena Masses (St. Michael, Assumption, Immaculate Conception, St. Clare, Aguinaldo Mass) b. Sacrament of Reconciliation 2. Prayer Opportunities Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities to pray both alone and in community. Please see below for some of the regular chances to pray. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month Recitation of the Holy Rosary Recitation of the Angelus (noon and evening) Divine Mercy Prayer (3:00 pm daily) Daily reading of the Gospel during flag ceremony Short examen 5 minutes before the noon Angelus

3. Liturgical Ministries Every liturgical celebration encourages the full, conscious, and active participation of all. Students are invited to serve as lectors, commentators, servers, musician, and choir members and to assume roles for campus liturgies. a. Ministry of the Word (Lectors’ Ministry) b. Ministry of the Altar (Altar Servers) c. Music Ministry 4. Sacramental Preparation a. b. c. d.

First Confession First Communion Confirmation Baptism

5. Para-liturgical Celebrations and Popular Devotions Services marking special church events or seasons are also held throughout the school year. a. Advent Services  Advent Wreath Para-liturgy b. Lenten Services  Stations of the Cross  Imposition of Ashes  Lenten Pilgrimage c. Rosary Month  Living Rosary  Rosary Walk / Marian Pilgrimage  Room-to-Room Rosary d. Dawn Processions 6. Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) / Faith Sharing Classes from elementary to college hold a weekly Basic Ecclesial Community faith sharing session supervised by their respective advisers or teachers in-charge. This is a venue for students to listen and reflect upon the Sunday Gospel and share experiences with one another. Grade School High School College Faculty & Staff

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every Wednesday every Thursday once a month once a month

7. Retreats and Recollections Once each academic year recollections and retreats allow participants to refresh their relationship with God. Recollections are also given to parents and the academe. Graduating students attend retreats prior to graduation. 8. Catechesis Catechetical sessions are given every Thursday to pupils of Cantilan East Central Elementary School. Volunteer catechists are third year and fourth year students who are

outstanding in service, commitment and learning. College students also extend catechetical service in the adopted community. 9. Vocation Discernment, Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling Talks, conferences, or symposia on vocations are given to senior high school and college students especially during the months of September and October. The School President also offers vocational counseling and spiritual direction. 10. Advocacy, Information and Communication   

Maintains prayer rooms/nooks, religious organizations, bulletin board displays, etc. Mobilizes students in the preparation of posters and displays to inform the school community of current Church concerns. Initiates talks and seminars on Church teachings, issues, events, etc.

11. The School Chapel The entire academic community is blessed and privileged to have a chapel available for personal and communal prayer, liturgical and para-liturgical services. It is always open for students and teachers to come and pay the Lord a visit.