Religious Education

Click on Ministry links below for more information and current schedules.
 

 
Ministry Description Contact Meetings
Adult Faith Formation Bible Studies and Small Faith Sharing Groups provide scripture, book and video studies in an atmosphere of fellowship.  These groups meet at various times and days of the week.  New participants are always welcome. Carole Christensen, 503-644-2619 x74 Various times and days of the week.
Baptism

Baptism is the most important gift we can give our children.  It gives them a "new life" in water and the Spirit and affirms them as members of the parish community.

We offer Baptismal classes for parents with a child to be baptized.  This provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to review the sacrament and to receive support in living the Catholic faith within their family.

Registration required.

Carole Christensen, 503-644-2619 x74 Two-session classes offered to Parish members in July, September, November, January, March and May
Catechumenate / RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Instruction, prayer, and fellowship that assists adults and high school youth in the discernment process of joining the Catholic Church.  A faith-filled team joins the participants in understanding the traditions, doctrines, and observances of Catholicism through Sunday Liturgies and Rites, instruction, small and large group discussion, field trips, outreach, prayer, and social events.

Registration required.

Godparents/Sponsors are an important part of the faith journey of the adults in the RCIA.  If you are an active, confirmed Catholic, you are invited to help those seeking to join the church by being a sponsor.

Carole Christensen, 503-644-2619 x74 Tuesday, 7:00 PM, October-May
Catechumenate / RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) Designed for children over nine years of age who have not been baptized in the Catholic Church.  Instruction includes a variety of experiences that encourage children in their understanding of the faith and give them a deeper awareness of Jesus in their lives.  Parents must attend with their children.

Registration required.

Sr. Catherine Hertel, 503-644-2619 x63 During Elementary Religious Education classes and other scheduled times
Children's Liturgy Of The Word Meets year round during the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass.  Children process to the Parish Center for the Liturgy of the Word.  The Reading, Response, Gospel, Reflections, Creed, and Prayers of the Faithful are proclaimed and celebrated in vocabulary and language that the children can understand and fully participate in. Vicki Giampietro, Coordinator, 503-639-8745 During the Liturgy of the Word at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass
Confirmation Preparation (Adult) For active Catholics over the age of 18 who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Carole Christensen, 503-644-2619 x74 Tuesdays, 7:00 PM, October-May
Confirmation Preparation (High School) Our confirmation program is for high school freshmen and sophomores.  Confirmation candidates must attend classes twice a month on Tuesdays.  Students attending Catholic school may choose 9 of the 12 classes to attend. 

Students also have the opportunity to attend retreats and service projects, enabling them to experience the faith they are learning about in class.  The program ends with the celebration of the sacrament in the spring.

There will be an informational meeting for parents and teens regarding our confirmation program on Tuesday, July 14th at 7pm in the Parish Center.

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Jill Krebsbach, High School Youth Minister,  503-644-2619 x71 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 7:00-8:30 PM, in rooms A and B of the Parish Center
Elementary School (Grades 1-5) Catholic parents are the principal models and promoters of their children's faith formation.  St. Cecilia's elementary religious education program assists the parents of some four hundred students who attend local public schools by providing classes for the children and their parents.  Sixty men, women, and teens (Spanish and English speakers) volunteer their time as catechists and helpers.

Registration required.

We encourage parents to be involved and we invite families to join in special gatherings for prayer throughout the liturgical year.  The prayer services are open to all.

Adults:  This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved as a volunteer.  We need teachers, substitutes, and assistants in all grades and for special celebrations.  We train and screen all volunteers per Archdiocesan policy, providing for the learning and safety needs of each child.

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Sr. Catherine Hertel, 503-644-2619 x63 English Classes:
Sunday evenings, 6:00-7:30 PM, in St. Cecilia School
OR
Monday, 4:30-5:45 PM, in St. Cecilia School

Spanish Classes:
Monday or Wednesday, 6:45-8:00 PM, Sep-May, in St. Cecilia School

Families are encouraged to call for materials to home-school their child if these schedules are inconvenient.

The Franciscan Spiritual Center The Franciscan Spiritual Center, in Milwaukie, Oregon, offers an array of flexible, ecumenical programs, workshops, retreats and services to support the spiritual journey. The Center seeks to provide environments, experiences and resources for individuals and groups to use both stillness and activity on the path of spiritual growth and discovery. The Center is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

The Center is willing and ready to help your church or group design a special program, such as a workshop, retreat or talk that will stimulate some aspect of spiritual growth. Center staff members are trained and certified in many areas such as theology, spiritual direction, centering prayer, meditation, using the labyrinth for prayer, and communication skills. Contact the Center to request a planning session to design a spiritual experience to meet your needs.
503-794-8542  
High School Youth Ministry We invite all who are currently in ninth through twelfth grades, whether one attends public, private or home school, to join with us as we journey towards a deeper personal and spiritual relationship with one another and God.  High School Youth Ministry seeks to draw young people into a responsible participation of the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church.

Our program includes large and small group faith sharing, praise & worship, prayer, drama, hospitality, social, and community service, retreats, and liturgical ministries.  Additional activities include community service, retreats, concerts, youth conferences, and Youth on a Mission service projects.

Registration Required.

Volunteers:  Without parent, young adult and adult volunteerism, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive youth ministry program for our youth.  There are many different levels of commitment.  Give us a call and we will visit with you concerning your gifts and talents and how you can help support our efforts.

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Jill Krebsbach, High School Youth Minister,  503-644-2619 x71 Sunday, September-April, 6:15-8:00 PM, in the Parish Center
Hispanic Prayer Group Leadership This group gathers to grow and plan out upcoming events for the Hispanic Prayer Group. Juan Carlos Mejia, 503-469-9053 Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM, in the Parish Center (meet in the Fireside Room)
Hispanic RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) / Confirmation This program is for young adults and adults from ages 15 and up who want to receive a Sacrament, such as Confirmation, or want to grow in our Catholic faith. Jesus Ramirez, 503-642-1660 Sundays 12:00-2:00 PM, in the Parish Center (meet in the Fireside Room)
Hispanic Youth Group "Confiando en Cristo" Come join other teens, from ages 14 and up, in growing in our faith through praise and worship, dynamics, fundraising, prayer, and preaching of God's word. Eduardo Magana, 503-644-2619 x61 Fridays, 6:30-9:00 PM, in the Parish Center
Marriage Preparation The sacrament of Matrimony celebrates the lifelong love of a man and woman for each other.  Their vows express the covenant, or special bond of love, between the husband and wife, who administer the sacrament to one another in the presence of the Priest or Deacon and the entire community as witnesses.  Through their married love, spouses may become co-creators with God by bringing new life into the world.  They accept the responsibilities and joys of raising their children as members of the Body of Christ.

Couples must arrange for pre-marriage instructions at least six months prior to wedding date.

Parish Office, 503-644-2619 x0 Arranged at least six months prior to wedding date.
Middle School Youth Ministry Who?  This ministry is for all parish members in the 6th, 7th & 8th grades, who attend any of the Catholic, Charter, Home and Public Schools in the Beaverton area.

Registration required.

What?  Friends, Prayer, Service, Socials, Family Mass, Scripture Study, Catechesis and Fun Sharing our Catholic Faith.

Our ministry includes weekly gatherings with large and small-group activities. Our teachings emphasize the Bible, Catholic Teaching, and  how to connect our Catholic faith to the daily life of Middle School youth. We use scripture, games, prayer, discussion, and small-group breakouts to experience our faith while relating it to our lives.

We also offer a variety of special events that might include:

  • Soup Kitchen Service Projects
  • Pizza & Movie Nights
  • Retreats
  • Guest Speakers
  • Late Night Lock-In
  • C.Y.O Dances
  • Praise and Worship with the High School Youth

Adults:  We encourage parents to get involved as weekly catechists (teachers), chaperones, behind the scene helpers, and drivers for our special events. The bigger our adult volunteer team, the more activities that we offer. Contact Coordinator Carolyn Trumble at x72 to volunteer in this exciting youth ministry for out middle school youth!

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Carolyn Trumble, 503-644-2619 x72 Sundays, September-April, 6:15-8:00 PM, in St. Cecilia School (meet in the Library)
Our Lady of Peace Retreat House Our Lady of Peace Retreat House in Beaverton, OR is staffed by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. The founding charism of this order is "evangelization through missionary zeal and sacrifice." Specifically, the Retreat House in Beaverton fulfills its mission of evangelization by providing those in the Pacific Northwest with opportunities for weekend retreats throughout the year. The Retreat House also houses the largest Catholic gift shop and bookstore on the west side of Portland. The Retreat House is, essentially, a small vigil lamp that has continued to give light to this area since its inception in 1954.

A retreat provides a necessary "re-charge" for the Catholic apostolate. In a retreat, the persons attending observe the command of the Lord, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while" (Mk 6:31). Thus, in a retreat, the Catholic is made stronger in his or her commitment to Christ, and great graces are received that help one's families, neighbors and co-workers. This is why we liken our Retreat House to a little vigil light in the community, since many come here to rekindle their love for God and neighbor.

Please contact Our Lady of Peace Retreat House for availability and further details about our retreats.
503-649-7127 See Retreat Schedule
Sacramental Preparation  (First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation) Preparation for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion for all St. Cecilia parishioners, ages 7 years or older.  Most children in this program are in 2nd grade.  It is encouraged and preferable that the child have one year of Religious Education (usually Grade 1) prior to entering this program.  First Reconciliation is in January, and First Communion in May.

Registration and a copy of your child's Baptismal Certificate are required.

Parents:  Five Parent Meetings are required. These are held during class time (both afternoons & evenings), with some including the children.

NOTE: If your child is not baptized, or is baptized but older, refer to Catechumenate/RCIC information above.

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Sr. Catherine Hertel, 503-644-2619 x63 St. Cecilia parishioners who attend public school (includes bi-lingual English/Spanish class): Mondays, 4:30 PM, or Wednesdays, 6:45 PM, Sept-May, in St. Cecilia School

St. Cecilia School students: during their class at school

St. Cecilia parishioners who attend St. Mary's Grade School: special meetings TBA

School Advisory Council Encourages parent participation at the school and sponsors fund-raising activities for the school. Kathy Harp, 503-644-2619 x11 Third Thursday of each month, September-May, 6:00 PM, in the School Library
School Auction Committee The largest annual fundraiser for St. Cecilia School each year is the School Auction. This festive dinner and live auction raises approximately $150,000 to allow us to keep tuition affordable, upgrade our computer lab, enhance our science curriculum and expand our art literacy and music programs among other things. This year’s theme, Kids Caring for the Earth, teaches us the importance of caring for God’s most precious gift. We encourage the business community and individuals to support our cause with donations which ensure our success each year. The Auction Chair and the Auction Committee plan, promote and carry out the school auction held in the Spring. Auction Office, 503-644-2619 x32  
School Endowment Fund Ensures continued Catholic education by supplementing and supporting long-term funding and financing for the school. Michelle Hallett, 503-644-2619 x78  
School Parents Association Encourages parent participation at the school, sponsors fund-raising activities for the school, and coordinates volunteer participation. Matt Horne, 503-469-9714, or Molly Wright, 503-351-9223 Varies
SCRIP St. Cecilia School runs a scrip program that encourages you to purchase gift cards for many local and national stores and restaurants.  Our school earns money by purchasing the cards at a discount and then selling them at face value to our parents and parishioners.  Included are department stores, restaurants, grocery stores, fast food, bookstores, video stores and much more.  Pick up a list at the school or go on-line to the St. Cecilia website to see what is available.  Scrip is available at the school at the start and end of each day, and also after Mass at coffee and donuts. Heather Gentry, 503-644-2619 x1  
STAR: Student Tuition Assistance Resource This appeal offers parishioners an opportunity to affirm the value of Catholic education through tuition assistance funding for deserving students of St. Cecilia School. Michelle Hallett, 503-644-2619 x78  
Sunday Nursery
(1-3 years)
Sunday Nursery invites little ones ages 1 to 3 years to join in the fun, Sunday mornings during the 9 AM mass.  We offer quality play time with age-appropriate toys and activities.  At several times during the year, we join the Sunday Preschool for the Christmas presentation, the Food Procession, and the Procession of Flowers.  

Registration and Fee Required. 

Joye Boone, Coordinator, 503-644-2619 x70 Sundays during the 9:00 AM Mass, September-May, in the Parish Center
Sunday Pre-School
(3-5 years)
The program enriches the 3, 4, and 5 year-old preschool and kindergarten child's understanding of God through the Discovering God Program.  We use the Beginners Bible for Children, songs, prayer, music, and arts & crafts to blend learning of basic Catholic traditions and beliefs.  We have a terrific team of teachers, office staff, classroom helpers, and parents.  You are invited to add your talents and interests. 

Registration Form:  Page 1  Page 2

Joye Boone, Coordinator, 503-644-2619 x70 Sundays during the 9:00 AM and 10:45 AM Masses, September-May, in St. Cecilia School

No classes scheduled for Thanksgiving, Christmas, President's Day, Spring Break, and Easter holidays