Mass Schedule:
T-R 5:15, Sa 4:30, Su 8:30 & 10:30
Call us: 507-452-5656
Email us: stmarys@wacs1.org
1303 West Broadway
Winona, MN 55987
Saint Mary's Parish
Faith Formation
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About Our Faith Formation Director
Julie Walch
email: juwalch@wacs1.org phone: 507-452-5656, ext. 18
My name is Julie Walch and I have been the Faith Formation Director at St. Mary's Parish since 1999. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. Previously, I was a substitute teacher in area schools for nine years and taught preschool for three years. At the parish level, I was a catechist for many different grade levels and worked part time as a Faith Formation Director for a smaller parish for five years.
Faith Formation Links
Religious Publishing Companies
Religious Publishing Companies
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered during the 10:30m a.m. Mass on Sunday mornings. Children leave the church after the opening prayer and go to Queen of Peace Room to hear the children's version of the readings and reflect on the homily. They return to the church during the Offertory song. Adult catechists and youth helpers guide the children each week.
Children Celebrate! is used each Sunday for Children's Liturgy of the Word. The Gospel is summarized in a language appropriate for young children. Full-color leaflets are included for each child that retell the Scripture message in a way that's meaningful for children.
Click here to go to Pflaum Publishing Groups web site to access more family fun sheets for young children.
Sunday Nursery
Sunday Nursery is provided in the St. Joseph Room during 10:30 Mass on Sunday mornings. Parents may leave small children, usually age 3 and younger, while they attend Mass. Adult volunteers and youth helpers are in the Nursery each Sunday morning.
First Reconciliation
The sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated when children are in second grade. Parents and children begin the preparation by attending the First Reconciliation meeting in the fall. Children receive the sacrament at the Communal Reconciliation Service that is held in December.
First Eucharist
The sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated when children are in second grade. Preparation for First Eucharist begins after the First Reconciliation Service in December. First Eucharist is celebrated at all of the Masses during the first weekend of May. Families choose which Mass to attend.
Confirmation
Typically, students prepare and are confirmed during tenth grade year of high school. Confirmation preparation begins in the fall with an orientation meeting for parents and students. The Confirmation liturgy takes place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, usually on the third weekend of May. You may refer to the Policies and Procedures button for all the hand outs related to Confirmation Preparation.
Policies and Procedures
The Confirmation Welcome Letter and Registration Form is mailed to students during the month of September. Students and parents are invited to attend the Confirmation Overview Gathering at St. Mary's Parish in the fall to learn about the expectations for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. The documents below also offer more information about the journey to Confirmation.
Vacation Bible School
The Winona Catholic Community will be offering Vacation Bible School during the week of August 5-9, 2013, at Cathedral Church/School. Children are invited to SonWest Roundup to explore the exciting stories of Moses and discover God's ultimate power and His plan of salvation through Jesus.
Themes for past VBS programs have included:
The Vatican Express 2012
SonSurf Beach Bash 2011
Baobab Blast: God's Great Get Together - 2010
SonRock Kids Camp - 2009
"Say Yes, Like Mary" - 2008
Assorted Saints and the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Love - 2007
St. Patrick and the Holy Trinity - 2006
Exploring God's Creation - 2005
