The Parish School of Religion (PSR)
has as its primary concern the spiritual development of the children of St. Mary Parish who attend public schools from Preschool through Grade 7. Classes are held on Sunday mornings. For further information or to register for classes, please contact the office of Religious Education (religiouseducation@marionstmary.org, 740-382-2262) .
St. Mary Youth Ministry
offers programs and events for young people of the parish (grades 9-12) to learn the traditions of our Faith and how to incorporate them into their own lives. For more information, please call Mark Starrs, Youth Minister at 740-387-6225 for more information.
Sacramental Preparation
At St. Mary, a parish-based approach is required for the reception of the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Students preparing for these sacraments are to be baptized Catholics and receiving religious education as students at St. Mary Elementary School, the Religious Education Program, or Life Teen. Meetings are held during the year to assist parents in their role of preparing their children for First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- First Penance is celebrated before First Eucharist.
- First Eucharist is celebrated as a group after Easter.
- Confirmation is celebrated for our eighth grade students by the Bishop.
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation preparation is held during the eighth grade year. Students are confirmed by the Bishop. Contact the office of Religious Education (religiouseducation@marionstmary.org, 740-382-2262) for more information.
Infant Baptisms
Parents wishing to have their child baptized at St. Mary must be registered members of the Parish, and both parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class (held four times a year) at times announced in the parish bulletin. You can register for the class by calling the Office of Religious Education (religiouseducation@marionstmary.org, 740-382-2262). Baptisms are normally held after the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Other arrangements can be made by calling the parish priest.
Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation needs to begin no later than six months prior to the date of the intended marriage. A wedding date cannot be set until the priest is contacted. Call the Parish Office and request to speak with the priest. Each couple is required to participate in the Pre-Cana experience. Brochures on Pre-Cana and copies of our Parish Marriage Guidelines may be obtained from the Parish Office or at the preliminary meeting with the priest.
Some general information about the Sacrament of Marriage can be found at www.foryourmarriage.org.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is the Church’s process of initiating adult members into the Catholic Faith. This process involves the teaching of Scripture, prayer, catechesis on Catholic doctrine, faith sharing, and the direct contact with members of St. Mary Parish. The RCIA provides Liturgical Rites to be celebrated during the process to full Church membership at the Easter Vigil. Call the Parish Office for more information.
Adult Faith Formation
supports our life-long formation in growing in our union with the Triune God. Programs such as Bible studies; presentations on prayer, spirituality, faith, sacraments, and Christian living; retreats; community and service activities; as well as, training for various apostolates for the laity fall under Adult Faith Formation. Many smaller study and community service groups fall under its umbrella and have its support. Its purpose is life-long education/formation in the Faith, Christian service, and evangelization through its various smaller groups and in its overall structure.
