At Saint Bernadette, we hope to provide the best possible religious education for our parish community. Together, our programs can work as a resource, preparing our children, young adults, and adults for the sacraments and continuing to nourish our community’s faith formation. At Saint Bernadette, we hope to provide the best possible religious education for our parish community. Together, our programs can work as a resource, preparing our children, young adults, and adults for the sacraments and continuing to nourish our community’s faith formation.
This past year we offered:
• RCIA – for all interested in joining the Catholic Church, 7-9pm Mondays in the Bradican Room
• Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Thursday morning Bible studies;
• Lenten Small Groups program;
• The Called and Gifted Workshop, September 7, 2019;
Once again this year we invite all adults to come to periodic presentations as well as scheduled series throughout the week, including:
• Lenten Small Groups;
• Parish 40 Hours Lenten Retreat with nightly conferences
Adult Faith Formation
Mission: To provide ongoing, life-long, faith formation for adults within our parish community. This includes bible studies, parish missions, guest speakers, educational series, retreats, or days of reflection for parishioners.
Time: Meet regularly, varies by program activities
Coordinators: Lynn Jones, Director of Religious Formation, ljones@stbernpar.org and Fr. Don Rooney, frdonrooney@stbernpar.org
Alpha Adult/Young Adult SeriesMission: Alpha is designed to be a space where people can come and have conversations about life, faith, and God, in a way that is engaging and authentic. It’s a place where you can invite your friends to talk about life’s biggest questions, to feel welcome no matter what they believe, and to get a glimpse of the Christian faith.
Alpha Adult/Young Adult SeriesAlpha Adult/Young Adult Series
Mission: Alpha is designed to be a space where people can come and have conversations about life, faith, and God, in a way that is engaging and authentic. It’s a place where you can invite your friends to talk about life’s biggest questions, to feel welcome no matter what they believe, and to get a glimpse of the Christian faith.
Time: If serving on the main host/helper team, volunteers would be needed for an 11-12 week period including two team training sessions as well as a weekend day away. Fall 2019 Alpha Series – September 17th through December 3rd
Talent: Opportunities to volunteer include hosts/helpers which serve as small group facilitators. These volunteers require gifts of relational ministry, listening, and encouragement. We also need help in the area of hospitality to provide refreshments for guest participants throughout the 11 weeks.Director of Youth Ministry: Kara Lilly, klilly@stbernpar.org
ESOL: English as a Second Language
Saint Bernadette partners with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington – Hogar Immigrant Services to offer English and citizenship classes for our immigrant neighbors.
Mission:To co-teach English language classes and/or tutor citizenship candidates. There are five different levels of English classes offered, and volunteers usually teach in pairs. Classes are held in Saint Bernadette School.
Time: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. Teachers commit to one night per week.
Coordinator: Diana Round, diana.round@ccda.net, (571) 208-1572 ext. 102.
Faith Formation, Kindergarten through 8th Grade and Sacramental Preparation for High School Students
Mission: To partner with parents, the first and best educators of their children, in order to provide ongoing faith formation for all the children in the parish who are not enrolled in a Catholic School. There is a large range of responsibilities undertaken by the parish in hoping to serve the over 5,000 registered children in their faith formation and sacramental preparation needs.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS certification with a background check, and on-going catechist formation in the parish, while obtaining certification in accordance with the requirements of the bishop. As much or as little time as you can give is appreciated.
Talent: A love of Jesus Christ, our Catholic faith, and the children is foremost, and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. Training and certification are made available to all to ensure that we are educated in the faith we teach. Volunteer opportunities include; catechists, assistant catechists, prayer aides, office and clerical volunteers, teen helpers, and hall/door monitors. There are also specific areas to help with during the course of the year.
Director: Lynn Jones, 703-451-8576, ljones@stbernpar.org
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Team
We are blessed with a faithful formation team for adults who are seeking to live new faith, toward the ultimate goal of full sacramental initiation in the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Mission: To facilitate the process of initiating new members into our Roman Catholic community of faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Providing personal presence which seeks to accompany Inquirers throughout the process of coming to the Sacraments.
Time: Thursdays, 7-9pm, weekly meetings and some other weekend activities throughout the year.
Talent: An ability to share your love of Christ and the Catholic faith with those seeking to become Catholic. Some teaching and leading of discussion groups is possible, along with priests and other faculty.
Coordinators: Lynn Jones (703)451-8576, ljones@stbernpar.org, and Fr. Don, frdonrooney@stbernpar.org
Saint Bernadette School
School Tutors , Science Fair Judges Art, Reading and Library Assistants, Club Sponsors and Kitchen/Lunchroom and Playground volunteers
It is a great blessing to see our children grow in their awareness of the Spirit working through them and in them as well as learn. Catholic Education allows us to discuss what a blessing it is to use these God’s gifts in a life dedicated to his service. It is our prayer that many priestly and religious vocations have been awakened in the souls of our children this year.
Mission: To provide support for the Catholic education of our children.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training, including VIRTUS and ongoing formation, as needed. As much or as little time as you can give is deeply appreciated.
Talent: A love of education and children is foremost and a desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus. A full spectrum of opportunities are available.
Principal: Barbara Dalmut, Principal, 703-451-8696, bdalmut@stbernschool.org
Bible Studies
These Adult Bible studies offer a wide selection of possibilities for the group, in some instances a full three-year curriculum has been established. Exodus were completed. All are welcome to participate.
Mission: To grow in your spiritual walk with Christ by spending time with his Word in prayer and fellowship.
Time: Wednesday mornings, 9:45am-11:30am, Wednesday evenings, 7:30-9pm, Thursday mornings, 9:45am-11:30am
Coordinators: Maggie McKinley (mornings), office@stbernpar.org, David Campbell (evenings), dccampbell@fcps.edu, Myra Musialkiewicz, mmusialkiewicz@cox.net
Youth Ministry (YM)
Mission: Saint Bernadette Youth Ministry is made up of those adults who have been called by God to help young people experience the transforming love of Christ and become missionary-disciples. We do this by providing a wide range of opportunities to be formed in the Catholic faith for 6th-12th grade teens in Springfield, VA. Our ultimate goal is to provide an avenue for every single teen in the parish to enter more deeply into their faith and parish community.
Several current opportunities to facilitate our youth programs are listed below. However, we are always looking for new adults who are willing to step up and use their gifts to inspire teens in the faith. If you have a gift or passion that you are excited to share please reach out to the Office of Youth Ministry. We would love to work on developing your idea for a new youth program!
Time: Youth programs/activities can be anywhere from a one-night event or a year-round weekly program.
Talent: Every gift is necessary/can be used to reach out to the teens of our parish. The only requirement is a willingness to say yes to the call God has given you and to share that with the youth. All youth workers are supported and given opportunities for formation from the Office of Youth Ministry.
Coordinator: Kara Lilly, Director of Youth Ministry, klilly@stbernpar.org; Stephen Paquette, Assistant Director of Youth Ministry, spaquette@stbernpar.org
Note: The Diocese mandates that all CYM adult volunteers (18+ years of age) be compliant with OPCYP Programs. Contact Kara Lilly for more information.
YM: Confirmation Team Leaders
Mission:To serve as a team leader to 7-12 sixth, seventh and eighth graders who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Leaders serve as spiritual mentors and coordinators of corporal and spiritual works of mercy projects which lead candidates into serving in the life of the Church, reflect on their involvement and connect. Loving adults are needed to witness their own faith and commitment to the Church and inspire our young people to grow in their faith.
Time: 15-18 month commitment. A minimum of six meetings with candidates to complete spiritual and corporal works of mercy and accompany them to the Confirmation retreat. Several formation meetings with staff and other Team Leaders.
Talent: An ability to act as a mentor, witnessing your love of God and our life in the Church. Able to share freely and appropriately, and inspire faith.
Coordinator: Kevin Elaine Fiesel, kfiesel@stbernpar.org
YM: Confirmation Retreats
Mission: To prepare our Confirmation candidates for entering into the Sacrament of Confirmation through a series of talks, activities and times of reflection over the course of a weekend (Friday night- Saturday night).
Time: Fall season before Confirmation in the spring; Boys and Girls go on separate weekends.
Talent: An ability to act as a mentor, witnessing your love of God and our life in the Church. Able to share freely and appropriately, and inspire faith. Adults will be expected to lead or assist leading a single-sex small groups of teens throughout the retreat. This will involve facilitating discussions and encouraging deep sharing.
Coordinator: Christine Parvin, cparvin@stbernpar.org
YM: High School Retreats
Mission: To provide an opportunity for all 9th-12th grade teens in the parish and Springfield to have an encounter with God by following Jesus’ example of “withdraw[ing] to deserted places to pray.” Luke 5:16.
Time: 3-4 times a year, seasonal. Some retreats are 1-2 day overnights and others are day-long.
Talent: An ability to act as a mentor, witnessing your love of God and our life in the Church. Able to share freely and appropriately, and inspire faith. Adults will be expected to lead or assist leading a single-sex small groups of teens throughout the retreat. This will involve facilitating discussions and encouraging deep sharing.
Coordinator: Christine Parvin, cparvin@stbernpar.org
YM: High School Events
Mission: To provide the opportunity for all 9th-12th grade teens in the parish and Springfield to come together for fun, fellowship and formation in the faith.
Time: The Office of Youth Ministry sponsors at least one activity per month. These include large group gatherings, trips and Diocesan events.
Talent: Adults willing to chaperone with an ability to act as a mentor, witnessing your love of God and our life in the Church. Able to share freely and appropriately, and inspire faith.
Coordinator: Kara Lilly, Director of Youth Ministry, klilly@stbernpar.org
YM: High School Dinner & Fellowship
Mission: To provide an opportunity for all 9th-12th grade teens in the parish and Springfield to share a meal together at the parish. This is to model the community described in the book of Acts, “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoyed favor with all the people.” Acts 2:46-47.
Time: Every 3rd Sunday of the Month. (Cancellations may occur when youth events conflict).
Talent: We are in need of adults with the gift of hospitality. Our hope is to build teams of adults willing to cook meals.
Coordinator: Stephen Paquette, spaquette@stbernpar.org
YM: Catholic Life Communities
Mission: Catholic Life Communities are committed, parish-based, single-sex high school communities of faith for guys and girls, that promote their spiritual, emotional, and social development in an atmosphere of Christian values and friendships.
Time: 7:30pm on Thursday for boys CLC. Please contact CLC Coordinator first before attending. Several CLC events are planned throughout the year including a yearly diocesan-wide CLC retreat, field trips, and pilgrimages.
Talent: An ability to act as a spiritual, emotional, and life mentor; Knowledge on Church teaching in order to form and catechize the participating teens; Emotional strength to share deeply about one’s life and encourage strong relationships among high school peers.
Coordinators: Boys CLC Coordinators: Jim Garster, jgarster@verizon.net, Austin Mee, austinsamee@gmail.com
YM: Middle School Arise
Mission: We provide an opportunity for 6th-8th grade boys and girls to come together for an evening of fun, fellowship, and faith formation. Our main focus is to build community among the middle school youth in the parish.
Time: Generally 2nd and 3rd Fridays each month from 6:30-8:30p.m.
Talent: Gifts of joy, care, and presence, modeling St. John Bosco’s style of relational ministry. Therefore we are looking for leaders who are willing to give talks, lead games, and simply be present with the teens throughout the program.
Coordinator: Stephen Paquette, spaquette@stbernpar.org
YM: Middle School Monthly Socials
Mission: We provide middle school students with a fun social experience each month in order to build community amongst our 6th-8th grade teens. This could range from laser-tag or bowling, or having a themed party at Saint Bernadette.
Time: Generally 1st Fridays each month.
Talent: We are in need of volunteers who are excited to share their joy with young people. We especially are in need of drivers and chaperones
Coordinator: Stephen Paquette, spaquette@stbernpar.org
YM: Diocesan WorkCamp Volunteers
Mission: To assist in the preparation, coordination and participation of our youth’s WorkCamp experiences.
Time: Varies based on area of support. Can include volunteering the week of camp, weekend fundraising activities or planning meetings.
Talent: Many opportunities are available such as: contractor, team leader, fundraising coordinator, stakeholder, security, lunch prep, etc. All share in the coordination and execution of a powerful week long service oriented WorkCamp experience. Volunteers are needed to attend WorkCamp and provide leadership. Always in need of a contractor or someone who is very handy. The Diocese requires that each parish have one or two contractors attend WorkCamp—we need you! No experience necessary but a willingness to witness Christ through your example to our youth is a must!
Coordinator: Stakeholder/Coordinator, Carolina Diez, g8trn90@gmail.com
YM: Alpha Youth Series
Mission: Alpha is designed to be a space where teens can come and have conversations about life, faith, and God, in a way that is engaging and authentic. It’s a place where they can invite their friends to talk about life’s biggest questions, to feel welcome no matter what they believe, and to get a glimpse of the Christian faith.
Time: If serving on the main host/helper team, volunteers would be needed for a 10-11 week period including two team training sessions as well as a weekend day away. Fall 2019 Alpha Series – September 18th through November 20th
Talent: Talent: to provide refreshments for guest participants throughout the 9 weeks.
Director of Youth Ministry: Kara Lilly, klilly@stbernpar.org