If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please
contact Tara Simons, Director of Faith Formation at 206-732-7345 or Marilyn Thornton, Director of Religious Education at 206-732-7344,
to find out which program is appropriate for your needs.
Archived lectures and texts can be found on the Instruction Archives page.
Continuing Education Courses
Sacramental Preparation Courses
Baptism - Infants
Our Baptism Preparation Series for parents who want their children baptized is held every other month. Godparents are welcome to attend these classes as well.
This two-part class helps parents understand the implications of having their child baptized into the Catholic faith. It includes reflections on the role of the "domestic church" in the faith formation of the child, the consequent faith development on the part of the parents as they nurture their child(ren), and the meaning of the various words, gestures, and sacramentals used in the Baptism ritual. Contact the Parish Office at 206-547-3020.
Baptism - Children Over Five
If your child is of catechetical age (i.e., the "age of reason") and you desire to have him or her baptized, it is expected that the child will begin a period of formal instruction in order to prepare for being welcomed into the Church at Easter. To get your child(ren) started in this process, please contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Called and Gifted Workshops
Generally offered once a year, this weekend workshop provides a well-documented introduction to the theology of the laity and their mission in the church. It includes detailed descriptions of a variety of spiritual gifts (charisms) imparted to Christians at their baptism which enable them to carry out their mission. Each participant fills out a questionnaire that facilitates the discovery of his or her own particular combination of charisms. Contact Tara Simons at 206-732-7345 or email tsimons@bspwa.org.
Called and Gifted Interviews and Small Discernment Groups
Following each Called & Gifted Workshop, participants are strongly encouraged to have a personal interview with a facilitator trained in helping the participant select a charism to "discern" over a period of weeks or months. Small groups are then formed to assist in this ongoing discernment process. Contact Tara Simons at 206-732-7345 or email tsimons@bspwa.org.
Confirmation Program
This course offers proximate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation which is administered by the Archbishop (or his auxiliary) in late Spring. This course reviews the meaning of each initiation sacrament, the importance of the Mass and personal prayer, and the "education" provided by the Church Year. It also gives an overview of Catholic moral teachings. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Confirmation Preparation classes begin on Sunday, January 10, 2010.
Exploring Catholic Beliefs - Series I
An eight week course, beginning April 15, 2010, which offers a practical introduction to the Catholic faith, including beliefs we hold in common with other Christians. It covers the Trinity, the importance of a personal commitment to Christ, and an introduction to the role of the Bible, prayer, and the faith community in the life of the believer. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Exploring Catholic Beliefs - Series II
An eight week course which offers an overview of Catholic beliefs and practices. The next series begins Thursday, October 8, 2009. It provides catechesis on the structure of the Catholic church, the Mass and the sacraments, forgiveness and reconciliation, types of prayer, and the role of Mary and the saints in the life of the believer. The course is appropriate for new or returning Catholics, for those whose faith education took place primarily in their youth, and for non-Catholics wanting to learn more about the Catholic church. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Marriage Preparation [Evenings for the Engaged]
This six week series opens up a wide variety of topics for engaged couples to learn about and discuss. Topics include personality and family of origin differences; differing expectations of marriage; marriage as a vocation, a covenant, and a sacrament; communication and conflict resolution skills; moral issues, including family planning, spending priorities, personal vices harmful to marriage; the power of forgiveness; and the interfaith issues. Secondarily, the course aims to help engaged persons to discern if they ought to marry this person at this time. Contact Shirley Hendrix at 206-547-3020.
First Penance and First Communion
Children are eligible to receive First Penance and First Communion at age seven, which is usually the second grade or older. Preparation classes
are held on Sunday mornings as part of Sunday School. If this time is impossible, arrangements can be made for home study. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Instruction Archives
The Instruction Archives index a series of educational lectures, articles and programs which touch on the rich tradition of our Catholic faith.
Follow link to the Instruction Archive page.
Marriage Enrichment Series
This seven-part series is offered once or twice a year and is intended to help couples continue to grow in their understanding of themeaning and purpose of marriage. Sessions include building strong comunications, conflict resolution, the art of forgiveness, dealing with parents and in-laws, the sexual relationship, and family life. The next series will be in June, 2010. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Becoming Catholic - The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
This year-round weekly process is designed to facilitate inquiry into the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith for those baptized in other Christian denominations or for those who have never been baptized. After an appropriate period of inquiry, participants may choose to prepare to join the Catholic Church. The length of this period of "apprenticeships" depends upon the participant's previous faith background. Those interested may begin the inquiry process any time, attending classes on Sunday afternoons. The program is conducted by a teaching team under the supervision of the Pastor. To register, please contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540 or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Mystagogia Study Groups
This weekly (optional) follow-up to RCIA is intended to provide continuing fellowship and exposure to Catholic thought to newly received Catholics. Topics are chosen by the participants and may involve a period of extended study. The sessions are open to anyone interested in the chosen area of study. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Sunday Morning Adult Education Forum
Single sessions or mini-series which enable participants to expand their knowledge in the areas of Catholic beliefs, practices, ecclesial writings and church history. Other sessions focus on famous/influential Catholics of the past or present, or on practical ways Christians engage in today's culture, live their faith and pass it on to others. The class meets Sunday mornings from late September through mid-May. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
A syllabus showing the proposed Adult Class Schedule for the calendar year is available on-line.
Sunday School - For Children and Youth
Weekly sessions from late September through mid-May. Offers religious education for children 3 through 18. Course content parallels national and diocesan curriculum guides for grades 1 - 8. Preschool and high school class content is more variable as there are no set standards for these levels.
Sunday School meets each Sunday morning from 10:30 AM until 11:45 AM in the school building.
The yearly cost is $25 per child for the first two children in a family, $15 for the third child, and any additional children are free. Scholarships are available for anyone who needs assistance. Contact Marilyn Thornton at 206-355-6540, or email mthornton@bspwa.org.
Scripture Study - Evening Class
Evening Scripture Study classes are offered periodically throughout the year. These series enable participants to gain a deeper historical and theological knowledge of a particular biblical text. Participants learn principles of biblical interpretation through frequent application (e.g. guided homework assignments). A deeper familiarity with Scripture should bring participants to a stronger relationship with Christ and impart to them greater confidence in the beauty and intelligibility of the Gospel, leading to increased fervor for evangelization. Contact Tara Simons at 206-732-7345 or email tsimons@bspwa.org.
Scripture Study - Morning Small Group
This weekly Bible study enables participants to gain a deeper knowledge of a biblical text through the use of study guides and with a trained facilitator. Besides carefully studying a particular biblical text over an extended period, the course invites participants to reflect on the meaning and application of that text to their lives today. To find out more about this study group, please contact the Parish Office at 206-547-3020.
Vocations Discernment
Individual counseling for those seeking a clearer understanding of their personal vocation. Contact the Parish Office for details.
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