Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church welcomes those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation. The preparation is organized according to age groups. The process involves both peer group programs for children and adults and also whole family learning. Registration in sacrament preparation includes family faith formation—G.I.F.T.

Growing In Faith Together is the whole family component of faith formation. G.I.F.T. promotes faith formation at home. There is a monthly session that prepares the participants to celebrate the Catholic faith in community.

Attendance at G.I.F.T. is essential preparation for the receiving of the sacraments. All children who are preparing for the sacraments must attend G.I.F.T. and children under age 15 years must be accompanied by an adult family member to G.I.F.T.

Baptism

Children from birth to age 7

• Interviews are held on Tuesdays between 10 am – 12 noon and 3pm – 5:30pm
• Call the office 408-729-0101 for more information

For those age 7 years and older there is a Catechumenate process that prepares the person for the reception of full initiation into the Church by the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Please contact the office for further information and to make an appointment. Please bring a copy of birth certificate.

Children’s Catechumenate - Ages 7 to 13 yrs.

• Participates in two year First Eucharist Program
• Attends Catechumenate and Family Formation (G.I.F.T.)

Youth Catechumenate - Ages 14—18 yrs. (High School)

• Participates in High School Confirmation program
• Attends Catechumenate and Family Faith Formation (G.I.F.T.)

Adult Catechumenate Age 18 yrs

• Participates in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Eucharist preparation for those already baptized:

• Ages 7-14 years—Two year program which includes the following:
  • September to April peer group classes three weeks each month and G.I.F.T. program with parent attendance one week each month. The reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharist usually occurs during the second year.
• Ages 15 - 18 years (High School)
  • High School Confirmation Program
• Age 18 and above: Participation in RCIA.
  

Confirmation

• Ages 15 –18 years (High School students only)
  • Youth Confirmation program meets each Sunday from 4-6 Pm and is followed by participation in 6 PM Mass. Parents and Sponsors of the candidates are required to attend the G.I.F.T. program each month and participate in Mass at 6 PM. A weekend retreat away from the parish occurs in the Spring of each year and attendance is mandatory for completion of this program.
  • Students who have not received Eucharist are also prepared for this sacrament during the program.
• Age 18 years and older— Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
  • Adults preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist will participate in RCIA

Marriage

• Preparation is needed 6 months before the wedding. An orientation is necessary at the parish office to begin the process and before any dates can be scheduled. Please contact the office for further information.
  

Faith Formation for Adults

• Our faith is a growing reality, full of movement and life. The life of grace calls us to deepen our relationship with God. We offer many opportunities for growing in our awareness and understanding of the Trinity.

G.I.F.T. = Growing in Faith Together

• This is a program for all ages. It is bi-lingual (English/Spanish). It occurs monthly and the same program is repeated three times during the month so that you can attend at a time that is best for you.
• Each year has a theme that explores the reality of our life with God and in community.
• Sundays at 4 pm with refreshments. Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm with dinner.
• Come and see – This year we are learning about What we believe – The Creed.

Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

A 30 Week retreat is from September to May. This retreat was begun by Ignatius Loyola in the 1600's and is considered a foundational spiritual experience. The length of the retreat allows time for reflection and integration of each person's spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. The retreat is extended over the liturgical year so that persons participating can reflect and renew their relationship with Jesus. It is intended for those who want to be more generous in their relationship with God.

The retreat includes the following components:

• Weekly meetings with a small group of fellow retreatants
• Individual meetings with a Spiritual Director every other week
• Daily prayer at home

Lectionary (Scripture) Study

• Monday evenings - a study and faith sharing on the readings of the coming Sunday.
• Español at 6:30 pm
• English at 7:30 pm

Lenten Parish Retreat

• Two evening of prayer and reflection are held during Lent to prepare for Easter.