The Catholic Education Commission coordinates and supports the creation and growth of religious  education programs for all parishioners.  It serves to link the Pastoral Council with the ministers who are responsible for total parish religious education. 

Adult Faith Formation - Through a full range of adult formation opportunities, SMV assists and supports adults seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. The adult faith formation committee assesses parish needs, builds on past programs, explores new opportunities, and provides overall direction for adult education experiences.

Alpha Omega Youth Ministry- Youth Ministry at St. Mary of Vernon reaches out to all high school teens and their friends, Catholic or non-Catholic, through social events, recreational outings, faith formation gatherings, prayer services, retreats, and service opportunities at St. Mary of Vernon and beyond. Alpha Omega helps teens become leaders in Youth Ministry and in the community; and it gives teens opportunities to share their time, talents and treasures here at St. Mary of Vernon. Additionally, Youth Ministry supports parents and guardians through parent-related programs. Alpha Omega meets teens where they are and encourages them to continue growing emotionally, socially and spiritually. Youth Ministry strives to maintain an atmosphere where teens can feel free to share what they really think and feel without pressure to live up to an “image”.

Bible Study for Women -  Women from the parish meet on the third Wednesday evening of the month for a presentation and discussion about some aspect of the Bible. Meetings take place at 7 pm, usually in the rectory lower level. All women are welcome.

Children's Liturgy of the Word - Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at 9:30 and 11:15 Sunday Masses for children ages 5 through 10. After Mass begins, the children follow an adult leader from the church to a room in the parish center, where they gather to share the Liturgy of Word at their own level. The children rejoin the larger assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) - PREP has over 1100 students enrolled in grades K - 8, representing over 680 families. The goal of our program is to pass on our Catholic traditions to the children of SMV and to nourish the continued growth in Catholic faith within all members of the community. PREP offers a transition class for children who have been away from religious education and would like to return.

Spirit - Spirit is a program for children with disabilities who cannot participate in a regular PREP program. The children are brought together in a single class to learn about God’s love and care. This program follows the same schedule as the regular PREP. Children from surrounding parishes are welcome.  We try to assist parents in selecting appropriate agencies or resources if the PREP program is unable to meet the particular needs of a student. If a child has a special need, e.g. interpretation for hearing impaired, or has experienced a loss in the family, please notify the Religious Education Office.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) - RCIC is for children age 7 and older who are not baptized and have not received any formal religious education. Instead of playing “catch-up” in PREP classes directed to specific ages, these children learn together about our wonderful God and the beautiful gift of his Son, Jesus.

Small Christian Communities - Small communities explore faith in light of adult spiritual development, while also cultivating a caring, friendly environment. Groups incorporate reading, reflection, prayer, faith sharing, and social time. 

Women at the Well- Women at the Well is a grass roots, parish-based ministry led by a core group of women in our SMV community. Our goal is to enrich and empower women mentally, physically and spiritually.

Click on the ministry names for more information.