THE CHRISTIAN FORMATION PROGRAM

The Christian Formation Office

In its core, Christian Formation is centered in Christ who reveals the Father to us and leads us
back to the Father in the Holy Spirit within the Church. Christian Formation in Saint Michael
College therefore has only one aim – to enable our students to have a deep and personal
encounter with Jesus Christ who is priest, prophet, and king-servant. This three-fold mission of
Christ is thus reflected in the three essential components of Christian formation, namely,
Religious Education (prophetic ministry), Campus Ministry (priestly ministry), and the Social
Action Ministry (kingly ministry) which is handled by the Community Extension Services
Office.

VISION

 A community centered in Christ and committed to His mission

 A community within the Church, one with her in the task of evangelization

 A community one with our people in their inspiration towards human dignity, unity,
peace, and justice and in their efforts for the social and moral reconstruction of the
Filipino nation

MISSION

 To proclaim Jesus Christ as the Good News to all and as the Lord of all life and history

 To build believing, worshipping, and serving Catholic Christian communities rooted in

the Word of God and truly Filipino

 To work for the transformation of persons and structures in line with Gospel values

Religious Education

The Catholic School forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for
education in the faith. Thus, Catholic Faith education must be imparted in the school curriculum.

The Religious Education (RE) curriculum of Saint Michael College offers a systematic
and organic catechesis that is programmed with a definite goal of leading the Michaelinians “to
awaken, nourish and develop their life of faith” (CT 21). It is Christocentric, kerygmatic, and
experiential in its approach.

The underlying objectives to realize the goal of the RE Program include the following:

a) Understanding and appreciation of the sources of our Catholic Faith according to the
level of the students;
b) Basic knowledge of the truths of the Catholic faith pronounced in the Creed;
c) Understanding of the basic principles and practices of Catholic morality;
d) Interest in prayer and active participation in the Church’s liturgy and Sacraments;
e) Sense of belonging and meaningful involvement in the life of the Church;
f) Translating Gospel truths, moral principles, spiritual attitudes into concrete acts in
ordinary daily life.
Campus Ministry

Through the Campus Ministry Michaelinian education creates in the school a Catholic
Christian environment by providing opportunities for growth in the sacramental and prayer life.
Liturgical celebrations, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), and religious activities to mark
special Church events are organized to meet the goal of the Campus Ministry. In coordination
with the parish / diocese, the Sacraments are also made available during the school year. Retreats
and recollections are special moments when members of the school community set aside longer
and quality time for their personal spiritual life.

While celebrations lead the members of the school community to worship and prayer,
signs and symbols remind them of their Faith. Bulletin boards, projects that express the Christian
Message or Gospel values, posters, contests, advocacy, etc. can help enhance a Catholic
Christian environment in the campus.

The following are the objectives of the Campus Ministry program:

a) To set and ensure a Christ-centered climate in the school.

b) To provide avenues for everyone to practice the Faith, grow in mutual service and
fraternal charity, and celebrate God’s love in the liturgy, popular devotions, and faith-
sharing.
c) To internalize the vision-mission of the school to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Good
News to all.

CAMPUS MINISTRY PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

1. Liturgical Celebrations

The heart of the life of faith in the college is the Eucharist, the “source and summit of the
Christian life” (LG 11).

a. Eucharistic Celebration

Grade School Department - Second Friday of the month

High School Department - Third Thursday of the month
College Department - Fourth Friday of the month
Institutional - every First Friday of the Month
Feast Day Masses (St. Michael, St. Paul, Nativity of Mary, Immaculate
Conception, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Holy Spirit Mass)
Novena Masses (St. Michael, Assumption, Immaculate Conception, St. Clare,
Aguinaldo Mass)

b. Sacrament of Reconciliation

2. Prayer Opportunities

Throughout the year there are numerous opportunities to pray both alone and in
community. Please see below for some of the regular chances to pray.

a. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month

b. Recitation of the Holy Rosary
c. Recitation of the Angelus (noon and evening)
d. Divine Mercy Prayer (3:00 pm daily)
e. Daily reading of the Gospel during flag ceremony
f. Short examen 5 minutes before the noon Angelus
3. Liturgical Ministries

Every liturgical celebration encourages the full, conscious, and active participation of all.
Students are invited to serve as lectors, commentators, servers, musician, and choir
members and to assume roles for campus liturgies.

a. Ministry of the Word (Lectors’ Ministry)

b. Ministry of the Altar (Altar Servers)
c. Music Ministry

4. Sacramental Preparation

a. First Confession
b. First Communion
c. Confirmation
d. Baptism

5. Para-liturgical Celebrations and Popular Devotions

Services marking special church events or seasons are also held throughout the school
year.

a. Advent Services
 Advent Wreath Para-liturgy
b. Lenten Services
 Stations of the Cross
 Imposition of Ashes
 Lenten Pilgrimage
c. Rosary Month
 Living Rosary
 Rosary Walk / Marian Pilgrimage
 Room-to-Room Rosary
d. Dawn Processions

6. Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) / Faith Sharing

Classes from elementary to college hold a weekly Basic Ecclesial Community faith
sharing session supervised by their respective advisers or teachers in-charge. This is a
venue for students to listen and reflect upon the Sunday Gospel and share experiences
with one another.

Grade School - every Wednesday

High School - every Thursday
College - once a month
Faculty & Staff - once a month

7. Retreats and Recollections

Once each academic year recollections and retreats allow participants to refresh their
relationship with God. Recollections are also given to parents and the academe.
Graduating students attend retreats prior to graduation.

8. Catechesis

Catechetical sessions are given every Thursday to pupils of Cantilan East Central
Elementary School. Volunteer catechists are third year and fourth year students who are
 outstanding in service, commitment and learning. College students also extend
catechetical service in the adopted community.

9. Vocation Discernment, Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling

Talks, conferences, or symposia on vocations are given to senior high school and college
students especially during the months of September and October.

The School President also offers vocational counseling and spiritual direction.

10. Advocacy, Information and Communication

 Maintains prayer rooms/nooks, religious organizations, bulletin board displays, etc.

 Mobilizes students in the preparation of posters and displays to inform the school
community of current Church concerns.
 Initiates talks and seminars on Church teachings, issues, events, etc.

11. The School Chapel

The entire academic community is blessed and privileged to have a chapel available for
personal and communal prayer, liturgical and para-liturgical services. It is always open
for students and teachers to come and pay the Lord a visit.