RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GOALS

 

The goal of Religious Education as presented in the National Catechetical Directory (#32) is "to develop a living, conscious, active faith life within the Christian community. "Our School of Religion fulfills this goal through the dedication of our volunteer catechists and aides, as well as the materials and prayer experiences used to share faith with our parish youth.

ATTENDANCE

 

Classes are held on Sundays for students in Grades 1 to 8

Session 1 (C):   9:15 - 10:40 AM
Session 2 (L):   10:50 AM- 12:15 PM

 

Little Church School for children age 4 and Kindergarten classes are held from 10:50 AM - 12:00 PM.

 

When students are absent, they are asked to complete the lesson missed at home and bring a note when they return to class.

Cancellation information will be posted on our parish web page and announced on local radio and television channels.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children in faith development, and we strive to supplement the parents' role by following the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Parents are invited to attend our Opening Day Prayer Service with our students, attend the parent meeting, and meet our catechists. They are also encouraged to attend the thematic prayer services, led by students, offered throughout the year.

 

Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Catholic Faith; therefore, Religious Education is NOT a substitute for Sunday Liturgy. Parents are asked to bring their children to Mass weekly.

Parents are also encouraged to help their children learn the formal prayers listed in their textbooks and on their grade level prayer sheets. A pamphlet of Catholic prayers will also be sent home for parents to use as a resource. Personal prayer time together as a family is essential in developing children's lives of faith.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM

 

LITTLE CHURCH SCHOOL is a special program for preschool age 4 children and is held in Room 103 from 10:50 AM to 12:00 Noon. This program involves a variety of prayer experiences, music, story telling and other activities that expand the child's creativity and the sharing of God's Word.

GRADES K-6 students use a catechetical program in which the basics of the Catholic faith are presented at every grade level in an age-appropriate manner. Each lesson is designed to help young people experience their Catholic identity, integrate their Catholic values, and express their Catholic beliefs.

 

GRADES 7-8 use the Confirmation curriculum materials in the "Confirmed in the Spirit" series to help them prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Their formation also includes service and retreat experiences.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION Sessions are held for students as needed. Parents meet with the DRE and special education catechist to discuss how to adapt the curriculum to the needs of their child.


SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

 

The Sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation are received after a two-year preparation period. Parents are expected to attend the special adult sessions prior to the reception of each of these Sacraments.

A special calendar with dates of these sessions will be given to parents of students in Grades 2, 7 & 8 at the beginning of the year.

 

RCIA sessions for children of school age who are un-baptized or un-catechized are available. For further information, call
Fatima Roberge at 564-1321.

DIOCESAN POLICIES

 

The Diocese of Harrisburg requires background checks of all persons who work alone and directly with children to ensure their safety.

The Diocese prohibits any form of harassment of or by employers, employees, students, or volunteers.


St. Catherine Laboure Parish

Religious Education

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the catechetical program at St. Catherine Laboure Parish, is to help all participants and their families develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and to live out their Catholic faith in ways that draw others to Christ and the Church.  We seek to carry out this mission through catechesis, sacramental preparation, liturgy, and service.  It is growth in faith, which implies both formation and transformation.

OBJECTIVES for Parish Catechetical Program

◊   To present a comprehensive and systematic formation in the faith, that integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith.

◊   To center on initiation into the life of the Triune God.

◊   To be appropriate to the age level, maturity, circumstances language and ethnic background of each participant.

◊   To involve all members of the parish community, particularly the parents.

◊   To focus on the symbols, rituals and prayers of the        Church.

◊   To enable the believers to live out their faith in their everyday life.

    from the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC,2005)