The Catholic Church continues the mission of Jesus. It's mission, like His, is an essential one: "the Church is sent to announce, bear witness, make present, and spread the mystery of the communion of the Holy Trinity" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §738).

This mission has three aspects:

  • Proclaiming and Teaching God's Word
  • Celebrating the Sacred Mysteries
  • Serving the People of the World

Catechesis is an esteemed term in Christian tradition. It's purpose is to make a person's "faith become living, conscious and active, through the light of instruction."

Catechesis is seen as having a fourfold task:

  • Message: to proclaim Christ's message and pass-on the Church's magesterial teaching.
  • Community: to foster and develop community.
  • Worship: to lead people to personal and liturgical prayer.
  • Service: to motivate people to serve those in need and to work for a just, peaceful world.

Areas you can get involved in:

  • Catechist: In layman's terms, the Catechist is the main classroom teacher. Catechists are needed usually for every grade (pre-school through high school). The Catechist is asked to continue his/her spiritual education, skills and abilities needed to teach the Gospel message effectively. This is done by going to different seminars throughout the year to obtain Catechist Certification.

    Those wanting to teach must have a solid grasp of Catholic doctrine, scripture, ability to understand children, people and how they grow and mature.
  • Peer Minister: Teens who have been Confirmed are assigned to assist in the Confirmation class. They share their Confirmation experience with the teens and help the teacher in the manner of a Classroom Assistant (see below left).
  • Hall Monitors: monitor halls during class sessions.
  • Office Person: Assist Religious Education Staff in the Office during class times.
  • Daily Office Person: Assist Religious Education Staff during regular office hours (M-Th. 8:45-4:30)
  • Classroom Assistant: Help the teacher during class time in all areas of lesson presentation. Take attendance, hand-out materials, etc.
  • Computer Person: Assist Religious Education Staff during regular hours by creating booklets, flyers, pamphlets, web designs, on the computer.

We have over 1,200 children in our Religious Education Program.
Religious Education IS NOT possible for ALL of them without YOUR HELP!

Site last updated September 21, 2001 
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