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Religious Education
Christine Kemp, Director:718-680-1010 Ext. 20; ckempreled@gmail.com Our goal is to assist parents in fulfilling the promise they made at their child’s baptism: to bring up their child in the practices of the Catholic faith. The Religious Education Program allows parents and the parish to work as partners in sharing the responsibility of educating children in the faith. The parish supports parents by offering weekly religious education classes and opportunities to give thanks and praise to God in worship. Parents instill the faith in their children all the time-365 days a year. This partnership benefits the children because it’s all about teaching them about Jesus and his teachings and showing them how they can LIVE their Catholic faith. Parents take the lead to plan and run a number of activities, such as the Christmas Pageant, Ladies’ Afternoon Tea, a yard sale, and family movie nights. Some of these events raise funds for the Program or for the parish. All of them are fun whether working the event or coming to enjoy it. The children are also welcome to help with these activities. They learn a lesson in what it means to be a community – working with newly-made friends, enjoying the company of all age groups, and serving the parish community. A Message from Msgr. Massie to Parents and Guardians. Dear Parents and Guardians, Welcome to the 2010/2011 Religious Education Program of St. Andrew The Apostle Church. We are a parish community that is centered in Jesus. This means we gather to celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holy days. Celebrating Jesus in the Eucharist moves us to follow his gospel by the way we live our lives. At the baptism of your child, you promised to teach your child about Christ Jesus, to prepare your child for the sacraments, and to show your child how to be a witness to the faith. You are fulfilling those promises – first, by being an example to your child of a faith-filled life; and, secondly, by registering your child in our Faith Formation and Religious Education Program. The Program is designed to help you pass on the faith to your child. It will assist you and your child in building a personal and loving relationship with Jesus. This relationship with Jesus is to be found in the Eucharist, the Sacred Scriptures and the community of the Church. We have always invited and expected you to be at Mass every Saturday evening or Sunday with your child. The Sunday Mass must be set as priority in your heart and mind – and in your homes – even if your child is involved in sports programs, play dates or other good activities. All of us need to place Jesus Christ first in our lives, in our day and in our week. Your child will be taught prayers in class. All children must know the basic prayers - the Sign of Cross, the Our Father and Hail Mary. We will also expect that you pray with your child at home. Your example of praying with your child is the best and greatest example for him or her to imitate. Attending Mass every Saturday evening or Sunday will also help your child to learn these prayers. We will expect you to attend meetings with me at the times to be announced. These meetings will be used to update you about the aims and goals of the Faith Formation and Religious Education Program. They will also provide an opportunity for you to address your faith, religious or church issues, in discussion with me. The religious education of your child is also an opportunity for you to be reconciled back to the church, if necessary, and to grow in a more mature faith. The catechists will assist you in your religious responsibilities towards your child. They will teach your child during the weekly classes throughout the year. Your cooperation in meeting the expectations I mention is necessary so that the lessons taught by the catechists can have meaning in your child’s life. I assure you that our catechists and parish staff are here to assist you in your faith journey with your child. I welcome and look forward to seeing you and working with you in the coming year. Sincerely, Monsignor Guy A. Massie When Classes Are Held Click here to download the free Adobe Reader plug-in. |
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