REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 FAITH FORMATION CLASSES HAS NOT BEGUN, STAY TUNED!

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" - Mt 19:14
 

The importance of faith formation:

The education of children in the Catholic faith is of crucial importance.  In the section entitled, "The family in God's Plan", the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children in the Catholic faith, not schools or parishes.  It is they who must first take initiative to begin forming their children in the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Church so that they may become virtuous and holy men and women.  Consider the following quotation:

"Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first heralds" for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one's life."  [CCC 2225]

How we can help parents:

Although parents are the primary educators of their children, they are not left without help.  It is the joy of the Office of Religious Education to aid and support families of the parish in the task of education their children.  We have classes, events, and programs for all ages.  During the 9:00 a.m. Mass, for example, we have various programs for children's ministry.  Older children and teens (grades 1 - 8) we offer weekly Religious Education class and a wide variety of events during the Liturgical Year. 
For grades 9&10 we offer our two year Confirmation Program along with many fun events during the Liturgical year to include a fun and faithfilled retreat.
For our Teens we offer weekly Youth Group a chance to get together, we enjoy friendship, worship, enjoy a meal and all through the year go on some very exciting trips.
During the summer we offer a weeks worth of fun and learning with our Vacation Bible School program.


Final words of encouragement:

Parents, encourage and support your children to know their faith and love it.  Jesus Christ isn't an abstract idea.  He is truly risen from the dead and He wants a personal relationship with us here and now.  Show them through word and personal example that Jesus Christ is truly the Lord and Savior of our lives.  He must take priority over everything else.  And when He does, He will fill our hearts with unfathomable joy, peace, and love.  Who doesn't want that?!