One Bread, One Body
"Parents receive in the sacrament of Matrimony "the grace and the ministry of the Christian education of their children," to whom they transmit and bear witness to human and religious values. This educational activity which is both human and religious is "a true ministry," through which the Gospel is transmitted and radiated so that family life is transformed into a journey of faith and the school of Christian life." (General Directory of Catechesis, 227)
St. Mary's Family School of Religion (FSR) strives to further equip parents for the ministry of transmitting the faith to their children in grades K-6. By providing parental catechesis and step-by-step activities and lessons to be done in the home, we hope to empower parents to meet the challenge they took on at their child's baptism, to become the first and best teachers of the faith. Instead of taking over the task of catechesis of the children, the parish becomes a resource for families, as they learn and live the faith together and the task of catechesis is returned to its rightful place...the home.
The role of catechist is indeed a calling, a joy, and a special desire to pass on the faith and draw others to friendship with Christ. Even in an environment where parents are being encouraged and enabled to teach their children the faith and its practice, there is a need for caring adults who have been living and learning the faith to come forward to instruct, guide, and walk alongside our parish children and youth in the position of catechist.
All too often, we think parents are the ones who should be teaching in our parish religious education programs, but there are many people who no longer have or even never had children in our programs who would be excellent at providing instruction in FSR, Sacrament Preparation, Youth Ministry or other formation programs.
Many, many, many hands are needed for this task. At St. Mary, we are looking for at least 25 more volunteers to make our catechetical ministry come alive. PLEASE PRAY and ask God if He is calling you to serve your parish as a catechist.
There will be a discernment meeting on Wednesay, June 1, 2022 in the Parish Hall from 7-8pm. Please come join us and learn if God may be prompting you to join this most important ministry.