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) convenes on the first and third Sunday of each month, offering a unique avenue for families to come together. Families gather in the Parish Hall from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., where children in grades K-8 engage in grade-appropriate classroom lessons and assessments. Parents, meanwhile, participate in insightful sessions that provide them with introductions and background information about the upcoming lessons. These gatherings also delve into the anticipation of forthcoming Liturgical Feasts and Church holidays, fostering a deeper connection to the liturgical calendar.
Our aim at St. Mary's FSR is to fortify parents for the vital role of transmitting faith to their children. We empower parents with catechesis and practical, step-by-step activities and lessons designed to be carried out at home. This approach empowers parents to fulfill the sacred commitment undertaken at their child's baptism – to be the primary and most effective educators in matters of faith. Rather than replacing the responsibility of catechesis, the parish stands as a supportive resource for families, facilitating shared learning and faith experiences. By placing catechesis firmly back in its rightful home context, we envision a future where faith formation becomes an ongoing family dialogue, enriching each member's journey of faith.
The FSR program will encompass dedicated preparation for First Communion as a part of its curriculum.
RCIA-C is a transformative journey within St. Mary's FSR, inviting young souls into a deeper connection with the Catholic faith. RCIA-C, rooted in the principles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, provides an enriching space for children to embark on a path of spiritual discovery and growth. As the Catechism emphasizes, "The catechesis of children aims at teaching them to meditate on the Word of God in personal prayer, practicing it in liturgical prayer, and internalizing it at all times in order to bear fruit in a new life" (CCC 2708). Within the warm embrace of the Parish Hall, families gather on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., where children are immersed in grade-appropriate classroom lessons, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the faith.
At RCIA-C sessions, young participants are guided through a journey that explores the core tenets of Catholicism. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and enlightening discussions, children encounter the richness of the Catholic tradition. This program doesn't merely convey information; it cultivates a profound spiritual encounter. As they navigate the liturgical calendar and delve into the significance of upcoming Liturgical Feasts and Church holidays, young hearts and minds are woven into the fabric of the Church's rhythm. In the words of St. John Paul II, "Catechesis is... a moment in the process of ongoing conversion." The RCIA-C experience embodies this sentiment, nurturing a transformative process that ignites a lifelong flame of faith.
By intertwining RCIA-C within St. Mary's FSR, we bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, echoing the timeless wisdom of Scripture and Tradition. Together, we endeavor to guide children toward a profound communion with God's Word, inviting them to internalize these teachings in their daily lives. Through the RCIA-C program, coupled with the offerings of FSR, the first and third Sunday each month become a beacon of spiritual growth for young hearts yearning to embark on a profound journey of faith.