Our parish catechetical programs for children seek to create opportunities
for young parishioners to become active disciples of Jesus Christ and
to deepen their understanding of our Roman Catholic faith.
As you well know, you are the first catechists of your children; you
echo the Good News in word and example. Our role is to be your
partners in this journey. Through the diverse programs offered
we aim at helping all the members of our parish to learn more about
God, in order to participate in the Sacramental life of the Church in
a fuller way, and to embrace Christ’s way of life more closely.
In other words, we want to provide you with many opportunities to live
out your baptismal call to be disciples of Christ.
The idea behind using the word “formation” in our program is to give
the clear message that it is an on-going process. Formation does
not end when Confirmation and First Communion are received; it does
not end when one finishes high school, it does not end when one completes
a marriage preparation program. In fact it never ends, we are
continuously being formed; we are unfinished Christians.
This page outlines the programs available to families with children
ages three to eighteen. Families with children in public, private,
and home school settings are encouraged to participate in the programs
which best address the spiritual needs of their family. Included
with each program description is a parish contact person. Please
contact us if you have additional questions.
Pre-School (Ages 3 to 6)
Children ages three to six will gather once a week
for one and a half hours on a weekday afternoon or weekday evening from
September through May. Sessions are held in the atrium at the
Formation Center. This program is based on Scripture and Liturgy.
This program encourages the pre-school child to grow in his or her relationship
with God through listening, reflection, and prayer.
Please download the
registration
form and return to the Parish Office along with a fee of $35.00
per child no later than September 12. A maximum family fee of
$80.00 is offered for families who register three or more children.
For more information, please contact Sara Thomas
at 724.834.3710 or
sthomas@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Elementary School (Kindergarten to 6th Grade)
The children in elementary grades will continue their
journey of faith as they learn the teachings of the faith which are
presented in the four pillars of Catechism of the Catholic Church (Creed
– what we believe, Sacraments – how we worship, Morality – how we live,
and Prayer – how and why we pray). These teachings are reinforced
on every grade level every year and are presented in greater depth each
year, thereby using a spiral learning approach. The children will
also be provided with the opportunity for reflective moments in the
contemplative atmosphere of the atrium.
This program will help the children continue to develop their Catholic
identity as they learn about the faith through Scripture, Tradition,
and Sacred Music. This approach will encourage the children to
connect the Sunday sessions with the life of the Church as the Liturgical
Year unfolds.
Classes will be held Sunday mornings from 10:05 AM to 11:05 AM in Aquinas
Academy (red brick building next to the church). The program will
start on Sunday September 21 and will end on Sunday May 3. A calendar
of activities for the year will be provided after registration has been
completed.
Please download the
registration form
and return to the Parish Office along with a fee of $35.00 per child
no later than September 12. A maximum family fee of $80.00 is
offered for families who register three or more children.
For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck
at 724.834.3710 or
xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Middle School
Early adolescence is a time of multiple changes in
the life of a child. Sensitive to these needs, but aware of a continuous
need for faith formation, we have included a program for Middle School.
Their sessions will include a continuing study of the faith, along with
opportunities to read and reflect on Sacred Scripture. The formation
sessions will be held Sunday mornings, 10:05 AM to 11:05 AM at the Formation
Center.
Please download the
registration form
and return to the Parish Office. The fee is $20 for new students
and $10 for returning students.
For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck
at 724.834.3710 or
xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
High School
Faith formation is a journey of a lifetime.
It does not stop after the Sacrament of Confirmation is received.
In the high school years, there is a greater potential for critical
thinking which is needed for the development of a mature faith.
Our high school students will meet weekly and discuss faith and moral
issues that will encourage them to apply the principles of our faith
in their daily lives and guide them as they journey to Christ.
They will also have opportunities to study and reflect on Sacred Scripture.
TThe formation sessions will be held Sunday mornings, 10:05 AM to 11:05
AM at the Formation Center.
Please download the
registration form
and return to the Parish Office. The fee is $20 for new students
and $10 for returning students.
For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck
at 724.834.3710 or
xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Home-Based Catechesis
This is a parent-directed study process that uses
the "We Believe" texts. The home-based option requires a strong
commitment of parents and children but it can also accommodate very
busy schedules and provide opportunity for quality family time.
The student text along with the "At Home" text is designed to provide
guidelines for catechesis at home.
The cost per child is $35.00. A maximum family
fee of $80.00 is offered for families who register three or more children.
For more information, please contact Ximenda DeBroeck
at 724.834.3710 or
xdebroeck@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Adult Catechesis
Sunday Catechesis
is offered in the Parish Hall on Sundays during the time that children
and youth meet for faith formation. Topics include Catholic beliefs
and teachings, introduction to Scripture, morality, and prayer.
Registration is not necessary. You are welcome to come any Sunday.
Faith Sharing meets every other week
to explore the Word of God and its connection to our lives through the
Sunday Gospel.
Scripture Study meets every other
week to deepen the understanding of the Scripture passages corresponding
to the 1st and 2nd readings of Sunday Mass.
Sacramental Preparation
Baptism Preparation Team (Visit page
here)
Parents who wish to have their child baptized receive
preparation for Baptism from a team of ministers.
For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey
at 724.834.3710 or
wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Marriage Preparation Mentors
Engaged couples journey with mentor couples as part
of their marriage preparation.
For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey
at 724.834.3710 or
wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Sacramental Preparation for Children (Visit page
here)
Volunteers are needed to assist children in preparing
for their sacraments through retreats and parent sessions.
For more information, please contact
Sara Thomas or
Ximena DeBroeck.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) (Visit page
here)
A team of catechists and sponsors journeys with those
who will be baptized or fully initiated into the Catholic faith.
For more information, please contact Fr. Bill Berkey
at 724.834.3710 or
wberkey@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
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