Religious Education

Mission Statement

 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14

The Religious Education program provides parish children and youth in grades 1-10, in cooperation with their families, an opportunity to deepen their Catholic Christian faith and identity through prayer, study, and community service. This instruction along with participation at weekend Mass and faith formation has the goal of leading our young people to a deeper relationship with God and the Church.

Attendance at Sunday Mass

The Eucharist is the source and summit of all Christian Faith. All families ARE expected to weekly attendance at Sunday Mass. Attendance at parish events is also very important to your family’s formation especially in preparing for the Sacraments.

Living our Faith

Faith formation is not a classroom activity. It is a relationship experience. “The definitive aim of catechesis,” wrote Pope Saint John Paul II, “is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ…. This teaching is not a body of abstract truths. It is the communication of the living mystery of God” (On Catechesis, 6, 7).

St. Therese teaches its members in the ways of faith and morals. Through the traditions of the Catholic Faith, St. Therese works to teach the Catholic Faith and preach the Gospel to all nations as Christ commissioned her to do. The ministry supports parents as the primary educators of the faith for their children and fosters a partnership between the families and the whole parish. “Parents are the most influential agents of catechesis for their children. They have a unique responsibility for the education of their children; they are the first educators, or catechists."  -NDC, 54.C

Baptism was the first step in your child’s journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Faith. Reconciliation and coming to the table of the Lord in the Eucharist are the next Sacraments of Initiation, followed by the Sacrament of Confirmation (celebrated in the teen years in our diocese).

So how do we invite people into intimacy with Jesus Christ? How do we communicate the living mystery of God?

The Faith Formation program of St. Therese Parish seeks to provide children and youth with the knowledge, experiences, and skills necessary to become faithful disciples of Jesus. When we share our faith with others, we share in Jesus’ own mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Great care is taken with children and youth to help ensure a life of strong faith. The Faith Formation Program incorporates the following six tasks (from the National Directory for Catechesis):

- Promote knowledge of the faith.

- Promote knowledge of the meaning of the Liturgy and Sacraments.

- Promote moral formation in Jesus Christ.

- Teach parishioners how to pray with Christ.

- Prepare parishioners to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church.

- Promote a missionary spirit that prepares the faithful to be present as Christians in society.

Religious Education is a continuous, lifelong process. St. Therese’s program strives to provide a Christian atmosphere of faith, love, and compassion to welcome and support children and families. Beginning with the faith received in Baptism, we seek to collaborate with parents and the parish community to teach children the gospel message so they may experience a sense of community, celebrate the Sacraments, as well as learning the truths of their Catholic faith.

Religious Education Schedule 1-8 Grade

Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:15 PM

Confirmation

Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:15 PM

Mass Schedule:

Saturday: 4:00 PM (Vigil Mass)

Sunday: 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (November-April)

8:00 AM & 10:00 AM (May - October)

Registration begins in August. Classes begin in September. Watch the parish bulletin for registration dates, times, and location. To register: Please fill out the form available in the Church Office between 8:00 and 4:00 PM Monday - Friday.

For more information regarding these programs or if you have any questions, please contact Nelson Perez at (239) 567-2315 ext 104 or e-mail nelson.perez@sainttheresechurch.net. We look forward to hearing from you!