“As the Father has sent me, so I send you' the ministry of the apostles continues the mission of Christ - from the Father and in the Holy Spirit for the salvation of all.
From the earliest days of the Church, catechists have made and continue to make 'an outstanding and absolutely necessary contribution to the spread of the faith and the Church by their great work.'” National Directory for Catechesis, # 1, # 53.
Education Commission
This commission meets monthly to address itself to the educational needs of the entire parish community from baptism through adult life. The commission is comprised of parish council members, Religious Education staff and interested parishioners; it recommends policies, develops programs, communicates actions taken and delegates programs in the areas of Religious Education, Adult Education, Justice and Peace Education, Family Life Education and Mission Education.
Religious Education Staff
Deacon Ed McLeod - Religious Education Director
Mary Kay Reith - Special Needs Education Director
Peggy Montgomery - Religious Education Secretary
Phone: 586-264-2777
Peggy Montgomery our secretary is in the office to help families within our formation program, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's from 9:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. from the middle of August to the middle of June. The office is closed on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 A. M. to 12:00 P. M. for staff meeting.
When religious education programs take place, Ms. Montgomery will be in the office during those programs to assist families.
Catechist Education
Present and prospective catechists work toward Archdiocesan certification through a series of Foundational Topics offered yearly in collaboration with Central and North Macomb Vicariates and the Office for Faith Formation/Catechetics for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Family Centered Religious Education
The Religious formation/religious education of our children is on a “Family Based Program”. Today there is an interest in family centered Religious Education because of the documents that have risen in recent years from our bishops.
1965 Vatican II: Declaration of Christian Education. “As parents have given life to their children, on them lies the obligation for the Christian education of their family.” # 3
1972 National Conference of Catholic Bishops: to teach as Jesus did. “It is in the family that children learn to believe what their parents' words and examples teach them about God.” # 25
1977 NCCB: Sharing the Light of Faith: “parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children.” # 212
1983 Revised Code of Canon Law: “parents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith.” # 774
1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church:
- # 2221-2231 “the role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute.”
- # 2221 “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. The home is well suited for education in the virtues.”
- # 2223 “the home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and communal responsibilities. Parents should teach children to avoid the compromising and degrading influences which threaten human societies.”
- # 2224 “education in the faith by parents should begin in the child's earliest years.
- # 2226 “faith formation is the responsibility of parents; however, they need resources and the support of parish religious educators and catechists. And so …
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Through Baptism, everyone is called to serve in, with, and for others. When a parent brings an infant or child for baptism, religious formation begins, parents are the first educators of their children and model their faith values at home and in the community.
HOME FAITH SHARING
The important link between the monthly sessions and weekly Mass is family faith sharing. This takes place within the home informally and formally. Informally happens in the everyday interactions and reflections of God's presence. Formally, by following a schedule using grade level books and a family guide.
FAMILY EVENING SESSIONS (PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN GRADES 1-5)
Parents and children attend a one and one-half hour session (6:30 to 8:00 PM), choosing either Monday or Tuesday evenings of each month. Each session begins with a shared prayer, followed by an adult presentation with opportunities for dialogue and questions and a child session facilitated by a catechist. Shared adult and child activity when appropriate and shared closing prayer.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR FAMILY PROGRAM - 2009-2010 YEAR
(parents are asked to check this site or “The Harp of the Holy Spirit” weekly bulletin for any changes.
VISIONARIES (GRADE 6-8)
The Visionaries students meet in the Activities Center three times a month from mid-September until the end of April from 7:00 to 8:15 PM. Content focuses on Church, Jesus, Live issues and Confirmation preparation. A variety of texts are used.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR VISIONARIES PROGRAM - 2009-2010
(parents are asked to check this site or “The Harp of the Holy Spirit” weekly bulletin for any changes.
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION, FIRST EUCHARIST AND CONFIRMATION:
Those candidates preparing for the celebration of First Reconciliation (Grade 2); First Eucharist (Grade 2) and Confirmation (Grade 8) will be instructed with age appropriate materials by our catechists. Parents at some time during the preparation will be involved with their children. Preparation for these sacraments is separate and in addition to the regular Family Program and Visionaries Schedules.
It is to be noted that it has been and continues to be the policy of the parish that candidates for these sacraments will be in religious formation sessions for two years prior to the celebration of the sacrament. Celebration of these sacraments will depend on the candidate's preparation, practice of the faith, and readiness to celebrate the sacraments.
