Holy Redeemer Parish Religious Education

Director of Religious Education
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The Role of Parents

“The role of parents in religious education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide and adequate substitute.”

Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the “first heralds” for their children. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as Children of God.

Information about the ‘Faith and Life’ student texts: The ‘Faith and Life’ student texts are written on a reading level higher than that of the average student in school. It is important for children to hear the Good News in a fuller manner than a more simplified version would allow. Please take the time to review the material with our children, to read the text aloud with them, to study the questions and answers, and to examine and discuss the religious art that accompanies each chapter. By lessening the emphasis on individual student reading, there is more opportunity for your child to concentrate on the Gospel message itself as well as the idea that theology plays an important role in all aspects of his life.

The Role of the Catechists

The catechists, being volunteers are carrying out the promise which the Church makes at every Baptism: to support, pray for, and instruct the baptized and foster children’s growth in faith. The fundamental task of a catechist is to proclaim Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community, to lead people to worship and prayer, and to motivate them to serve others.

The aim of the catechist is to help the People of God to be conscious members of Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church. To do this the catechist must put on the mind of Christ, and see others as He sees them.

A catechist must be a practicing Catholic, baptized and confirmed, taking part in the worship and apostolate of the church.

They must realize that their vocation as Catholics calls them to worship God in the liturgy and their personal prayer, and to serve God through service to His people. The example of their prayer and service is a powerful teaching tool.