Religious Education
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Phone: 509-962-9819
Fax: 509-962-9846
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Director: Rev. Tomas Vazquez
"Accordingly, the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: Only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity."
Pope John Paul II 's Apostolic Exhortation on Catechetics (1979): Catechesis in our Times [Catechesi Tradendae)
According to the General Directory for Catechesis, the fundamental tasks of catechesis are promoting knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life and missionary initiation. (#85-86) The Diocesan Office of Religious Education is dedicated to providing leadership and support to those involved in accomplishing these fundamental tasks.
LINKS:
A Pastoral Plan
for Adult Faith Formation
www.nccbuscc.org/education/ourhearts.htm
Catequesis Y Liturgia
http://catequesisyliturgia.blogspot.com
We Believe
Sadlier Creemos
The Office provides leadership and training for the formation and education of children, youth and adults in the Catholic faith. It supports families in their role as primary educators of their children in passing on the gift of our faith.
For those who are Catechetical Leaders - Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education, a yearly Leadership Training Conference is held in August, along with bi-monthly meetings to receive updating on issues related to catechesis. Regional meetings are also provided to give catechetical leaders the opportunity to network with others in the ministry. On-site visits and support are provided to Directors and Coordinators throughout the year.
Catechist training and workshops are offered in parishes, and also regionally when requested. In addition, for Catechists and others who are interested in adult faith formation, the Diocesan Catechist Formation and Certification Program is offered regionally. A retreat is included as part of the requirements of the program, and is open to anyone interested in attending for their own spiritual development. The Catechist Certification program consists of 48 hours of updating 'knowledge in faith' as well as practical application for teaching.
The Office of Religious Education also holds the annual Religious Education and Youth Ministry Conference in October that provides a variety of workshops for catechists, youth group leaders, and those interested in adult faith formation. The training, workshops, and certification are made available to help catechists "acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to communicate the gospel message effectively"(NCD 211).
The Religious Education office has on hand materials and resources that are recommended for catechesis, and networking is encouraged in sharing ideas for more effective catechesis. The Office provides information and resources in Catechesis for persons with disabilities, as well as coordinating the annual Mass with Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla, S.J. celebrating our gifts as One People of God.
The ministry of catechesis is central to the life and mission of the Church. The Religious Education Office recognizes that for catechesis to be effective, the Church "is bidden to offer catechesis her best resources in people and energy, without sparing effort, toil or material means, in order to organize it better and to train qualified personnel" (Pope John Paul II, Catechesis in Our Times #15).
