Youth Religious Education

"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 love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Trinity" (JPII, Catechesi Tradendae, "On Catechesis in Our Time" 5).

The Religious Education Program of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church exists in order to bring adults and children into a lasting, loving, and fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ lived out in the Catholic Church. By imparting knowledge of the Catholic faith in its fullness and entirety, leading each person to deeper conversion and greater love for Jesus Christ, and fostering in each person an active participation in the liturgical and apostolic life of the Church.

The Parish's Role in Children's Catechesis:

• Support parents in their vocation as the primary religious educators of their children.
• Uphold the dignity of each individual as a child of God with love and respect.
• Provide good witnesses through faith-filled and trained catechists who serve in each classroom.
• Present the teaching of the Catholic Church in its fullness and entirety as truths to be known, loved, and lived.
• Encourage children's participation in the sacramental life of the Church as central to developing their faith and growth in holiness.
• Present the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist is the center of our faith.
• Promote frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and the holy Eucharist.
• Foster reverence for God's Word.
• The Gospel message and moral life expressed in the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are professed, cultivated and practiced in everyday life.
• Promote spiritual growth through prayer, the practice of virtues in daily life, and the study of the lives of the saints.

The Student's Role:

• Punctuality! All students are to be in the class area by the appointed class times.
• Attendance at every class.
• Fulfillment of the Church's teaching on Mass attendance (Mass attendance is obligatory for all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation).
• Good behavior.
• Appropriate dress.

The Parent's Role:

• Be the first herald of the Gospel to your children
• Promote your child's faith formation through family prayer and participation in the Sacraments especially regular attendance at Sunday Mass
• Be aware of our expectations of your children
• Be aware of what your child is learning in class so it can be reinforced in the home
• Parents of children in sacramental classes are required to attend the preparatory meetings
• Notify us of any email, phone number or address changes.