PARISH
FAITH FORMATION EDUCATION
In the
autumn of 1923, our parish turned to the task of religious education.
Miss Loretta Purcell, a City of Poughkeepsie school teacher, headed
a group of women who taught Sunday School for the children in the
first through the eighth grades. MissPurcell continued in this work
until the opening of HolyTrinity School some 29 years later. Today,
our parish faith formation program instructs over 350 children and
adolescents in grades kindergarten through eight and offers many
opportunities for adults in the parish to grow in their faith. The
goals and expectations of our program are described below.
OUR PURPOSE
Faith
Formation is the process of communicating the beliefs, values and
practices which make people Catholic Christians. It is the work
of handing on from one generation to the next, the faith that has
come down to us from Jesus and the apostles, and the way oflife
to which that faith calls us. Essential to every child's growth
and development in the Catholic faith is the life of faith lived
at home. By nature and grCice, parents are the first and foremost
catechists of their children by nature and grace. They teach informally,
but powerfully, by example and instruction. They communicate values
and attitudes by showing love for Jesus, the Church and each other,
reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, fostering
justice and love in all their relationships, being actively involved
in the parish, seeking opportunities to serve others and praying
frequently
and spontaneously. Adults of the parish are encouraged to attend
classes, lectures and programs offered to help them grow in their
faith.
The purpose of the Faith Formation Program
is to:
o Assist, not replace, parents in the religious development of their
children.
o Familiarize parents, through group and individual meetings, with
the formal instruction being given their children and the religious
experiences that must give meaning to this instruction through the
family.
o Involve parents directly in the religious development of their
children especially preparing them to practice their faith so that
they can meaningfully receive the sacraments of Reconciliation,
Eucharist, Confirmation and participate in the weekly gathering
of the parish at Mass.
o Provide instruction to children that teaches them what a Catholic
believes and how a Catholic lives in response to that message.
o Offer instruction, lectures and other opportunities to the adults
of the parish.
THE PROGRAM
The catechists
in our Religious Education Program are dedicated to passing on the
facts of our tradition with an enthusiasm for the experienced practice
offaith. They are more than willing to cooperate with parents in
any way possible. Formal classroom instruction is provided from
September through May and follows the Archdiocesan Guidelines using
the Sadlier Religion Text supplemented with appropriate handouts
and activities following the liturgical season. It has been designed
for the total development of the child to live our faith. There
will be additional sessions for children preparing to receive sacraments
and their parents.
EXPECTATIONS
Children
are expected to attend Mass every weekend and holy day with their
families. Classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday according to
grade level following the Arlington school district calendar. Please
phone in any absence before class time. Each child in the program
is expected to achieve a level of understanding appropriate to his
or her grade level and complete the work assigned.
The knowledge
of basic traditional prayers is extremely important. Parents need
to set aside time to work with their children to help them learn
these formal prayers. Parents are also expected to attend meetings
periodic meetings so that they can have the information necessary
to assist their children in developing in the Catholic faith.
We believe
that our parents play a most important role in the sacramental education
oftheir children by their example and encouragement. Duringthe year
when children will be initiated into the life of a particular sacrament,
parents and children will be expected to attend preparation sessions
so that they may be fully prepared for and better understand this
additional involvement in the life of the Church.
COMMUNITY
WORSHIP FOR AND WITH CHILDREN
CHILDREN'S
WORSHIP BULLETINS are
designed for two age groups:3-6and 7-12. The games, puzzles and
art activities are intended to facilitate further understanding
of the day's gospel reading.
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