Religious Education (RE) classes have started this week for this year 2024-2025 and we are super excited. We have 131 students registered, K-6, for the classes on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We have 9 classes on Sunday, 3 classes on Tuesday and 5 classes on Wednesdays. Our RE program utilizes resources from Word of Life created by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press which aims to not only educate but also inspire conversion and transformation in Christ. Word of Life is a comprehensive, multifaceted Pre-K-8 curriculum that calls children, parents and catechists to conversion and transformation in Christ. It is designed to be both educational and engaging, making Catholic teachings accessible and relevant to your child and your family today.
We are very confident that once our young people have gone through our program, that they are equipped as disciples of Christ. The following are the subject matter for each grade level: Kindergarten – God’s Plan of Love, 1st grade – God’s Promise of a Savior, 2nd grade – Salvation History: God’s Presence in the Sacraments, 3rd grade – Holy Spirit and the Life of Grace, 4th grade – The Creed: Truth and Our Response of Faith, 5th grade – Liturgy and Worship, 6th grade: (Fall Semester) The Word of God: Jesus Christ and Sacred Scripture, (Spring Semester) The Word of God: Jesus Christ and Sacred Scripture.
We are off to a good start. For one, many of you have stepped up when the call for more catechists was made. As you are aware, our program is purely run by volunteers, and we are so blessed with so many parishioners who love the young people enough to want to share their faith. Our catechists are made up of diverse individuals who are still working, or have young kids, and/or have retired. Although they could not make the commitment to be a catechist, we have parishioners who have volunteered to be aides, assistants, and substitutes. If you have the heart or are being called to help our young people, you are most welcome. We don’t turn anyone away. We will find a place for you. Please reach out.
Another good news is that we have extended the deadline to register for R.E. classes to September 30. We know that parents are super busy. We have a total of 17 classes, and they are not yet at maximum capacity. Let’s get our catechists busy! Speaking of catechists, we are so blessed that most of the catechists from last year are back teaching this year, we are very grateful. In addition, we have more than a couple of new catechists on board as well. We also had a wonderful parent meeting last Wednesday evening, thank you to those who attended.
Thank you all for your support.
Let’s set our RE program on FIRE!
Yours In Christ,
Teresa Gonzales
Christ the King-Saint Stephen Parish
