Overview of Catechetics

Holy Spirit Parish invites all children to participate in the catechetical program. What is catechesis? The word comes from the Greek word meaning to echo, as in to echo all that has been received from Christ.

The goal of children’s catechesis is to bring them to Christ, to prepare them for the sacramental life of the Church, to help them understand the social justice dimension of discipleship and to integrate prayer into their lives.

Why not call it religious education? Catechesis is more than education—it is a life-long process of conversion.

There is a formal registration process which takes place prior to start of classes. Classes are offered from October to May. There are program fees associated with all classes except for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. For more information, please contact the Catechetical Office at 997-5115.

Elementary Catechetical Program, Grades 1-5

Classes meet Monday or Tuesday afternoons, from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. The textbook, We Believe, (William H. Sadlier, Inc), integrates prayer, liturgy, and Catholic social teaching. The text contains many special family activities that extend classroom learning into at-home family catechesis. Parents can track classroom learning by accessing the Sadlier website where they will find family activities as well as interactive games for the children.

Elementary Catechetical Program, Grade 6

For these older children, classes meet twice per month on Thursday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. The textbook is from the We Believe series. The theme is the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and Jesus as the fulfillment of the Covenant.

Grades 7 & 8

Please see Junior High page.

Registration is now closed for Elementary Catechetics 2009-2010. We welcome you for the 2010-2011 Catechetical year so check back soon for regisration information.