Parishioners,
This is a longer-than-usual dedicated note from me; I ask that you stick with it all the way through as it is important for us all.
The future of the Catholic Church rests with our children. Whether we think and speak in 20th century terms (religious education) or in 21st century language (Faith formation), teaching, guiding, encouraging our young people to know God, love Him and become disciples and evangelizers in their own right is paramount. For all Catholics.
At St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, passing on the one, true Catholic and apostolic Faith is the responsibility of each and every parishioner. Support comes in multiple ways:
- those who pray
- those who contribute financially
- those who teach (aka catechize)
While we need and appreciate all three, my message today directly addresses the third.
It is our intention to introduce a vibrant, robust program to our pre-K through Grade 8 kids - featuring the Augustine Institute/Ignatian Press series, Word of Life*. It is all about evangelizing catechesis.
Fact is, unless we address our parish's serious volunteer catechist shortage, our brand new 2023 - 2024 curriculum is in danger of not happening.
How great is our catechist need? Consider this: the religious education season concluding in May is accommodating 176 students pre-K through Grade 8. Our RE staff was only able to manage with just 14 catechists by consolidating classes. It is our prayer to increase those numbers to 200.
To ensure the smooth transition to the new 2023 - 2024 Word of Life curriculum, Rob Weierman needs 26 total catechists.
What's in it for you? The knowledge and satisfaction you are actively contributing to the Faith formation of the future of our own parish and the big "C" Church.
Expanding from 14 to 26 parish catechists from one season to another is both ambitious AND necessary. I pray we reach folks (young and old) who perhaps have been previously unable or uninspired to follow their own spiritual journey of sharing their Catholic Faith with our young people. Joyful, loving Catholics with a passion for their Faith as well as those with a working knowledge as teachers, aides (past or present), etc. would be especially valued catechists.
Our RE staff is crafting a plan to integrate everyone into this new community of catechists and is dedicated to helping develop volunteers' teaching and sharing skills.
Please consider joining forces with Rob and his team to make this happen. Having our 2023 - 2024 catechist team in place and already in process of forming community and immersing themselves in the curriculum by July 1 is our goal.
Rob Weierman is eager to speak with you personally regarding any questions or concerns you have. He may be reached at 520-577-8780, extension 124 or via eMail at rweierman@diocesetucson.org.
Please be prayerful in your consideration; this is an awesome spiritual opportunity. And may God bless you.
Fr. Patrick Crino
Pastor
If you are certain of your interest in joining our parish 2023 - 2024 volunteer Catechist community, click the 'Yes' button below by Friday, March 24. Rob will contact you directly.
Yes
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*The new catechetical resources not only provide faithful teaching, but also are able to explain why our Catholic Faith is relevant in our modern culture.
Word of Life curriculum calls children, parents, teachers and catechists to conversion and transformation in Christ.
