Religious Formation Ministry

Ministry Leader(s):

Ken Blakeman
Jamie Brown

Goals and Objectives:

Catechesis is sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ in such a way that a person comes to know about God, to believe in God, Jesus and his teachings, to enter into a relationship with God and be transformed by God. Catechesis involves teaching about doctrine as well as about the living practice of the faith. Catechesis is a life–long activity for every Catholic. A way of living as well as learning, catechesis helps us grow in faith and to grow closer to God throughout our entire lives.

Catechesis involves six basic tasks that must take place if catechesis is to be authentic and complete (National Directory for Catechesis):

1. To promote knowledge of the faith;
2. To promote meaningful participation in liturgical worship and the sacramental life of the Church;
3. To integrate moral formation into a Christian way of life;
4. To teach Christians how to pray with Christ, in Christ, and in communion with the Church;
5. To initiate the Christian into the life of the local church community and foster active participation in the mission of the Church;
6. And to promote a missionary spirit that prepares Christians to witness Christ in society.

The aim of catechesis is to lead believers to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ and to a commitment to follow him. Jesus Christ is at the center of all catechesis. It is in communion with Jesus that all believers share in the mystery of the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Catechetical Ministries is responsible for preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Reconciliation is prepared for in the second grade in the Diocese of Phoenix. Confirmation and First Eucharist preparation is to take place in the third grade in the Diocese of Phoenix by 2008. Separate preparation tracks exist for older students who have not been prepared in this framework. All sacrament preparation is family centered, using an intergenerational catechetical model.

Meeting Days and Times:

Elementary (K–5) Religious Formation meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6–7:30 PM.

There are four Parish Community Nights planned each year. These are intergenerational events for all parishioners.

Sacrament preparation programs are separate from the religious formation program and have their own schedule. Please check with the parish office for each schedule.

Return to the main Religious Formation Ministry page