Dear Parent/ Guardian.

Welcome to our Parish Religious Education Program! The mission Statement on the previous page outlines who we are, and hope to become, as members of the Saint Philip Neri Parish Family. Please read it prayerfully and often.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of the parent’s responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children, beginning at an early age, into the mysteries of the faith. It underscores the fact that parents are the “first heralds” of the faith for their children, and have the mission of teaching them to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. Family catechesis (instructions in the faith) precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. (CCC paragraphs 2225-2226)

The Catechism also states that “the parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechists of children and parents.” (CCC #2226)

We congratulate you for taking this directive seriously by seeing to your children’s faith development at home and here in our parish program.

It is the mission of the parish catechetical staff, therefore, to assist you in teaching the faith to your children. Catechists attend archdiocesan accredited courses and workshops, follow archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guidelines and use approved textbooks for each class level.

We know that actions speak louder than words, therefore, we are looking to you, as parents, to nourish within your family a strong sense of Christian living. Attending Sunday and Holy Day Mass as a family, frequently receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, and periodically during the year the Sacrament of Reconciliation are most essential. The practice of family prayer and the generous sharing of your time, talent and treasure with family, neighbors and parish community all draw us deeper into the life of Christ through His Church.

Our goal, working together, is to nurture the growth of each child in a personal relationship of love, faith and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. With the prayers of Mary, St. Philip Neri, and the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit we take up this task with joy!

The Catechetical Staff of Saint Philip Neri