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"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ (CT, no.5).”

CT--Pope John Paul II. On Catechesis in Our Time (Catechesi Tradendae). Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1987.
   
Mission:
While it is true that parents have the “first responsibility for the education of their children” (CCC 2223),  it is also true that “the parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families;” therefore it is “a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents” (CCC 2226).  Our desire at Holy Cross for the religious education program is to aid and assist parents in the privilege of evangelizing their children.

Religious Education is provided as follows:
•All elementary and Jr. High grades (1^th-6^th) participate in the CCD program.
They meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic School.  The CCD Coordinator is Dcn. Kevin Knox.
 

CONFIRMATION
The Confirmation program at Holy Cross is a two-year program.  During a junior high student’s 7th grade year, they are required to attend all 1st Year Confirmation Program classes on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm-8:00pm.  They will then attend year two their 8th grade year.  They will make their Confirmation the Fall of their Freshman year.

The 1st year Confirmation teachers are Natalie Freisenhahn and her team. 


The 2nd Year Confirmation Program at Holy Cross includes 8th grade students and all high school students.  Students are required to attend all Confirmation Classes on Sunday afternoon following the 11:30 am Mass.  There will be a meal provided in the Life House (unless otherwise stated) followed by classes in the Parish Hall.  All students are required to attend a Confirmation Retreat and complete various service hours requirements.  They will make their Confirmation the following Fall. 


The 2nd year Confirmation program is taught by Dcn. Kevin Knox.


YOUTH GROUP
•High School grades (9 ^th-12 ^th) participate in the Youth Group program.
They will meet Sunday afternoons in the Life House after the 11:30am Mass.  This will include lunch, fellowship, and catechesis. These afternoons are open to all high school age students and 2nd year confirmation students (when there is no scheduled class). Youth Group is a wonderful way to learn about the Catholic faith while growing in fellowship.
 

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The Seven Core Values of Life Teen (via lifeteen.com)

•Eucharistic Spirituality

At the Last Supper, Jesus lifted up bread and wine and proclaimed to his disciples that he was offering His Body and Blood.  For over 2000 years, Catholics have continued this tradition by celebrating Mass and receiving Jesus in a unique way.  We at Life Teen believe that a solid Catholic faith must be centered on the Eucharist.  It is the source and summit of our faith.

•Love

They’ll know we’re Christians by our love.  This world is consumed with hate and envy.  We hope that all teenagers who shop up at Life Teen at their parishes will know that they’re loved. 

•Joy

Who says Catholicism has to be boring?  We believe that Jesus is a reason to be joyful and excited about life.  You can guarantee that everything we do will be a good time for everyone.

•Affirmation

People are always telling you what you’re not.  But at Life Teen, our core value of Affirmation reminds us that Jesus showed us a different way.  We encourage one another, support one another, and pick each other up when we get knocked down.  We’re in this together.

•Authenticity

Tired of wearing the masks?  Tired of fake people?  We are too.  That’s why Life Teen has made it a core value to live an authentic life.  We don’t pretend we’re perfect.  We recognize that we’re all sinners and we need God.  This means we’re able to be honest and vulnerable with one another.  We want to be REAL with one another.

•Evangelization

We believe that every teenager deserves a chance to have a relationship with Jesus.  That’s why we’re not content hiding in our churches hoping for people to fill our pews.  We want to boldly enter the streets and invite everyone—young and old—to grow closer to God.

•Primary Vocation

Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by all the work that needs to be done in the world.  That’s why the adults who are involved in Life Teen are expected to keep their vocation their #1 priority.  So if you’re a married youth minister, take care of your family first.  If you’re a priest or religious brother or sister, don’t become so consumed in youth ministry that you forget God called you first to Him, and second to serving his people.
 

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The Life Teen website is a great resource for teens and their parents—It has questions and answers, as well as a wealth of resources.  Click on the image below to view their page.
 
 


 

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