"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 (1th-6th) participate in the CCD program. They meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Holy Cross School. The CCD Coordinators are Dcn. Kevin Knox and Natalie Freisenhahn.
CONFIRMATION The Junior High Confirmation program at Holy Cross is a two-year program. During a student’s 7th & 8th grade years, they are required to attend all Confirmation Classes on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm-8:00pm, as well as attend a Confirmation Retreat and complete various service hours. They will make their confirmation upon the completion of their 2-year program. Depending on which year they began the program, they will make their Confirmation the Spring of freshman year or the Fall of their freshman year. The Junior High 1st year Confirmation teachers are Natalie Freisenhahn and her team. The Junior High 2nd year teacher is Dcn. Kevin Knox.
The High School Confirmation program at Holy Cross is a one-year program. The high school student is required to attend all Confirmation Classes on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm-8:00pm, as well as attend a Confirmation Retreat and complete various service hours. They will make their confirmation upon the completion of the one-year program in the Spring. The Confirmation teacher is Dcn. Kevin Knox.
YOUTH GROUP •High School grades (9 th-12 th) participate in the Youth Group program. They will meet on Sunday evenings, in the Holy Cross Catholic School cafeteria. This will include food, fellowship, and catechesis (6:00pm). These evenings are open to all high school age students and are a wonderful way to learn about the Catholic faith while growing in fellowship.
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.
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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