The Family - Core of Society.

The Family - Blessed by God.

The Family - Witness of Faith.

Come Join Us!

Parents, we offer you a chance to be fully involved in the faith development of your child through your participation in Family Catechesis.

What is Catechesis?  It is an ancient word which means "Echoing God's Word".  The person who does this is known as a catechist.  Perhaps you have been praying with your child and talking about God's presence and love in your lives.  Wonderful!  We recognize that you, as parent, are the first educator, the first catechist of your child.

Why Family Catechesis?  Parents have the mission of educating their children to pray and discover their vocation as children of God.  (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2226)  The effort in family catechesis is to help parents bring practical faith experiences into everyday life at home, to celebrate rituals, mark rites of passage (celebrating the arrival of a new baby or special visitors, leaving home, etc) creating prayer spaces and blessing rituals.

Why come to the parish for sessions?  It is wise to have a consistency and a sequence of exposure to our scripture, doctrines and traditions.  All of these can be assimilated more easily when parents share their own faith and their love of God.

Who Teaches it?   Certified volunteer Catechists share knowledge and prayer and are happy to help parents develop the faith life of their children. 

Family Catechesis, on Sunday mornings, is presented in bilingual format - English and Spanish and the sessions run from September through April.

A word about sacrament preparation...  Parent / child sessions to prepare a child for First Sacraments take place at a time outside of the regular catechetical classes. 

Normally, preparation for First Confession (Reconciliation Grade 2) and Holy Communion (First Eucharist Grade 3) begins after the child has spent at least one year in basic studies.  This is the policy of the Diocese of Phoenix.  Therefore, we urge you to enroll your child early.  A child's interest in God and ability to pray begins about the age of 3.  The little ones do very well in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, another program offered in our parish.  C.G.S. also welcomes older children;  so you have the option of C.G.S. or Family Catechesis.

For further information please call Theresa at 480-874-3710 or stop by the parish office for registration materials.