St Mary's Web

	Religious Education

	Mission Statement

	St. Mary's Religious Education Ministry provides opportunities for formation, evangelization and catechesis to all parishioners and potential parishioners of St. Mary's Parish to help them develop their spiritual relationship with Christ while forming a Christian Catholic Parish Community.

	All Religious Education Ministries:

	Welcome all children, youth, teens and adults and embrace them into the parish community, liturgy and service.

	Assist children, youth, teens and adults to identify their experience of God.

	Pray with children, youth, teens and adults using a variety of prayer forms appropriate to their age level and provide retreat experiences.

	Foster an appreciation for and knowledge of our Catholic Faith, Tradition, and Theology.

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	Philosophy Statement

	Jesus is the center, source and content of catechesis.

	Catechesis is a life long process which enables us to grow continually in our personal relationship with Jesus through the Father in the Holy Spirit. The presentation of the truths of faith is adapted to the needs of each individual.

	Catechesis is holistic and embraces the entire person helping us to know Christ in mind and heart.

	Catechesis is an important part of all parish activity which includes four interrelated dimensions: proclamation of the message, the development of the community, the celebration of worship and the ministry of service.

	All parishioners should perceive themselves involved in a team effort to help individuals at every stage of growth to develop into adult believers.

	St. Mary's Religious Education Ministries recognize and support parents as the primary educators of their children, youth and teens.

	By participating in Sunday Liturgy, religious education programs and parish activities children, youth and teens acquire a sense of belonging to St. Mary's Roman Catholic community.

	Catechist Formation is available for catechists and aides through diocesan meetings, workshops and classes as well as at parish meetings.

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	Religious Education Ministries

Parishioners are encouraged to support these educational efforts in our parish by becoming catechist or support personnel to our Religious Education Programs. Parishioners are also invited and encouraged to be- come part of one of the groups. Coordinator's telephone numbers are available in other parts of this web site or by reading the bulletin or calling the parish:

Adult Religious Education

R.C.I.C

Senior High Ministry

Baptismal Ministry

Junior High Religious Education

Marriage Preparation Dialogues

Elementary Religious Education

Scripture Study

Vacation Bible School

Moms and Tots

Family Religious Education

Social Justice Committee

Catholic Schools

Pro-Life Committee

R.C.I.A.


	Adult Religious Education

Adult Religious Education is always offered to parents of the children receiving the sacraments for the first time. Other opportunities are offered throughout the year by our staff and others and by the various offices and parishes of the Diocese of Allentown.


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	Senior High Ministry - Grades 9-12		Coordinator: Sr. Kathleen White, MSC

This ministry meets twice a month on Sunday evening. Other activities of a social, liturgical and spiritual nature along with social action are included and available in the program.


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	Junior High Religious Education- Grades 6-8		Coordinator: Sr. Kathleen White, MSC

This program meets every second week on Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The major emphasis of the program is preparing young people for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Other appropriate topics are studied when the children are not preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.


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	Elementary Religious Education- Grades Pre-School-5		Coordinator: Ann Pirnot

These children meet with a catechist every second week for an hour and a half at a time. There are two sections in this program. Both sections meet on Sunday morning 10:30 to 12:00 noon. Each section meets every other week. The second and third levels prepare for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.


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	Vacation Bible School		Coordinator: Ann Pirnot

August 1 - 5, 2005

9:00 AM - 12 Noon


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	Family Religious Education		Coordinator: Ann Pirnot

Families share Religious Education at home and come together as a group periodically. This is an inter-generational program. Children in this program do not participate in our regular scheduled programs.


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	Catholic Schools

Since our parish covers a large territory and we do not have a Catholic School, our children in Catholic School attend the schools to which transportation is available through the local public school district or through private transportation. Information is available at the rectory or at the school.


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	R.C.I.A.		Coordinator: Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer

This program for adults interested in becoming Catholics or interested in learning about the teachings of the Catholic Church is offered on a regular basis each year. It is year round.


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	R.C.I.C.		Coordinator: Carol Bogansky

This is a family centered program. The program was developed for children interested in joining the Catholic Church or children who have not received the sacraments with their classmates or who have not participated with other children of their age in catechetical programs. Parents are expected to participate along with their children.


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	Baptismal Ministry		Coordinator: Ann Pirnot

Parents who request Baptism for their children are expected to participate in this ministry. There are two sessions for those who have not already had a child baptized at St. Mary's Church and one session for those who have had a child baptized at St. Mary's Church.. We encourage parents to participate in this ministry before the child is born. A team of parishioners provide this ministry. To participate call Ann Pirnot at 610-683-6454


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	Marriage Preparation Dialogues		Coordinator: Diocese Family Life Bureau

Once a year St. Mary's hosts the Allentown Diocese Marriage Preparation Dialogues. This program is designed to help couples to prepare for their commitment to marriage. Marriage team couples share their time and experience with other couples anticipating marriage.


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	Scripture Study		Coordinator: Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer

Meets twice a month on Sundays at 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Parish Center. The group studies one book of the bible at a time. The book to be studied is selected by the group.


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	Moms & Tots		Coordinator: Ann Pirnot

Meets on a weekday between 10:15 and 11:30 AM at the convenience of the group. All moms are invited, baby sitting is available. Prayer, faith sharing on the Sunday Gospels, Renew and mutual support make up the agenda.


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	Social Justice Committee		Coordinator: Barbara Fogarty

This group studies various social problems effecting our local communities and world wide social problems. They educate our parish community to these problems using various resources e.g. speakers, bulletin board displays and bulletin inserts or articles along with suggesting action to address these problems.


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	Pro-Life Committee		Coordinator: John Tucker

This groups studies life issues and educates the parish on the various developments affecting " life". They join with other groups and try to make public the injustices against life. They encourage prayer and other programs that can benefit persons in difficult circumstances. They educate our parishioners about the various possibilities to address these concerns and encourage action when appropriate.

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