We fully understand that you are your child’s most important teacher; we will endeavor to partner with you to help in your child’s religious formation.
 
At the time of Baptism, your child was welcomed into your faith - the Catholic faith. As parents, you answered for your child—accepting the obligation of teaching and sharing the faith. It is on the holy ground of our homes and through the interactions of our families that our children first learn about themselves and encounter our living and loving God.
 
Our program has been developed to assist you in nurturing and forming your children in Christ- centered lives. It is in that sense that it is "preparation for life". The life-long process of growing in love and knowledge of God begins with you in your homes but is sustained within the faith community.
 
Parents, it is through these formative years of childhood and young adolescence, that you, by word and example, nourish your child's spiritual growth. We appreciate the tremendous effort it takes to raise children these days. We believe that you are the primary educators of your children. Our role is not to take your place, rather to assist you in your efforts to share the faith with your children.
 
The philosophy of the Holy Name Religious Education Program is rooted in a profound conviction that the Word of God is central in our lives. The goal of the program is to bring every student closer to Jesus, to guide them in the formation of values, and to pass along the rich tradition of our Catholic faith. The context for our teaching is one of appreciation for different learning styles and needs of the students. Our volunteer catechists are ready to work with you to provide a comfortable learning environment for your children.
 
Our program is effective only when fully supported by you and cannot work unless you are involved. We encourage you to attend Mass with your little ones or encourage your teens to attend Mass. We invite you to enroll your youngsters to participate in the 9:00am Family Liturgy.
 
Our prayer for the children is that they will always know the unconditional love of God. And when the time comes for them to go off on their own, faith will be the context in which they live their lives–a faith that is the source of consolation in bad times, strength in difficult times and joy and thankfulness in good times.
 
Never hesitate to call or be in touch with us with questions, concerns, suggestions. May God bless you and your family.

Maureen Connell
Religious Education,
the Pastoral Staff, and
the Religious Education Teachers