St. Christopher Parish at 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116 US - Teaching Ministry
| Teaching Ministry |
As a faith community, we are dedicated to the education and formation of each person according to traditions and values of our Catholic faith. “Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 Purpose: Commitment: Teachers and students strive to: 1) Understand Gospel values as they learn to act as Jesus would. 2) Accomplish State and Diocesan curriculum objectives. As these groups work on their goals, it is often necessary to ask for assistance from parents and parishioners. This is done on an individual teacher or event basis. Preparation: Volunteers are instructed by teacher or event coordinator requesting their assistance as to what needs to be done. “How beautiful are the feet of those who announce good news!” Romans 10: 15b Purpose: To assist parents with their task of passing on the Catholic faith to their children, by offering weekly religion classes for children, Pre-K through Grade 8. Commitment: To teach one hour weekly, mid-September through mid-May on Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m. To prepare lessons according to curriculum guidelines. To prepare report forms for students twice each academic year. To attend 3 catechists’ meetings. Preparation: Conversation with director of religious education. Diocesan courses leading to catechist certification are encouraged, but optional. Any adult who works with children in the Diocese of Cleveland must complete the requirements of the VIRTUS Program. P.T.U. “Where two or three come together in my name, I am with them.” Matthew 18:20 Purpose: The Parent Teacher Unit (P.T.U.) was founded for the following purposes: Promote community, support fundraising, improve communication, involvement in the daily Catholic education of our children. Commitment: Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month during the school year, alternating between 1:00 p.m. meetings and 7:00 p.m. meetings in an attempt to accommodate everyone. Meetings are held at school. Preparation: Just being a parent of a child within the day school. School Committee “Let the children come to me and do not stop them for the Purpose: The St. Christopher School Committee functions as a consultative body to develop, promote, evaluate, and support policies which have both short-term and long-term goals directly effecting the educational progress of the school. Commitment: The committee consists of nine members; each must be a parent of a student presently enrolled in Preparation: No special preparation is required except a strong commitment to the ideals and goals of Catholic education exemplified in Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) “I give thanks to my God every time I think of you. . . rejoicing… at the way you have continually helped promote the gospel from the very first day.” Philippians 1: 3,5 Purpose: To assist adults with their preparation for the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and eucharist. To represent the parish community in welcoming participants into the life of the Church. Commitment: To attend weekly RCIA sessions, mid- September through mid-May, and assist participants by leading table discussions, meeting one-to-one with participants as necessary, helping with organization and hospitality, acting as leader of prayer, and scripture sharing. To build relationships with participants through story telling and faith sharing; to welcome them in the name of the parish community. Preparation: Attend one training session and occasional team meetings. Become familiar with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, its principles and procedures. Confirmation Preparation “Tongues as of fire appeared and came to rest on each of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:3-4 Purpose: We offer preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation to parishioners in the 9th grade or older. We offer a separate program for adults who wish to be confirmed. Confirmation preparation usually begins in January and the sacrament is celebrated in the Spring. Commitment: Adult volunteers are needed to offer instruction and share their faith with the youth. The high school confirmation program includes ten classes and a retreat day. Classes are held on Sunday afternoons from 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Preparation: Adult volunteers are given plenty of materials to assist them in preparing their lessons. We also have 2-3 meetings offering information and instruction. Any adult who works with children in the Diocese of Cleveland must complete the requirements of the VIRTUS program Pre-Baptism Class “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5-6 Purpose: To help form and educate parents preparing for the baptism of their children by sharing your own experience as parents. Commitment: A brief (15 minute) talk given during the baptism preparation session with a pastoral staff member. These sessions occur approximately 3 times per year. Preparation: Those interested in speaking should meet with the pastoral staff member prior to giving a presentation. Pre-Cana Team “Faith, hope, love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 Purpose: To provide a one-day meaningful and reflective experience for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. This day is usually held in March. Commitment: The Pre-Cana Team members give short reflections (10 minutes) and help coordinate the entire day. Members meet approximately three times prior to the Pre-Cana Day and then help with set-up, administration, and clean-up on the day itself. Preparation: No training is needed – just a willingness to share your sacrament of marriage with couples preparing for it.